Elders of the Universe

Within Marvel Comics continuity the Elders are introduced as a loose category of beings who are each "the last survivor of an otherwise extinct race." Individually introduced across decades (for example, the Collector first appeared in 1966; the group as a recognized class featured in later ensemble stories), they cohere as a narrative type whose identity rests on extreme longevity and obsessive single-minded pursuits rather than a shared biological origin. Their continued existence is depicted as potentially indefinite but contingent on maintaining the will or purpose to live; several stories frame their immortality and social isolation as the source of their fanatical obsessions and their readiness to act on cosmic stages (Wikipedia).

Appearances vary by individual: many Elders are humanoid and physically distinct (for example the Champion of the Universe is presented as a physically imposing athlete), some exist in unusual bodily states (the Contemplator is shown surviving at one point as a disembodied head), and very large/non-humanoid entities have been regarded as Elders in certain stories (Ego the Living Planet was counted among them in a meeting). There is no single uniform visual profile; each Elder's look corresponds to their individuality and narrative role (Wikipedia).

As a group they are characterized by extreme longevity and by attaining "some cosmic level of power and knowledge related to their particular pursuit." Their powers are specialized and often tied to personal obsessions (collecting, contests of strategy or strength, research, etc.). Individual Elders have performed exceptional feats in stories: possession of powerful artifacts such as Infinity Gems (attested in narratives), staging contests that manipulate cosmic forces (the Grandmaster's contests involving teams and even tricking Death), surviving events that would normally be fatal (five Elders were consumed by Galactus in one episode and later events involve extraction/restoration), and plotting large-scale schemes (a group plot to kill Galactus was narrated). These examples are drawn from named incidents rather than presented as uniform abilities applicable to every Elder (Wikipedia).