QUIZ: Superhero Secret IDs—How Well Do You Know These Superheroes?
Test your knowledge of these heroic characters from TV, movies, and comics!
How well do you know the civilian names of Wolverine… Batman… the Bionic Woman… Elastigirl? Here’s your chance to prove yourself!
Watch the video and prove your smarts! Then below the video, find out more some of the most popular superheroes who have appeared in movies and on TV shows in the past few decades. This list includes characters introduced in Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Pixar, classic TV shows, and more. Find out the secret identities—and/or civilian names—of Batgirl, Batman, the Bionic Woman, Black Panther, Black Widow, Captain America, Elastigirl, Kid Flash, the Six Million Dollar Man, Spider-Man, Superman, Wolverine, and Wonder Woman.
Watch the video and prove your smarts! Then below the video, find out more about these popular superheroes from comic books, movies, TV, and more.
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Superhero identity revealed: How Well Do You Know These Superheroes? | Monster Complex
The history of superheroes and secret identities
The current explosion of superhero stories in various media shows them as fixtures in our regular lives—well, whatever we’re watching or reading or whatever. But, of course, the idea of superheroes—fiction characters with extraordinary abilities, amazing skills, and/or carrying stunning gadgets—goes all the way back to myths and legends. These kinds of figures include the likes of Hercules, Robin Hood, and King Arthur.
Stories about a masked hero who lives among us—using another identity—goes back to characters like The Scarlet Pimpernel (1903), Zorro (1919), and The Shadow (1930). It has been even been said there are real-world examples—of masked people fighting bad guys—that go as far back as the Old West.
Of course, the idea of a larger-than-life “superhero” exploded through comics starting with the 1938 introduction of Superman in Action Comics #1. Followed by a huge number of superheroes who made their debuts in the following years!
And the concept has gotten an even bigger presence in pop culture over the decades since. There have now been so many superhero stories told through comic books and TV shows and movies and video games and more.
More about these superheroes from the Monster Complex video
Elastigirl from The Incredibles
Created by Pixar, Elastigirl—AKA Mrs. Incredible (and secret identity Helen Parr)—is the super-stretching superhero and a member of The Incredibles superhero family. They made their debut in the Pixar movies The Incredibles (2004) and Incredibles 2 (2018), which were written and directed by Brad Bird. Elastigirl was voiced by Holly Hunter. Also starring in the movies were Craig T. Nelson, and Samuel L. Jackson.
The Incredibles—one of the best superhero movies ever made—won a couple of Oscars (for Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing), the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature—and was the first completely animated movie to win the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
Elastigirl - All Powers & Fights Scenes (The Incredibles)
Spider-Man
The Marvel Comics character Spider-Man (and secret identity Peter Parker) was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Making his debut in Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962), he got his spider powers when bitten by a radioactive spider in a lab accident. As such, he now can stick to walls—as well as being very strong and athletic. He can also sense danger with his “spider sense.”
Other traits are that Peter is really smart, very inventive, and apparently also a great tailor. (He made that suit himself.)
This original version of Spider-Man has shown up in lots of comic books, as well as on TV, in movies, video games, books, and a record album. There was even a famous (if short-lived) Broadway stage play—but that’s a story for another time.
Over the years, there have been a number of alternative editions of Spider-Man—in both the comics and other media. One of the most notable examples of an alternate Spider-Man is Miles Morales. He was the center of some GREAT movies, 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
And, of course, other alternate Spider-people have appeared as well. (And have even gotten together in the comics.)
Other Spider-People versions include the alternate universe’s Spider-Woman we call Spider-Gwen (AKA Gwen Stacy), the future’s Spider-Man 2099 (AKA Miguel O’Hara), the talking pig Spider-Ham (AKA Peter Porker), and the 1930s hardboiled version known as Spider-Man Noir (from an alternate reality’s Peter Parker). There was also a future daughter of Peter’s who became Spider-Girl (AKA Mayday Parker).
By the way, here’s one of my favorite superhero movie scenes EVER:
Spider-Man 2 - Stopping the Train Scene (7/10) | Movieclips
Batgirl
Although there have been several versions of Batgirl in the DC Comics universe, the one we’re thinking about here is Barbara Gordon, who became Batgirl in 1967. Making her first appearance in Detective Comics #359 (1967), she was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Carmine Infantino. The niece and adopted daughter of police commissioner Jim Gordon, Batgirl worked in Gotham City, along with Batman and Robin.
This version of Batgirl was created because of the blockbuster 1960s Batman TV show. Played by Yvonne Craig, the character showed up as part of the third season.
In fact—if I understand this correctly—the TV people were thinking of this Batgirl before the comic book people were. (There was even a mini-episode said to be a pilot for a potential Batgirl TV show.) But DC rushed to get this Batgirl on the page first to protect the rights issues.
Craig said she met young women who told her that Batgirl was their role model. “They say it’s because it was the first time they ever felt girls could do the same things guys could do, and sometimes better. I think that’s lovely.”
This Batgirl has also made lots of appearances in comic books, TV, and more.
Yvonne Craig - Batman / Batgirl - Network Presentation (RARE)
Six Million Dollar Man
Following a NASA test flight accident, former astronaut and USAF Colonel Steve Austin was horribly injured. In the operating room, the doctors rebuilt Austin with bionic body parts that made him strong, fast, and have incredible eyesight.
Based on Martin Caidin’s 1972 novel Cyborg, the 1973-1978 TV show The Six Million Dollar Man found the rebuilt Austin working as a secret agent for the U.S. government office OSI.
Over the years, the Six Million Dollar Man has been revisited in different media. There have been several TV movies (including one or more that was intended as a potential pilot for another series). There have also been quite a few books—including some additional novels from creator Martin Caidin, plus novelizations by other writers that adapted episodes of the show (and sometimes altered the plots to stick closer to the Cyborg novel version of the character). There have also been a number of comic books over the years, including products from Charlton Comics and Dynamite Comics. There was also a British comic strip.
For a number of years, there have been plans by various Hollywood producers to remake the show for the silver screen. Now referred to as the Six Billion Dollar Man, actor Mark Wahlberg has been attached to the project a long time. However, shortly before this article, Wahlberg has stated that he still believes The Six Billion Dollar Man will finally be produced.
Back in the 1970s, The Six Million Dollar Man also saw TV spin-off, The Bionic Woman. But we’ll talk more about that further down on this list.
The Six Million Dollar Man v. Bigfoot | The Six Million Dollar Man (1973-78) | Battlebars
Black Panther
The Marvel Comics superhero Black Panther is King T’Challa of the highly advanced tech African nation Wakanda. For generations, Wakandans have followed and worshipped the Black Panther, a superior warrior granted extra abilities by the Panther God upon proving him or herself worthy in a combat tournament open to all Wakandans.
For much of the modern era, T’Challa has worn the mantle of the Black Panther, acting as both Wakanda’s champion and king. His powers include abilities caused by ancient Wakandan rituals, plus a great knowledge of science, physical training and combat skills, plus wealth and advanced Wakandan technology.
Created in the 1960s by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Black Panther made his comic book debut in Fantastic Four #52 (1966). He was the first protagonist of African descent in mainstream American comics—making his first appearance even before such significant comic book characters as the Falcon (1969), Luke Cage AKA Power Man (1972), Blade (1973), and Green Lantern’s John Stewart (1971).
Over the years, there have also been others who claimed the mantle of Black Panther. In the story, the title is passed down from generation to generation among the rulers of Wakanda. In the comics present day, there have also been some alternatives.
But overall, the primary identity has been T’Challa. He has been a member of The Avengers and the Fantastic Four. He has also had a relationship with the X-Men member Storm, with whom he has been married.
There have been a number of Black Panther comic book series over the years. There have also been a number of appearances in TV shows and games and other media.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther AKA T’Challa was played in several movies by Chadwick Boseman. These include 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, 2018’s Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War, and 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
When Boseman died in 2020, the filmmakers chose not to recast the part for the 2022 movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. They instead had T’Challa’s sister Shuri (played by Letitia Wright) take on the role of the Black Panther.
Related article: 45 Important Black Comic Book Superheroes
Black Panther intense car chase (Clip) | TBS
Wonder Woman
The superhero Wonder Woman—who sometimes goes by the civilian name Diana Prince—is a super woman who was given strength and flight by the Greek gods. Created by American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston and artist Harry G. Peter, she made her first comic book appearance in All Star Comics #8 (1941). Her regular series of stories began in Sensation Comics #1 (1942). She also got her own self-titled comic book, and over the years has appeared in stories with the Justice Society of America (in the 1940s) and Justice League of America (in the 1960s onward).
A pop culture figure recognized around the world, Wonder Woman has appeared on TV, in movies, cartoon shows, toys, and more. Her earliest TV appearances include the cartoon show The Brady Kids (really!) and Super Friends. She has been portrayed by a number of women for different media, most notably on screen by Lynda Carter and Gal Gadot.
Most years, October 21 is marked as Wonder Woman Day, celebrating the anniversary of that first appearance in All Star Comics.
Wonder Woman saves Batman in The Flash
Captain America
The patriotic masked hero Captain America—whose original civilian identity was Steve Rogers—made his debut as title hero in Captain America Comics #1 in 1940. (He was punching Hitler before the U.S. had even entered World War 2.)
Published by Timely Comics—an earlier company name for the publisher that eventually changed its name to Marvel—Captain America was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. In the beginning, Steve Rogers was a weak man who couldn’t join the army. So, in a science experiment, he was given a “super-soldier serum” that made him stronger and taller. Having become a much more powerful man, Rogers joined the U.S. Army to serve during World War II.
Armored with an indestructible shield, Captain America and sidekick Bucky Barnes fought against the Axis powers. Cap and Bucky also spent a number of years as part of the World War 2 superhero group The Invaders, partnering with Namor, the Sub-Mariner and the original Human Torch, among others.
Toward the end of the war, an accident put Captain America in a frozen state—where he was in suspended animation—until he was revived again years later by The Avengers. He has spent most of the time since then as the team’s leader.
That rendition of Captain America has made lots of appearances in comic books as well as on TV and in movies and more. In 1944, he was featured in the 15-part movie serial Captain America—making him the first Marvel Comics character in a movie. (It’s been said the chapters did not follow Cap’s official continuity very closely.) In 1979, there were a couple of made-for-TV movies, Captain America and Captain America II: Death Too Soon (in which movie legend Christopher Lee played gthe bad guy!). There was also a 1990 Captain America movie that only played on screens a little overseas before being released direct-to-video in America.
Of course, Captain America became a big deal on screen with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Chris Evans played Steve Rogers / Captain America
The Avengers (2012)
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
This version of Cap played by Evans also made cameo appearances 2013’s Thor: The Dark World, 2015’s Ant-Man, 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, and 2019’s Captain Marvel.
Over the years, there have been periods of time in the comic books where others who have taken on the role of Captain America. These include Sam Wilson (also known as the Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (also known as the Winter Soldier).
In the Marvel movies, Steve Rogers retired at the end of Avengers: Endgame (2019). He handed his shield over to Sam Wilson—and that story developed even further in the 2021 Disney+ show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
The next Captain America movie is getting made right now. Wilson is expected to become the official Captain America in the 2025 movie Captain America: Brave New World.
Find out more about Sam Wilson / Falcon / Captain America here: 45 Important Black Comic Book Superheroes
Elevator Fight Scene - Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) Movie CLIP HD
BONUS: That time on Community when they celebrated the Captain America elevator fight
Superman
The DC Comics character of Superman—who sometimes also goes by the name Clark Kent—is one of the first examples of a costumed vigilante “superhero.” He is an alien who—when his home planet was going to explode—was saved by his parents, who rocketed him to Earth. Arriving here as a baby, he was raised by Kansas farmers. He eventually found that Earth’s natural elements made him super strong, super fast, and have laser vision. (Among other things.)
In his identity as Clark Kent, he is best known as a news reporter. His most famous civilian job has been at the Daily Planet. His co-workers there have included journalist Lois Lane (whom he eventually married), photographer Jimmy Olsen, and editor-in-chief Perry White.
Superman was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, making his first comic book appearance in Action Comics #1 (1938). Over the decades since, the character has been refined, reconsidered, and rebooted a number of times. For example, when he was first introduced, he was able to “leap tall buildings in a single bound.” But he was later given the power to simply jump in the air and fly around.
Over the decades, Superman has also appeared in lots of comic books—including several different titles of his own. He has also made lots of appearances in other media, including radio dramas, newspaper comic strips, books, movies, TV shows, video games, and even a stage musical.
One recent production is the animated series My Adventures with Superman, which introduces some fun new ideas to the Superman mythos. (The Thanksgiving episode was hilarious.)
The upcoming movie Superman: Legacy is being written and directed by James Gunn. Now one of the big bosses for the DC movie experience, Gunn’s great comic book-inspired adaptations includes making 2021’s The Suicide Squad and the 2022 Peacemaker TV show. He is also responsible for the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and TV special for Marvel studios.
Top 10 Portrayals of Superman
Black Widow
The Marvel Comics character of Black Widow—AKA Natasha Romanov—was introduced as a Soviet spy but eventually became an American superhero. Created by Stan Lee, Don Rico, and Don Heck, she first appeared in Tales of Suspense #52 (1964) as a problem for Iron Man. She later defected to the U.S., becoming an agent of spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D. and a member of The Avengers.
Over the years, she has appeared in lots of media, including TV shows and movies. As part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), she was played by Scarlett Johansson. That version of Black Widow appeared in the movies…
Iron Man 2 (2010)
The Avengers (2012)
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Captain Marvel (2019)
Black Widow (2021)
Black Widow has also made appearances in several Marvel-related TV shows and video games. This includes episodes of What If, The Marvel Super Heroes, The Super Hero Squad Show, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Iron Man: Armored Adventures, Avengers Assemble, Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload, Spider-Man, as well as the animated movie Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher.
Find Black Widow comic books on Amazon
Black Widow vs Hammer Security - Fight Scene - Iron-Man 2 (2010) Movie CLIP HD
Batman
The DC Comics masked vigilante called Batman—AKA Bruce Wayne when the mask is off—is a normal human (well, “normal”) who is empowered by lots of gadgets and lots of money. As a little boy he witnessed the murder of his parents. Growing up, he used his family’s resources to be trained in both his brains and his physical fighting abilities.
He has grown into such a popular character that DC Comics has spotlighted Batman in a bunch of different “Batman” comics, plus he has made lots of appearances in other comic books as an on-again, off-again member of the Justice League and the Outsiders.
Although we named Bruce Wayne in the quiz—as the original Batman, of course—over the years there have been stories where the regular Batman was knocked out of commission for a time and others filled in for him. This included a fun period when Dick Grayson (who was Batman’s first sidekick Robin) pulled on the mask and took on the role of Batman until Bruce could get back.
Because of Batman’s popularity, he is also one of the most adapted and licensed characters of all time. There have been so many toys and merchandise and movies and TV shows and video games. His most recent screen versions include being played by Ben Affleck (starting with 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) and Robert Pattinson (starting with 2022’s The Batman). His animated adventures included lots of times he was voiced by Kevin Conroy.
Another key actor who played Bruce Waye and Batman is Michael Keaton. He was the center of the Tim Burton-directed movies Batman and Batman Returns. He returned to the role years later in The Flash—did you watch the clip I posted earlier in this article?—when a time travel incident rebooted the universe and the Ben Affleck Batman was replaced by the Michael Keaton Batman in the new timeline. That was very cool.
Find Batman comics on Amazon
Find Batman TV and movies on Amazon
Related links:
There was a cool TV spin-off Batman Beyond (1999-2001) where Bruce Wayne was an old man training someone else to be the new Batman. (On the show, Bruce was voiced again by longtime Batman actor Kevin Conroy, giving the new series a lot of gravity.) So, I want to show you this one-minute video—which celebrated the 75th anniversary of Batman with a great moment where we see several versions of Batman from over the years…
“Batman Beyond” - Darwyn Cooke's Batman 75th Anniversary Short (Official)
Kid Flash
The DC Comics character of Kid Flash is generally known as The Flash’s sidekick. Although there have been a few different versions in the comics over the years, the one we’re thinking of here is Wally West, a relative of The Flash (AKA Barry Allen).
The original version of the Wally West AKA Kid Flash first appeared in the comic book issue The Flash #110 (1959). That Kid Flash went on to make regular appearances in comic books like The Flash and Teen Titans and other DC Comics. He was also a member of the New Teen Titans in the 1980s—which was a huge comic book at the time.
Before the end of the 1980s, Wally grew up and became The Flash—replacing Barry Allen, who had died. (But don’t worry, Barry got better.)
Wally—as either Kid Flash and/or The Flash—has also appeared in a number of stories in other media. This includes the animated shows Young Justice and Justice League and Justice League Unlimited.
On live action TV, Wally’s version of Kid Flash was part of the Arrowverse TV shows. Played by Keiynan Lonsdale, he made appearances on the TV series The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl.
The Flash videos below come from the first season finale of Justice League Unlimited. In case you haven’t already watched it, Lex Luthor and Brainiac merge into a being that defeats the whole Justice League. Then it’s The Flash—alone—who is able to step up and save the world. And then it gets complicated.
(These videos are part one and part two of another one of my FAVORITE scenes from superhero stories told onscreen.)
Part 1: Flash uses The Speed Force and shows his true power to Brainiac Luthor
Part 2: The Justice League rescues Flash from The Speed Force
Bionic Woman
The star of a TV show that was a spin-off (for the 1970s series The Six Million Dollar Man), the Bionic Woman was Jaime Sommers. Critically injured in an accident, the government amped her up with bionic libs and a bionic ear. As such, she became an agent assigned to high-risk missions.
So, the original show The Six Million Dollar Man (with Steve Austin) was based on the 1972 novel Cyborg written by Martin Caidin. But since the Bionic Woman was created by Kenneth Johnson—who was producing the Steve Austin show—that meant the rights to her character were now held by more owners than had the rights to the original series.
(This is why—a few years later—when Marvel Comics heard that Johnson was planning to make a “female” spinoff of The Incredible Hulk TV show, Marvel jumped immediately into creating She-Hulk first. We talk about all that here.)
The Bionic Woman TV show (1976-1978) starred Lindsay Wagner. In the show, Jaime Sommers also taught high school students between government missions.
In the years since the show, the Bionic Woman has made a number of appearances. There were some GREAT crossover episodes with Six Million Dollar Man (including, among others, one with Bigfoot and aliens, and another with the killer beauty robots called the Fembots). There were also some comic book adaptations including stories from Charlton Comics and Dynamite Entertainment.
There was even a comic book crossover where the Bionic Woman teamed up with Wonder Woman. That was in Wonder Woman ‘77 Meets the Bionic Woman—where both characters represented specifically their 1970s TV versions. Other crossovers comics have included Charlie’s Angels vs The Bionic Woman and The Bionic Man vs. The Bionic Woman.
Years after Jaime’s regular TV show was canceled, she met up with Steve again in three spin-off TV movies, one or more of which was intended as a possible pilot for a new show. And—possible because of that more-owners thing we talked about—there was a short-lived TV show remake where Sommers was no longer part of the original Six Million Dollar Man continuity.
Bionic Woman vs Bigfoot
Wolverine
The Marvel Comics anti-hero Wolverine—who has gone by a few names, but his first “civilian name” in the comics was Logan—is a longtime associate of the X-Men. He’s a mutant with animal senses, the power to heal from pretty much any injury, and these big metal claws that shoot out of his hand.
Created for comic books by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, John Romita Sr., and Herb Trimpe, Wolverine made his first comic book appearance in The Incredible Hulk issue #180 (just a glimpse) and issue #181 (1974). Logan’s next appearance was Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975), which is a huge deal: Although the X-Men were originally created in the 1960s that was canceled, this 1975 reboot with the New X-Men (and their new lineup) was what made the X-Men soon become the most successful superhero comic book for a long time.
Despite being such a loner with rage issues, Wolverine has spent lots of time with other people—including memberships in not just X-Men, but also X-Force, Alpha Flight, Fantastic Four, and The Avengers.
Over the years, Wolverine has been seen in lots of comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games. This includes the popular X-Men cartoon that has recently been revived by Disney+. In the movies, he has been played several times on screen by Hugh Jackman—including the upcoming 2024 Deadpool and Wolverine movie.
Top 10 Wolverine Costumes!
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