Yesterday, somebody came to me and asked my opinion of the issue at the center of the Marvel Civil War–Should Superheroes be unmasked on not?
First of all, I must emphasize that I am a DC guy. DC is what I pay attention to, but some people have an idea that all comics are the same. Therefore,I get asked a question about a news story promoting Marvel’s desperate attempt to match DC’s “Infinite Crisis”.
I understand that Spider-Man was the first to show his face to the world. I’m sure this will make a significant impact on his storylines for years to come, but I am against the revealing the identities of Superheroes in their respective worlds.
1. Of course, I’m thinking of the families. In DC’s “Identity Crisis”, there were heroes whose identities were revealed. This exposed their family’s identities and the families were killed. It is that simple. There are people in this world who want Spiderman, the Hulk, and the Fantastic Four dead. The easiest way to stop the heroes is to get to the families. Good grief! they are Superheroes! Their enemies are Supervillans who don’t care about the families at all. So don’t reveal the identities for the sake of the families.
2. You can also say “Good Bye” to Peter Parker’s day job. If people know who the superheros are, nobody will hire them. Spider-Man will starve. Superheros have got to eat. Now, they will just spend their time going on the talk show circuit–how lame is that?!?
3. Finally, because of number one and two, the Marvel story lines will be centered around family safety and practical stuff, including celebrity status…instead of fighting bad guys. These stories will get old.
And, by the way, are these Marvel guys still going to wear their masks–what is the point in that? It does look foolish, however, for a masked Superhero to walk around without a mask, which explains how terrible this idea was in the first place.Â
Richard says
The Spider-Man aspect of Civil War has been my favorite part. I really think Marvel should have ended it with the death of Mary Jane. What a perfect way to prove that a hero needs his or her secret identity.
Richard
http://1rightopinion-comics.blogspot.com/
fatfingur says
I think Spider-man did the right thing but what he didn’t know was the consequences he is going to face. Unlike Iron Man, who also unmasked, has really no big effect on his life. First of all he is a rich corporate CEO and owner of a big Weapon Technology Company and he has no family to be worried about. But SpiderMan has Mary Jane and Aunt May. I just really think that Civil War is a great series and the biggest yet ever affecting so many titles. You can read about my insights on the Civil War series on my Civil War Blog, that is if you are interested about it.
Willful says
Spidey thought what he was doing in unmasking was the right thing, though as the stories go on, I suspect he will have second.. and third thoughts about it. The whole Civil War thing started from a group of younger superheros making an error in judgement and being involved in a huge disaster.. one that killed more than 600 people. The public was outraged, and a registration act was called for.. requiring all secret identities to be made public, if you have powers, you have to register and serve with the government. Tony Stark (Iron Man for those who don’t know) had helped out Spidey a lot in the recent past, even giving him a new costume. That helped shape Spidey’s choice a bit, and the prognosis for the future done by Mr Fantastic (that an even worse tradgedy was very likely in the near future if such an act wasn’t put into place) further sold Spdey on the idea. He talked it over with his family, had their support, and then went ahead.
Shuden says
Spider-Man is my favorite hero of all time. But I stopped following the current story line ages ago, after it got to confusing with all the worlds and timelines. So I dont know what to think of all this. But i dont think that Spider-Man should have been unmasked, it just doesnt sound like the spider-man that I know and love. What drove him to do this?
Was he tired and sick of super hero stuff or did he just want to fit in with the other guys? I dont know whats going on and it’d be pretty cool if someone could fill me in.
Lee says
I know you pointed out that you’re not a marvel guy, so its okay that u missed a few things. Iron Man was the first hero to reveal his identity in Civil War: Frontlines #1, I believe. 2nd, Tony Stark has no family, and Peter Parker’s family is lving in the Avenger’s tower completely safe. Currently Parker still has his teaching job, and even if he loses it, the SHR has provisions to pay superheroes who register for their work. I’m sure you don’t care, but i figured I’d just point that out.