Future of Superman: A Fearless Journalist?

Multiple iterations of Supermen in DC have all followed a common theme: of keeping a public identity of Clark Kent, a mild-mannered news reporter working at The Daily Planet while hiding the fact that he is also Superman.

His secret identity has been revealed to or discovered by multiple characters, including his on-and-off antagonist, Lex Luthor. But they have kept it secret themselves for varied reasons, and even when it was revealed to the public, DC has reverted the reveal by the usual magic or technological deus ex machina which wipes the memory of anyone who may have known the identity of Superman. The idea of memory wipes, cosmic resets, or timeline “corrections” has become such a comic book cliché that fans now almost expect it whenever something major is revealed. It’s a narrative reset button,one that undermines the very weight of such a revelation.

Refusing to Evolve

DC has never explored or fully committed to the fact of having a Superman whose identity is fully known to the general public. Even if Superman reveals his identity to the public, as he did in Superman #18 of the 2019 run, the 2023 Dawn of DC quickly brings back the secrecy, once again restoring Clark’s double life as though nothing had happened. It feels almost like a refusal to evolve,a reluctance to let the character grow beyond the familiar comfort zone of the dual identity.

This secret identity schtick is a dated concept by now. Because a journalist who reports truths and exposes corruption cannot keep a secret identity in his back pocket. The entire premise collapses under modern scrutiny. In a world where every smartphone records video and every public appearance is instantly shared online, the notion that the most powerful being on Earth can disappear for hours and no one connects the dots strains even comic book logic.

Why Keep the Secret?

And why should he?

A journalist who reports and exposes corporations and powerful figures finds himself frequently the target of such entities. His weaknesses are a lack of protection from vengeful parties, and if he has loved ones or family, they also form the leverage against him. That’s the classical justification for a secret identity,to protect others. But Superman or Clark Kent has no such weaknesses. Physical violence and threats can bounce right off him. His loved ones, while occasionally targeted, are often safer by his side than anywhere else on the planet. The idea that keeping secrets somehow shields them has always been shaky at best.

Truth Without Barriers

Clark Kent has the opportunity to truly seek out truth with no real barriers. Imagine the kind of journalism he could do if the world knew Superman was writing those articles. His credibility would skyrocket. Corrupt politicians and corporations would think twice before attempting to silence or manipulate him. A Superman who wields the pen as powerfully as his fists could embody truth and justice in a completely new way,one that doesn’t rely on super-brawls or cosmic threats every other issue.

Of course, DC has him fight powerful supervillains because they need to sell volumes of comics. But does his time need to be spent knocking out every threat and staying as a character with no real growth? The potential for a grounded, investigative Superman story is immense. A version of Clark Kent who exposes global conspiracies, uncovers alien infiltration, or dismantles organized crime from within could redefine what it means to be a superhero. Instead of fighting symptom after symptom, he could strike at the root of corruption, power, and deceit.

A New Era of Investigative Superman

He can explore real corruption and all the challenges that come with it. He can track and report on any crime syndicate without ever coming into real danger. His invulnerability becomes not just a physical trait, but a moral one,freedom from fear. And of course, these antagonists would hire or have metahumans among them. That’s the selling point, right? You can still have superpowered conflict, but with a sharper purpose. It’s not just another battle in Metropolis; it’s a fight against systems that exploit the powerless.

A Superman whose identity is public could reshape DC’s tone entirely. Think about it: he wouldn’t need to pretend anymore. He could mentor new heroes without deception, represent transparency and honesty, and show that strength doesn’t come from secrets but from integrity. The idea of Superman as a beacon of truth would finally align with his actions. In many ways, revealing his identity could make him more human, not less.

The Ultimate Truthseeker

Area 51? Aliens? Governmental coverups? Clark Kent can do it all. Imagine him publishing exposés on alien technology hidden by world governments, or investigating the Justice League’s accountability to the people they protect. His investigations could bring him face to face with other heroes and even test their ideals. Batman’s paranoia, Wonder Woman’s diplomacy, Aquaman’s territorial instincts,all could clash with a Superman who refuses to hide behind lies.

Such a shift wouldn’t just be bold storytelling,it would be thematically consistent. Superman has always represented the best of humanity: honesty, hope, and courage. Keeping secrets runs counter to that. By making his identity public, DC could modernize him for a generation that values authenticity and transparency. It’s no longer enough for Superman to just punch asteroids and save cities; he needs to stand for truth in a world drowning in misinformation.

The Future of Superman

And perhaps that’s the real reason DC keeps pulling back. A fully public Superman challenges the very structure of superhero fiction. It removes the safety net, the easy drama of “will my secret be discovered?” It forces writers to dig deeper, to craft stories that reflect the complexities of modern identity and morality. But maybe that’s exactly what’s needed,a Superman who finally stops hiding, and in doing so, becomes more relevant than ever.