There are two types of superheroes in this world: those with masks and those with names. The secret identity of a hero is a constantly pitched story concept, even now in the current Superman comics Clark Kent's super-secret has been revealed. On the other side of things, the Iron Man film broke the genre by having the title character reveal his identity. So are secret identities still a pinnacle element to the superhero formula, or is it a dead concept?
The need of a secret identity depends solely on the character. Someone like Captain America doesn't need a secret identity because A. All his friends and loved ones are either dead or superheroes and B. He's a historical figure who's probably been brought up by History Teachers in the Marvel Universe. So then why wear the mask? Characters like Batman, The Flash and Green Lantern wear masks mostly to keep their identities secret, but also for the sake of tradition, but when characters with public identities like Cap or Iron Man wear masks it's most likely to invoke their costume's message entirely. Cap wears an American flag-fashion costume to reinforce his belief in freedom, Iron Man wears his advanced armor to show the efforts of one man can lead to strength. These characters represent broader ideas. However, not everyone is so well-equip to protect people in their lives. Take Spider-Man for example, he's a genius, but Peter Parker is still just a civilian in New York. He's not rich, he's not all-knowing, he's not invincible, Spider-Man is often the superhero who best represents the struggle between being a hero and a person. During "Civil War" Peter revealed his secret and that ended with him making a deal with the devil to save his Aunt who was attacked in response to Peter revealing he was Spider-Man. Now all this could be a fault on Peter and how he operates as when Doctor Octopus took control of Peter's life, he used his resources and intellect to create crime-monitoring drones throughout New York, showing much more prowess in protecting the likes of Aunt May and Mary Jane. A stronger example of secret identities plaguing superheroes, it should be noted that every girlfriend Matt Murdock/Daredevil has ever had has died because someone found out Matt's secret. And speaking of relationships lets get back to Superman for a second because the classic love triangle of Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Superman has been a running theme up until Superman told Lois the truth, in fact Clark could possibly profit off his own actions by writing stories about Superman for The Daily Planet as Clark Kent! Maybe he doesn't do that because he's too righteous, but when Peter Parker worked as a photographer for The Daily Bugle he DID make money off pictures of himself as Spider-Man! And I can't talk about secret identities without mentioning Batman. Whether you follow the money or just match how many adopted sons Bruce Wayne's had to how many Robins Batman has had, his identity isn't full proof. And looking at this from a world perspective, if Bruce Wayne revealed the truth, what would happen? He'd be slammed behind bars for vigilantism, resisting arrest, disturbance of the peace, child endangerment, and Rao knows how many driving violations. Batman may be able to beat Superman once and while, but even he can't escape the same law he seeks to uphold.
But taking a look away from in-universe logic and more from the an outside lens, why are secret identities important? Sure you can tell the same repeated drama stories that are seventy-five years old, but isn't that stale? Don't we as readers have less to worry about and something fresh to read if our hero doesn't have to worry if they endanger loved ones or get tangled in their responsibilities? Spider-Man practically made his way to fame by using real world responsibilities to relate with readers, but these are different times. Not every teenager is responsible. But that shouldn't matter, if Spidey reveals his secret identity again it's not like teenagers and young adults are going to change with him. Having an alter ego usually plays to our own psychology, like wearing a mask or a costume. We don't need to worry about our problems because we aren't the same person anymore, we aren't normal people because under these masks we're powerful, proud, larger-than-life personalities. When Bruce Wayne holds the cowl of Batman in his hands, he often questions who's the real person inside him, Billionaire Bruce Wayne or Batman The Dark Knight? Usually, Batman is the only hero to play with this idea, The Flash knows he's one person and Superman knows Kal-El and Clark Kent are just names he's been given, it's never mattered who he truly is or how he'd refer to himself. Having a secret identity only complicates things and having one identity makes things easier.
Secret identities are products of a classic age, characters have secret identities for the same reason they have spectacular names, wear tight costumes and brand symbols, because that's what superheroes used to be. I think the reason they seem so unnecessary now is because those classic ideals aren't as revered as they used to be. Not every character needs a secret identity, some characters are better off without them, but superheroes are seen as idols, gods and celebrities. As we've seen through the media, popularity can bend both ways, being both loving and judgmental. And on those terms, maybe keeping your personal life and superhero life split is a good idea, simply to protect yourself from the pressure of always been watched and recorded, and keep public attention off your loved ones. So like many topics in the world, the answer isn't simple enough to come down to "yes" or "no". It always depends. Secret identities are not dependent on what's easier or what's popular or what's new, it depends on the character and the story they tell. Thanks for reading!
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