In the Modern Age of Heroes many have decided to keep their identities a secret. There are various reasons for this but first and foremost it is the desire to protect their family and friends from retribution by evildoers. Some heroes, such as the Fantastic Four, have the power to prevent harm to their loved ones but most other heroes have to worry that a family member or acquaintance will be killed, captured or threatened. There are those who use a secret identity to maintain their humanity a la J'onn J'onnz - the Martian Manhunter. Still others (Vic Sage - The Question) don't want to jeopardize their job or social position.

Those wishing for anonymity have opted for masks, cloaks, helmets and more. Some completely transform into a shape completely unrecognizable to their original body. Not all have this luxury. Ben Grimm would have a tough time convincing anyone that he is not The Thing. "No, seriously! It's a really bad skin condition." Likewise, Metamorpho comes to mind.

Tony Stark spent years explaining that Iron Man was his bodyguard before finally coming out. That decision has had mixed results at best and other heroes have also gone that route with equally uneven outcomes.

When Peter Parker unmasked during Civil War he had to move Aunt May into Avengers Tower. Hi-jinks with Jarvis ensued but that's a different issue. Turns out, even though he had spent years trying to hide his alter ego from her in fear that she would croak on the spot, she had already figured it out but just didn't want to acknowledge it. Oh yeah, and J. Jonah Jameson was not pleased. Not pleased at all.

In the other extreme take a look at Wolverine. Not only has he never had a need for a secret identity, he basically only has one identity. Along the same lines there's Thor. Yes, when he was bonded with Donald Blake he had a reason to remain hidden but afterwards didn't have much use for staying so. Who's going to threaten his dad? You think it would be easy to abduct Sif and hold her hostage? Good luck with that.

Then there are individuals like the Punisher. Pretty much everyone knows that he is Frank Castle and he has so many enemies (not very many recurring foes) that he has to remain constantly covert. Always on the move, unable to make long term friends or stay in one place too long. Perpetually looking over your shoulder and losing whatever allies you occasionally make.

My questions to you, the CCL masses, are:

Do you prefer to read about Super Heroes who maintain a secret ID or those who go public?

Which do you think is more difficult?

If you had a super power how would you decide?

Any other thoughts about the topic?

I want to know!!!

I have a secret identity. Everyone knows me as an old, fat, ugly guy but that's not really me. The real me is a young handsome man that is perpetually between about 9 and 21 depending what old comic I am reading. As long as I keep reading and keep loving I will live forever. During that time I will stay hidden in my secret identity, but the real me is always right below the surface.