Superman Doesn’t Need Clark Kent Anymore

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Superman, disguised as Daily Planet journalist Clark Kent, has concealed his true identity from Earth’s inhabitants for years. However, after numerous Superman tales, the Steel Man no longer requires Clark Kent as his human counterpart. You might know that when infant Superman arrived on Earth from the destroyed planet Krypton, Jonathan and Martha Kent named him Kal-El. As an adult, Clark adopts the Clark Kent name and characteristics for a new purpose, putting on glasses and assuming the bumbling, awkward reporter persona at the Daily Planet, all to avoid suspicion that he, in reality, is Superman.

The idea of having a secret identity is shared by numerous superheroes, if not all, and Superman stands out even in this aspect. Instead of Superman being the persona behind the mask, it’s Clark Kent who serves as the cover for him. This dual role has been instrumental to Superman’s success, whether in his comic book origins or other adaptations. However, despite being well-loved by many Superman fans, there are quite a few misconceptions about him. One such area is the belief that Superman still relies on Clark Kent as a disguise, when in reality, he no longer needs to do so.

The Clark Kent-Superman Dichotomy Comes From the Infancy of Superheroes

It’s worth noting that Superman, who first appeared in “Action Comics” #1 back in 1938, was a pioneer in the world of superheroes. His character, Clark Kent, has been integral to Superman since his creation, but it’s also significant to consider the era from which he emerged and his role as the foundation for the entire concept of superheroes. This original superhero model showcased heroes who maintained a public persona through their costumes and powers while executing their missions and saving people discreetly. Subsequent DC and Marvel characters like Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, and Spider-Man were inspired by this initial blueprint.

Over the past eight decades, I’ve witnessed Superman grow just like his fellow superheroes and the entire superhero genre have. The notion of Superman concealing himself behind the facade of an ordinary reporter, or even what an ordinary reporter represents, has become increasingly less relevant. This is evident in the escalating scale of threats that Superman defends Earth from, as well as more and more of his supporting characters becoming privy to his secret identity. At some point, it seems unnecessary for Superman to keep his true self hidden from the public. He’s transitioned from fighting gangsters during the Great Depression to battling villains like General Zod, Brainiac, and Darkseid. In many storytelling mediums, the need for Superman to pretend to be Clark Kent has become a diminishing concern.

Clark Has Revealed Himself As Superman (in Multiple Mediums) in Modern Times

In contemporary storytelling, authors are increasingly open to depicting Superman revealing his human identity as Clark Kent and his extraterrestrial origins to the world. This development marks a significant shift in the early narrative of Superman’s comic book adventures. Specifically, in issue #18 of “Superman,” Brian Michael Bendis’ “Truth” storyline dared to unveil Superman’s true identity at a press conference, revealing him as Clark Kent and his origins as Kal-El from the destroyed planet Krypton. Although Superman has since resumed maintaining a secret identity, the “Truth” arc underscores the evolving societal norms that have diminished the effectiveness of Clark Kent as a disguise while highlighting Superman’s inherent honesty in the most public arena imaginable.

In the 21st century, Superman’s secret identity as Clark Kent has been lessened in movies and TV shows, with Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” significantly altering Superman’s relationship with Lois Lane by introducing her to him as a super-alien. By the end of “Man of Steel,” Kal-El adopts the Clark Kent persona at the Daily Planet, a move that mirrors the origin story seen in the “Superman: Earth One” graphic novel series. Additionally, Perry White seems to know Clark’s secret in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” The TV show “Superman & Lois” reveals that people in Smallville are gradually discovering Clark’s secret, with him eventually revealing his identity as Superman by taking a bullet without injury at the diner and then in a news interview. Over time, Superman’s portrayal in comics, movies, and TV has evolved to suggest that while Clark Kent is Superman’s given name from his adoptive parents on Earth, he may no longer need to use it as a secret identity.

The World Sees Superman (& Clark Kent) Differently Than They Did in 1938

Over time, Superman, who was initially depicted as a less powerful but determined social reformer in Action Comics #1, has evolved into a symbol of both hope and strength. Since the 1978 release of the first Christopher Reeve-starring Superman movie, the Man of Steel is often portrayed as a figure reminiscent of Jesus in comics, movies, TV shows, and other media. Some interpretations even emphasize Superman as Superman first, with Clark Kent serving primarily as his disguise. The Absolute Universe series by DC Comics has particularly emphasized this portrayal of Superman as the Last Son of Krypton. In the Absolute Superman comic, Kal-El’s upbringing by the Kents and arrival on Earth as a refugee are completely overlooked, presenting an entirely different origin for Superman’s Clark Kent persona. With these significant changes in how Superman has been portrayed since 1938, it raises the question of whether his secret identity still serves any purpose.

In my opinion, it’s not necessary to dismiss the idea that Superman growing up as Clark Kent on Earth should be discarded. After all, in his native world and across various forms of media, Superman has evolved into a hero who embodies truth and transparency. Back in the day, when Superman saved people from peril or battled villains, those he saved would wonder “Who are you?” Today, they already know the answer as soon as he arrives on the scene. He’s no longer bound by the guise of Clark Kent. He is, unequivocally, Superman.

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2025-07-09 04:10