Secret identities are an important thing, especially in theDC Universe. For some, being a hero means going all in and eschewing a private life. But for others, it’s important to keep one’s heroic and public personas separate. Sometimes it’s a personal choice, other times it’s a necessary one to keep one’s friends and family safe from harm.
While secret identities were more common in the superhero stories of yesteryear, there are plenty of heroes who keep the tradition alive. Just look at Dick Grayson, who,despite his life as Nightwingbeing exposed, still operates with a secret identity much like his mentor, Batman. Andwho can forget about the incredible influenceSuperman’s Clark Kent personahas had?
Admittedly, not every hero needs orrequires a secret identity. But some heroes and their distinction between their heroic and non-heroic selves has helped shape a notable part of superhero fiction. Read on to discover 10 heroes and their alter egos, andhow their dynamics helped define the superhero myth in the DC Universe.
10The Flash
Secret Identity: Barry Allen
When he’s not zipping around as the Fastest Man Alive, the Flash was merely Barry Allen, forensic investigator for the Central City Police Department. But just because he couldn’t use super-speed on the job didn’t mean he wasn’t effective.Barry made a name for himself as an expert in his field, able to solve cold cases no one else could.
His work also managed to help him get a leg up on things when privately investigating superpowered crimes as a hero. Unfortunately,the Flash had to retire after the events ofAbsolute Power, and now he spends his days mapping the multiverse. But no one can take away the amazing scientific mind the Flash possesses.
9Nightwing
Secret Identity: Dick Grayson
Nightwing had the good fortune of being able to cut his teeth as a hero by working alongside Batman. Dick Grayson learned everything from Bruce Wayne,including how to manage a secret identity, which Nightwing did. In his private life he’s been everything from a police officer to a male model, all while protecting the world as Nightwing.
Dick Grayson is a man of many hats, but no matter what he chooses to do in his private life, he’s found a healthy balance that few heroes, including Batman, do. While his heroic life takes him all over the world,Nightwing’s life as Dick Grayson is just as unpredictable and fun as one would expect for the charming superhero.
8Phantom Stranger
Secret Identity: Unknown
Interestingly enough, it’s not an alter ego that makes the Phantom Stranger so captivating, but rather, his lack of a distinct one. The Phantom Stranger is exactly as his name implies: a wandering spirit whose true identity is eternally a mystery. The closest fans ever got to his true identity wasthe New 52, which pegged him as Judas Iscariot.
Even then, that identity seems just as concrete as any other the Phantom Stranger has had. While this ethereal hero eschews traditional alter egos, his lack of a true name has given him a captivating energy. Whoever he really iscertainly can’t hold a candle to the power of the mystery behind the Phantom Stranger’s true nature.
7Martian Manhunter
Secret Identity: J’onn J’onnz
Everyone knows that Martin Manhunter, as implied by his name, is a Martian. But what few may realize is that the image he presents to the world isn’t actually how he looks. It’s actually a form he chose to make people more comfortable withhis appearance so they aren’t frightened by J’onn J’onnz’s true Martian form.
J’onn J’onnz, the Martian, has nothing to hide from his friends and allies, but he keeps up his guard and hides his true form almost all the time. It’s one of the few instances where a hero keeps their alter ego private, not out of safety,but out of a desire to be accepted by the world Martian Manhunter protects.
6Green Arrow
Secret Identity: Oliver Queen
Once upon a time, Green Arrow was the careless playboy Oliver Queen who ran a business that provided weapons of war in the name of profit. But after his harrowing experience stranded on an island, Oliver radically changed how he operated. Notjust by creating Green Arrow, but by changing every bit of who he was as Oliver Queen.
Oliver still has Queen Industries, but he uses it to produce new technologies. Oliver has also become one of the biggest leftist voices in the DCU, unafraid to champion social justice, even briefly serving as the mayor of Star City for a short period. He’s no mere Batman rip-off,Green Arrow’s alter ego is an unabashed crusader for righteousness.
5Hawkman
Secret Identity: Prince Khufu
What’s really fascinating about Hawkman (and his eternal partner, Hawkwoman) is that their secret identities are tied to a curse that goes back as far as Ancient Egypt.Prince Khufu and Chay-ara were lovers who were cursed by a villain to an endless cycle of death and rebirth, a cycle that lasted centuries.
Hawkman has had countless secret identities, from Thangarian warriors to Earth-based archaeologists. The Hawks defy the concept of traditional secret identities, yet have some of the most captivating ones over the course of their curse (including the time they were a pair of quick-draw bounty hunters known as Nighthawk and Cinnamon).
4Power Girl
Secret Identity: Karen Starr
Despite having a backstory that’s littered with retcons and reboots, Power Girl has (or at least, had) one of the coolest secret identities. When not stopping crime or fighting alongside the JSA,Power Girl was Karen Starr, the CEO of Starrware Industries, which she founded and successfully ran for years.
The Super-Family is filled with a lot of heavy-hitting Kryptonian heroes, but what really helped Karen stand out was her incredibly successful business. While Starrware is a thing of the past (as is Power Girl’s identity as Karen Starr),Power Girl successfully made a name for herself in a world she once struggled to belong in.
3The Captain (Shazam)
Secret Identity: Billy Batson
It’s hard to top this secret identity, and for good reason. Though the rest of the world sees The Captain (or Shazam, if one prefers) as a strapping, godlike figure, the truth is he’s actually a teenage boy named Billy Batson. Thanks to a wizard,all he has to do is cry “Shazam!” and in an instant, he’s practically Superman.
Aside from how being able to transform instantly gives Billy an incredible cover, from his superhero activity, this is a great twist on the idea of a superhero identity. After all, what kid doesn’t wish they could turn into a superhero?The Billy Batson/Shazam dynamic is innovative and perfectly sells the hero as the ultimate example of childhood wish fulfillment.
2Batman
Secret Identity: Bruce Wayne
When it comes to secret identities, few are as well known to the world as Batman’s. Everyone on Earth knows that the Dark Knight is secretly Bruce Wayne, a billionaire philanthropist who uses his money to finance a war on crime in the DC Universe. WhileBatman is the driving force of his operation, Bruce Wayne is just as vital.
In the old days, Bruce Wayne and his reputation for partying were used to give Batman cover.But the hero uses his connections and clout as Bruce Wayne to help him solve casesand take down powerful enemies. Many may see Batman and Bruce Wayne as two distinct entities, but they’re both important components of one well-oiled machine.
1Superman
Secret Identity: Clark Kent
Superman’s alter ego is practically the gold standard of superheroes. He may have been born Kal-El, kryptonian, but underneath all the powers and special abilities Superman possesses is the heart of the Kansas-raised farmboy Clark Kent. But contrary to what some may think,Clark Kent is more than just a pair of glasses and mussed-up hair.
Clark Kentiswho Superman is. Does he play up his awkwardness or clumsiness? Absolutely. But he wears his true self on his sleeve.Being Clark gives Superman a chance to be who he really is, a lovable dork who just wants to fit in with everyone else on the planet he calls home.
