“Great powers come with great responsibilities”. Very often, for their own safety and that of those close to them, superheroes decide to keep their true identities a secret. In this sense, they wear sometimes fanciful costumes, nicknames and masks. However, some heroes fully assume their identity, and work openly. They are a minority, but here are nevertheless some Marvel superheroes who do not hide their identity.
Iron Man
This is undoubtedly the most famous example. Initially, in the comics, the identity of Iron Man was kept secret. Initially, Iron Man and Tony Stark were supposed to be two different people. Officially, Iron Man was Tony Stark's bodyguard. Obviously, it was the billionaire himself who officiated behind the iron mask. But for the population, Tony Stark and Iron Man were two different people. But, to make the story more credible and more modern, the screenwriters had enough of playing both sides. They then decided to make Iron Man's secret identity public. Public opinion then discovered that Tony Stark et Iron Man are only one. As for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it decided to start directly with this state of affairs. We remember the excellent last line of the first Iron Man : « I am Iron Man »which closed Jon Favreau's film and incidentally the very first chapter of the MCU.
Captain America
If Steve decides to keep the Cape mask as a symbolhis secret identity is known to everyone. Steve Rogers has never sought to conceal his identity, right from the World War IIwhere he was already known as Captain Steve Roger and as Captain America.
Fantastic Four
Whether Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Sue Storm ou Ben GrimmFantastic Four have never hidden their true identity. In fact, they are known more by their civilian name than by their superhero name. We remember Reed, Johnny, Sue and Ben more than Mr. Fantastic, The Human Torch, The Invisible Woman and The Thing. Actually, The Fantastic Four are also celebrities. These are personalities who work for the community. Reed often uses his inventions for the common good. Which explains their notoriety.
She-Hulk
Lawyer by day, superhero by night? Oh no, sorry, that's it Daredevil. Unlike Matt Murdock, Jennifer Walters fully assumes his dual identity. Everyone knows that the brilliant lawyer Jennifer Walters is also known as She-Hulk. At the same time, it's quite complicated to hide green skin and such developed muscles. Jennifer therefore decided to completely assume your dual identity. Even if it means making enemies within the courthouses.
Luke Cage
Initially, Luke Cage took the pseudonym Power Man. But hey, since he wasn't wearing a mask, people quickly made the connection between Power Man and Luke Cage. The latter therefore decided to abandon his pseudonym, to simply call himself Luke Cage. Simpler, more practical, and then the guy doesn't care since he has a indestructible skin.
Le Punisher
Here it's a little different again. Actually, Frank Castle never hid his identity either. But, after the death of his wife and children, he decided to call himself the Punisher. Over time, the Punisher has become a legend, almost a myth, who terrorizes all the thugs in the slums. As a result, his real name, Frank Castle, has even been forgotten, especially by new generations. Some still know his real name, but most Marvel characters simply call him the Punisher.
Thor and the other Asgardians
Whether Thor, Odin, Loki, Balder, Lady Sifnone of Asgardiens had no need to conceal his identity. After all, they are gods. Thor remains Thor, Loki is Loki, etc… So no need to wear masks. Although, initially, in the comics, Thor also had a dual identity. Indeed, to live among human mortals, Thor had taken the identity of the doctor Donald Blake. During the Golden Age and Silver Age of comics, authors liked to give dual identities to their characters. A process that has (fortunately) been abandoned over time.
Zeus and the other gods
As with the Asgardians, the various gods exploited in the Marvel Universe do not have aliases. Zeus, Hercules, Aresso many characters who do not hide their true identity.
Jessica Jones
If today everyone knows the identity of Jessica Jonesoriginally, she also wore a mask and a nickname. She was in fact called Jewel. But, over time, she decided to abandon her costume and stage name to accept her true identity. Jewel therefore became Jessica Jonesnotably when she decided to open her private detective firm.
Black Panther
Everyone knows that T'Challa, the King of Wakanda, is also Black Panther. In fact, a bit like with Captain America, Black Panther is a symbol. It is a figure that can be used by different warriors. But traditionally, The Black Panther is the King of Wakanda.
Dr Strange
Before becoming a hero, Stephen Strange was a doctor surgeon. When he received the power of the mystical arts, Stephen Strange didn't even change his name and became Dr. Strange.
Charles Xavier
Charles Xavier is known more by his civilian name than by his superhero name. His nickname, Professoris not used so often. Charles Xavier became a public and political figure. To protect and fight for mutant rights, Charles Xavier always decided to compose openly. A way of reassuring, showing self-sacrifice and giving confidence to human leaders. A way of defending the mutant cause and putting oneself at odds.
Logan
At the start Wolverine was Wolverinebut over time, everyone realized that Logan and Wolvie were the same person. If Logan continues to call himself Wolverine, he is not particularly trying to keep his secret identity. In fact, he doesn't care, since he is immortal.
Hulk
Today, everyone knows that Dr Banner is also the terrible Hulk. The famous scientist has always worked to try to get rid of Jade Giant. It's common knowledge that Banner and Hulk are one person. And this, from the very beginning. Whether it's General Ross, Betty Ross, or the rest of the Avengers, it was no secret that Banner was the Hulk!
In fact, today, whether in the comics or in the MCU, secret identities no longer really exist. In this era of everything connected, the screenwriters have adapted to their times. And the vast majority of Marvel characters are known to everyone. Secret identities hardly exist anymore. And within their own universe, the various Marvel characters are celebrities. Apart from a few rare exceptions, everyone knows everyone, even with masks, costumes and nicknames. We'll let you tell us in the comments other examples of Marvel superheroes who assume their dual identity.
