Are Superheroes Schizophrenic? The Duality of Superhero Secret Identities

Being a superhero sometimes comes with duality. By day, they are the mild mannered alter egos, by night they are the bright and in some cases dark costumed hero. But, as time goes on we see levels of psychosis that are only apparent in one or the other identity.

Batman/Bruce Wayne

By day he is the billionaire playboy that flirts with women spends too much money on frivolous items. He is a thrill seeker doing all sorts of crazy acts, from rock clamming to base-jumping to speed car racing and parachuting. He is also a humanitarian helping various charities in his beloved Gotham City.

Most people think Bruce Ways is the mask and Batman is the real Identity. But are the too really so off? As Batman he needs the tools to fight crime and with the help of his billionaire persona he can do just that and then some. Batman seeks his thrills hunting the suppositious and cowardly lot, also known as criminals and taking the risk to catch them. He helps his city by dispensing his own brand a justice helping to fight crime with or with out the police.

So I ask you, which is the real persona or are they both working together as something new? Some say Bruce Wayne died when his parents where brutally murdered and this is when Batman was born. But in truth he may have awakened into something more. Or are the façade of Bruce Wayne and Batman hiding that lost and innocent child?

Superman/Clark Kent/Kal-el

By day he is the mild mannered reporter Clark Kent. He is somewhat bumbling and shies, but always does his job right. It is his earth parents Jonathan and Martha Kent that steer him to be a stand up guy always wanting to do what is right. He is married to Lois Lane, his center. With her I believe knows what being human really is.