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Superman: DC Comics is giving the Man of Steel his secret identity back

By Mark Lynch

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 2013 Man of Steel film worn by Henry Cavill and designed by Michael Wilkinson and James Acheson is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 2013 Man of Steel film worn by Henry Cavill and designed by Michael Wilkinson and James Acheson is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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DC Comics is making Superman’s identity secret again. Is this a good thing or will this end up being a mistake?

In 2019, during DC Comics’ Superman issue #18, the Man of Steel let the world know that Clark Kent is Superman. A moment that shocked the world. None more than Lex Luthor. The smartest man in the world couldn’t figure out who his nemesis was (something Joker pointed out to him).

Other than Spider-Man and Batman, no one has protected their identity more. The difference here is no one is dumb enough to attack Lois Lane and their son (Jon Kent) is almost as powerful as his father. Plus, both Spider-Man and Batman have had their identities exposed. Thanks to Mephisto, the world forgot Peter Parker was Spider-Man. And Bruce Wayne’s identity was revealed in another universe (Injustice). Now, according to comicbook.com, the Last Sons of Krypton will get their secret identities back.

New Superman writer Joshua Williamson said, “When this challenge was presented to us, we wanted to make sure it was not just magically being put back in the box. There are dangerous repercussions to how this happens that lead to more story to explore. And you’ll see the start of that in Action Comics #1050!”

There will be more repercussions than just the characters in the comic. This will affect all comics.

superman reboot
A 1:6 scale statue of Superman fom synthetic resin with porcelain glaze is on display during the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg on January 29, 2019. (Photo by Daniel Karmann / dpa / AFP) / Germany OUT (Photo by DANIEL KARMANN/dpa/AFP via Getty Images) /

The gift and curse of Superman’s secret identity

Superman getting his secret identity will make a lot of DC Comics readers happy. Not everyone was happy with  Clark Kent revealing who was behind the glasses. Bringing this back will give fans a sense of familiarity. Like Action Comics writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson said, to comicbook.com “…even just on a deep-down gut level, something about seeing Clark Kent in the tie and glasses again, ripping open his shirt to reveal the S-shield underneath, just feels AMAZING.” While that will make some people happy, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention why this can be bad.

One of the complaints that people have about comic books is how there aren’t consequences to actions. Death is a perfect example. If your favorite hero or villain dies, they’ll likely come back. The only exceptions seem to be Gwen Stacy and Uncle Ben. A debate can be made that Krakoa’s resurrection protocol has made a mockery of dying in comic books. DC Comics, “putting the genie back in the bottle” is another example of how some things never stick.

No matter how you feel about the change, it wouldn’t be fair to judge the writers or DC Comics before the deed is done. This could end up becoming one of the best moves in comic books. Because it’s Superman, who is widely regarded as the greatest hero ever, this wasn’t an impulse decision. We can all rest easy knowing that the return of Clark and Jon Kent’s secret identities will be handled with care.

This new journey will start with Action Comics No. 1050 coming in December 2022. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow for more on Superman’s identity returning, DC Comics news, and more.

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What do you think, readers? How do you feel about DC Comics making Superman’s identity secret again? Let us know in the comments below.

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