Now we can all be Superheroes.

It is widely known that superheroes wear masks to protect their identities.  But not all.  Superman wears no mask, all he has to do is take his glasses off, put his pants on the outside of his lycra leggings, run some brylcreem through his hair and he is somehow unrecognisable to his nearest and dearest. 

On the other hand Spider-Man and indeed Ironman wear a full face covering that hide their identities. Those who know the Marvel films will understand that in the case of Ironman this is not actually to protect his identity. Tony Stark goes out of his way to ensure everyone knows that ‘he is Ironman’.  His helmet is all about the heads up display to help him catch the bad guys, but for Spider-Man anonymity is all important. 

Somewhere in between these extremes lies the half mask that Batman wears. His mask covers the top half of the head leaving nostrils and mouth bare but this seems enough, with the added aid of a gravelly voice, to confuse everyone about his real identity. His identity may be safe but with his airways exposed his health is far from safe from the coronavirus. 

Today, Friday 24th July, marks the day when in England it becomes mandatory to wear masks in supermarkets and other shops, transport hubs, banks and post offices and whilst queuing for takeaway food. Failure to comply with this law could result in a £100 fine.

The guidance states that the face coverings should cover the mouth and nose. 

Spider-Man and Ironman are fine. Their masks mean that they more than comply with these new regulations but Superman and Batman have a problem. They could fight crime, catch criminals but not get a Costa Coffee. They like the rest of us will need to carry around a mask with them. Not a problem for Batman with his utility belt but where will Superman keep his?  I can only suggest tucked into his pants!

These caped crusaders have no need to worry as a quick google search reveals that you can buy face-masks with Batman or Superman insignia. 

In fact in my googling I have discovered the whole new burgeoning industry of facemask fashion. In the last few days Hello and GQ Magazine have run articles and there is even a website, https://facemaskfashion.co.uk/. There is an amazing variety out there ranging from about £3 to £90 a mask depending on the material and the label. If money is no object I did find this Givency mask in a list on GQ magazine for £425, I guess this does include the cap!!

Perhaps a good solution for Batman?

From today all of us can don our masks when shopping for our weekly groceries and in true superhero style no one will have any idea about our true identities. Not only will we reduce the transmission of the virus but at the same time we will become our alter egos. All we need to do is decide what our superhero power will be!

Stay safe, wear a mask, protect your identity.