Quick question

When is a superhero’s secret identity NOT a secret?

Needed to ask, because on one hand: A hero’s loved ones are always the bad guy’s favorite target.

But on the other hand: Sometimes, it’s better for a hero’s loved ones to know, because it builds up the trust. That and it would spare the burden of keeping a secret. Even if the reveal may potentially hurt.

What do you think?

Comments

[Postwarmonkey50]

I also think it could build up trust, but then again if there's one thing that Spider-Man taught me, is that when loved ones find out, things always get out of control.

[Magic135]

I feel that a hero's identity should be a secret. Even if a loved one find out, they could be in danger of the bad guys.

[DavisSentoV5]

A hero's identity should remain a secret in my opinion, as much as I love MCU Spider-Man, after watching Batman and what happened to Aunt May, it's best to avoid the loved ones being involved.

[Comickook]

While I can see the points about the secrecy, I have to very respectfully disagree.

It seems like, no matter how careful heroes are about that sort of stuff, there is ALWAYS at least two or three bad guys smart enough to figure it out anyway, which puts the family and friends in even bigger danger because these are the kinds of people that police protection wouldn't do any good against.

Actually, it might be better to just reveal the identity to your family and friends early on so that they have a better chance of preparing for the heroes' enemies. In addition to building trust, it also gives them time to take sensible precautions.

[Tim Ribbert]

It depends on how you wanna write your superhero story if you wanna keep it a secret that's fine

[legioner959]

And this is a slippery slop no matter anyone looks at it, as multiple things I watch on show involving second lives is that it will cross one another at some point be it blind luck or a form of putting pieces all of of the puzzle together. So on one hand tell your secret but the loved ones gain your trust, yet they will do something to help you that may draw them to harms way and finding out that secret to the villains he/she is faces. Same thing is to keeping it a secret it requires a lot of effort to hide it to anyone that is close to you.
But for me it is best to keep it a secrete for a hero is not only a bright beacon to others it is also, a moving target that needs to be tracked and eliminated if they have enemies.

[Wildcard25]

It can go either way, while it's true it risks putting your loved ones at risk should the heroes most dangerous enemies find out, it also helps the concept of trust between the hero and their loved ones. So they're not constantly making up excuses to slip away, especially if it's during something really important or their relationship is in jeopardy of ending.

[bahatumay]

I think most heroes would try to keep it a secret, out of that sense of protection.
But most heroes are not great liars, and things are going to start not adding up pretty quickly.
Then you can get Secret Secret Keeper, where they know, but don’t let the hero know that they know, but that always felt like a lot of unneeded stress to me, like you made me do this whole routine but you knew the whole time?
Or, like in Batman Beyond, there’s an episode where Terry’s friend notices things aren’t adding up and goes the other way, thinking he’s a gang member.
And once the family knows, then they start to worry differently. Kindof a rough situation all around, but I think I’d rather know, rather than be blindsided when someone doesn’t come home the same day a hero is reported killed.

[MLPFollower]

Lesser-known opinion: If everybody connects the dots between the hero and their secret identity just by watching their character tic or habit.

[OP Omni God-Emperor Doom]

Interesting concept to think about.

[Dramamaster829]

It seems to me like it doesn't really matter how long you keep this secret or whether or not you decide 'Fuck it! I'll just tell them anyway.' Try as you might because you feel it's best for your friends and family, just as we can't keep a secret forever... we can't protect everyone. It's just as most people have pointed out. There's going to be that 'one' villain who has the ability to piece everything together and somehow figure out that 'you' and his 'greatest foe' are one and the same. And it turns out those two were much closer than they thought. And once they piece the clues together and learn about the hero's habits and their close associates, they end up being put at risk even if the beans were not spilt.

Either way... there's only so long that you can keep both your lives separate because eventually, like examining an individual with multiple personalities, it doesn't matter how different they are or act... they are part of you and you are one and the same guy. It's like this forum for instance. You can try all you like to seem like a completely person than you are in real life, but sooner or later... someone will find out who you are. They'll know how you spent your time on here, and they may read 'one' sentence you put down and realize, 'Wait a minute! I recognize this tone.'. Because it can be all and good fun for a while, but someone's going to figure you out. And there's not a damn thing you can do to stop it.

All you can do, all 'anyone' can really do, is try to enjoy the ride while you can.