What I'd do if I woke up with SUPERPOWERS! Secret Identities

What I’d do if I woke up with SUPERPOWERS! You’ve woken up with superpowers; you have a costume, a name, weapons if you’re smart, and know which city you’ll be working from and a headquarters set up (if you can afford it). And now it’s time to discuss a topic near and dear to me, secret identities.

Secret identities have been around longer than comic books. The Scarlet Pimpernel and Zorro had secret identities and the Count of Monte Cristo could be considered to have had one as well. Secret identities have been a part of literary history for quite some time now, and they add spice and intrigue to stories. They have been a part of superhero comics since the beginning. There are hundreds of superheroes with secret identities. (That is not an all-inclusive list.)

There are several problems with secret identities. Most of you reading this have either read Marvel’s Civil War comics or viewed the more recent Captain America: Civil War you know that when things go wrong someone is going to be held accountable. In these two stories, and they are different stories, the government holds the superheroes responsible. Even in The Dark Knight Returns the government uses Superman to put a stop to Batman’s renewed fight against criminals. Marvel has touched on registration for heroes for even longer; I’m referring to the Mutant Registration Act. Something that long predates the Superhero Registration act. And we all know that ended badly.

For me there is no way, at all, that I would sign any registration act or accord that would make me a complete and total tool of the government. I’m not saying government is bad, and I’m sure there would be people that would sign up, but there are just too many things that could go wrong. I’d rather be a free agent fighting the good fight on my own terms.

If you have a family having a secret identity is a good idea. It will allow you to protect them from any enemies that you may acquire in your career. Even if you aren’t married, or have a significant other, or children, you should also consider your parents, grandparents and extended family. A true villain will try anything to trap you and your family could be an easy means if you give up your identity.

There are exactly three people I would tell my identity to. THREE. And that’s only because I would trust each with my life and if you tell someone your secret identity that is exactly what you are doing. You are putting your life in their hands and you are also putting them in danger. Don’t take this lightly. A single slip of the tongue could have them put in harms way and your enemies on your doorstep.

Of course, if you want to be a hero full time and want to give out your name go for it. But don’t be surprised if you can’t get a decent rate on renters insurance. Or rent a house. Or a significant other. Or have a moment of peace. My advice is to keep your identity to yourself unless you really trust someone.

In this day and age you have to be careful with how you handle yourself on a regular basis. Adding superpowers to the mix doesn’t mean you are invincible or unreachable. It means you must be more vigilant and careful in what you do.

And that’s what I’d do for a secret identity if I woke up with superpowers. Thanks for joining me for What I’d do if I woke up with SUPERPOWERS! Join me next time for a discussion on modes of transportation, what to drive, ride or fly in.