[Warning: There are spoilers for the TV series Supergirl ahead.]
There's been a big shift in the world of Superman over the past couple years. First, in the comics, Superman ditched his secret identity, publicly revealing to the world that he is Clark Kent. Then, in the last episode of TV’s Supergirl, our heroine announced that she was Kara Danvers. After years and years of dancing around double identities, the secrets were out for Superman and his Kryptonian cousin.
While revealing these secret identities can make our heroes seem more honest and authentic, I think this decision is a very poor one. First of all, superheroes have long maintained secret identities to protect their loved ones from the threat of villains. Sure, an argument can be made that Lois Lane is in danger because people think she’s close to Superman whether or not they know he’s also Clark Kent. But what about Clark Kent’s adoptive parents, his childhood friends, his neighbors? If the world knows Clark Kent is Superman, everyone who knows him is in more danger, and even Superman can’t save everyone.
Second, and I think even more importantly, I think revealing the secret identity makes Superman and Supergirl less relatable. One of the things that I love most about Superman is that he’s also Clark Kent, an everyday guy with everyday problems. Superman’s time as Clark Kent is time spent identifying with ordinary people. But if the whole world knows that Clark Kent is Superman, then Clark Kent can never be a truly regular person again. He’s an instant celebrity. His every movement will be followed—no matter what clothes he’s wearing. I can’t relate to that. I find that character much less interesting.
Secret identities may seem outdated and old-fashioned to a lot of people writing for superheroes today, but they actually serve the characters well. I’m sad to see them go.
Grace and peace,
BMH
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