After watching Spider-Man 3 last weekend, Morgen and I were discussing how Peter Parker is an introvert. And it occurred to me that this is true of most superheroes’ secret identities. In fact, that seems to be almost mandatory—more than glasses or an unfashionable haircut, an introverted demeanor can effectively deflect unwanted attention and help to disguise the superhero’s super nature. So here’s my list of the top five superheroes who, in my estimation, are introverts—at least until they slip on the old mask or cape, and sometimes afterwards too. (A disclaimer: I’m not a comic book guy, so my opinions were formed based on TV and film portrayals.)
- Batman: Not only is Bruce Wayne somewhat of an introvert, but Batman himself is arguably the most introverted superhero of all time. Unlike some, he stays out of the spotlight as much as possible, and is quick to return to the seclusion of the Bat Cave.
- The Hulk: Bruce Banner (especially as played by Bill Bixby in the 1970s TV series) is as quiet and reflective as any stereotypical scientist. And the Hulk? It’s just not easy being green.
- Superman: Two words: mild-mannered. No, wait…three words: Fortress of Solitude. Yep, Clark Kent is a solid introvert, and even Superman gets away from it all to recharge.
- Spider-Man: Although Peter Parker’s personality has undergone numerous changes, he always seems to like spending time alone, and obviously puts a lot of his energy into mental (as well as physical) gymnastics.
- Jean Gray: My favorite X-person, and not just because she’s hot and can levitate things. On second thought…no, that’s exactly why. But also: there’s clearly a lot more going on inside her head than she lets on outwardly.
May 10th, 2007 at 2:26 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 10th, 2007 at 2:39 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 10th, 2007 at 3:13 am
The invisible man is introverted too, he is rarely seen anywhere ;-)
check out my entry for the group project writing.
May 10th, 2007 at 4:47 am
This is a fun and interesting post.
I am an avid fan of super heroes, still I never really noticed that there were so many introvert kind of superheroes.
On the top five, it is true that all of them are introverts. Batman is the most silent of them all! I can’t even think of a time that he actually laughed out loud (except of course when confronted with Joker’s Laughing Gas)
This is truly a very unique post ^_^
If you have time, why don’t you drop by my post: http://mobileko.blogspot.com/2007/05/snatch-top-5-tips-on-how-to-be.html
It’s also an entry for the problogger top 5- group writing project. ^^ Goodluck to us all!
May 10th, 2007 at 5:07 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 10th, 2007 at 8:40 am
Haha, nice post.
Infact my post is quite similar to yours.
May 10th, 2007 at 8:59 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 10th, 2007 at 10:39 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 10th, 2007 at 11:11 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 10th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Hi. I think so far ( at least from this group of postings ) that you are the only other person to write about anything having to do with comic heroes. Without being long winded here, the only one of the heroes I would agree with you about is Bruce Banner, and carrying around the albatross of the Hulk around his neck, he has reason to be introverted, if not just downright anti social.
May 10th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
Lew: I’m thinking of the psychological definition of “introvert,” not someone who’s shy, antisocial, or whatever. You can find a good discussion of that in Spectatrix’s FAQ.
May 10th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 10th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
[...] typical introvert qualities. Joe just put together a list of them for our Web site SenseList: Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts. This list raises the question for me of whether so many superheroes have introverted secret [...]
May 10th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 11th, 2007 at 11:45 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 11th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 12th, 2007 at 3:57 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 12th, 2007 at 4:59 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 12th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 12th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 12th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 12th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 13th, 2007 at 8:56 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 13th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 14th, 2007 at 7:36 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 14th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 16th, 2007 at 2:42 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
May 23rd, 2007 at 7:07 am
Batman’s secret identity, Bruce Wayne is not an introvert. He is actually the exception to an unwritten rule. Bruce Wayne is a billionaire socialite that drives fancy cars and lives in a crazy mansion. He is often accompanied and interviewed by reporters and in numerous occasions had to save the day when he is interrupted at some social event. It can be argued however that batman is an introvert and he is the only one of the superheroes you mentioned that does not have a super power, maybe that is the reason.
June 12th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Hello superhero fanatics! Joe, I love your blog. It’s both interesting and entertaining. It’s great to see there are so many fans of these classic superheroes. I am a representative for a great company called 80sTees.com which sells t-shirts and other merchandise from the 1980s. 80sTees has a variety of novelties featuring all of your “top five superheroes who are introverts.” Check out 80sTees.com, let me know what you think about the website and if you are interested in any merchandise. Thanks for your time!
Kelly Kinstrey (for 80sTees.com) kkinstrey@mail.djhmarcom.com
August 3rd, 2007 at 3:13 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
August 18th, 2007 at 3:12 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
October 19th, 2007 at 8:15 am
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
December 28th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
[...] I found this little list about superheroes with introverted alter egos. I can’t really say I agree with [...]
October 30th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
[...] Top 5 Superheroes Whose Secret Identities Are Introverts by Joe Kissell [...]
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
LOL! Batman is on the number one spot! Haven’t thought about this, this is really funny, dude. I’m going to repost this page, thanks!