Masks?

by Webmaster August 22, 2012

Somebody just very politely (from the UK of course) asked me:
“Excuse me sir, can you explain why it’s better not to wear a mask?”
Answer:
Oh sure thing Brother.
I’ve never been a big one for Secret Identities anyway…it’s just too easy to find out who somebody is nowadays anyway. They would just run my tag if they really wanted it 🙂
aside form the secret ID thing Masks (Cowls especially according to Adam West) just aren’t as practical in reality as people thing they are, this time of year they’re unbearably hot, limit your vision, and God forbid you get into a confrontation & somebody cranks it…you’re blind as a bat & in big trouble. I know they’re a Superhero staple…but I just don’t think they work to well in reality.

23 comments

inkblot August 23, 2012 at 1:44 am

Make-up can be a great alternative. Full-face, with an exaggeration here, an illusory tuck there. Phantom Zero pulled it off. Has anyone ever recognized a member of The Blue Man Group without the Blue? Stalkers and family or friends, that’s about it as far as I know.

superhero August 23, 2012 at 4:55 pm

Yeah…I like that. So are Lucha masks because they are made not to get cranked. Which make up is the one that doesn’t hurt if you get it in your eyes? Grease paint?

inkblot August 23, 2012 at 6:46 pm

Correct. Dollar store clown make-up, grease paint. I don’t put it too close to my eyes. Halloween taught me that. I’ve lived the LARPer life. I’m not giving away any Hollywood secrets by pointing out that when being Batman, actors like Christian Bale wear black make-up under the cowl to make the black surrounding his eyes look like the mask reaches the white part of his eyes. That’s how I do it. The functionality of this set-up is absurd. It’s just a costume. Pragmatism is the key-word on this issue. I know one good example of pragmatism; If someone messed up Mr. Xtreme’s goggles, he’d just put them back on. Let me know if I’m getting warm. XD

Rook August 23, 2012 at 5:46 am

Although it is true that identities are easy enough for someone to uncover, I prefer to retain my anonymity. Still, I usually work unmasked (I’m not terribly memorable) and if someone is determined to discover my identity, they should really reevaluate their priorities. Nonetheless, I’ll wear a mask when I know I’m being photographed or will have my face distorted. In all other cases, I don’t bother.
-Rook

superhero August 23, 2012 at 4:58 pm

That used to be the Problem too, there was literally a guy who was a “Superhero” who spent every waking moment trying to figure out what peoples real names were so he could call them up & say “Do what I say or I’ll out you” (I don’t think he’s even around anymore, Haven’t heard anything about him in years) but the point being if this guy could do it anybody can so it really does not make a difference.

Phantasm August 23, 2012 at 8:29 pm

I prefer wearing masks that are well-tied to my face. I made mine myself, and you can’t twist it or untie it, since the straps are on the back of my head and inside of a hood. Furthermore, it is pretty much face-tight and doesn’t budge when I’m wearing it.
However, that’s just a personal preference for me. There are many RLSH who go sans mask because their actions are pure and benign enough to not produce dangerous enemies.
Also, the makeup works well, as it makes it difficult to discern facial features. And according to human psychology, a person cannot be idientified properly if their eyes are covered. So if you don’t like masks or makeup, wear a hat and sunglasses, maybe goggles if you want more flair.

superhero August 23, 2012 at 11:51 pm

I dig it.

Knight-Hood August 24, 2012 at 2:21 pm

Back in 89 when I first decided to do this I was 100% certain that if I donned a cape and spandex that I would be tossed in jail and/or the funny farm. So I chose to copy my boyhood hero, the Lone Ranger, who would diguise himself as an old prospector if he had to go into town. I decided to disguise myself as a homeless man and wear my mask rolled up on my head and only wear it if there was some emergency I had to respond to.
I have very rarely had to don it. This year only once so far and that was a few months ago to prevent a robbery…mine! It was 5am and I was walking around that curve that runs from 4th St. N to Gandy Blvd and a man stepped out of the bushes behind me. I sped up my pace and he did likewise. I then really on the gas to get some distance between us. I then stopped, pulled down the mask, turned to face him and crossed my arms. He was a 20 something black male who stopped dead in his tracks and looked like he just encountered Michael Myers! Just then a car came around the bend and stopped and he jumped in it and they took off. I have found when I do have to wear the mask people tend to leave me alone! Lol.
Another time many years go in 1990 I think I was at Mirror Lake Park at midnight and saw 3 young thugs roughing up an old homeless man. I pulled down the mask and then pulled out my .38 and fired twice in the air (blanks) but they didn’t know that. They took off running.
So as far as getting the mask cranked goes, I have no intention of letting them get that close to me. I’m no brawler, but if indeed somehow someone did get the jump on me and did crank it I would just yank it off. It’s not like they would recognize me anyway. I have non descript looks.
I chose to wear it mostly to make Knight-Hood a symbol and not a person. I prefer to help people anonymously and my anonymity has helped me keep what I do separate from my personal life so far.
Just my 2 cents
Knight-Hood

Breakdown August 26, 2012 at 3:35 am

I think masks would be useful for people like me who might have unusual or memorable appearances, that would prefer to retain their anonymity. The problem of seeing would still be difficult; so I think to account for that something like a luchador mask or a stylized/altered ski mask that stays close to the face might work. It would still be hot, but if you meditate daily then you would be able to deal with hot and cold temperatures easily.

superhero August 27, 2012 at 5:21 am

what…you saying I’m not Memorable 🙁

Phantasm August 31, 2012 at 9:51 am

Aw Superhero! Yes you are memorable; have you looked in a mirror before you go out suited up? Not your typical clubbing attire.
But Breakdown has a point; masks are also good for detaching a face from the action. If you do a good deed, people see you as doing a good deed. If you don a mask, you are no longer a single person doing something right; you are the unsung hero, a small shard left of humanity that only wishes to do good, with no thought for personal gain or fame.
I would suggest getting in contact with Mr. Xtreme for more info on this matter.

K.M. Ryker September 2, 2012 at 8:09 pm

I see what you’re saying, but still identity has got to be one of the main things when being a superhero, you don’t want people tracking you down finding out everything about you. I perfer to keep my identity a secret but I see what you’re saying about the mast sitiouation. They are very hot and uncomfortable.

superhero September 2, 2012 at 8:15 pm

Also man it’s next to impossible to keep a secret ID nowadays anyway.

Falcon September 5, 2012 at 7:35 am

I keep hearing how difficult it is to keep a secret identity. This is what has kept me from donning a suit for so many years.
I would imagine the difficulty would be in leaving without a tail and on foot. Urban E&E training only goes so far- at some point, the getup makes it too difficult to disappear.
So, for someone who would love to become a RLSH but absolutely does not want his friends and family to know about this little “hobby,” what would you recommend? I know the obvious response is going to be suck it up, make the outfit, and then show it off to my family whether I’m comfortable with it or not. But that’s not going to happen, so what advice can I get?
And in a city with no current superheros and relatively low crime (probably due to the high number of Concealed Carry Permit holders (such as myself)), should I even attempt this?

superhero September 5, 2012 at 1:58 pm

sounds like your response was pretty much dead on. it seems to be a little easier to keep RLSH activities from Family members then from the public for some bizarre reason. I’ve had a bunch of younger guys (Some of who now are the best & most active members) come to me & ask me to help them tell their Families what they do. There’s even a few videos on my youtube about it. If you don’t want your friends & family knowing & your careful, you can stay secret indefinitely. Having some idiot online trying to figure out who you are because he has no life will just depend how active online you are really…curtail that & your in business.

blackreaper September 13, 2012 at 5:43 am

I Dont know i think i do well with them although they do have certain limitations.

Saber September 18, 2012 at 8:27 am

I plan on experimenting with liquid latex to make a mask to cover my eye area and maybe a bit of facial decorating with it. The benefits are that I can draw stripes and cat/tigress features onto my face anywhere without limitations because it sticks right to the skin… you paint it on like face paint or makeup… it can’t be ganked downward or anything to obscure my vision… and if I need to quickly de-mask… it should easily peel RIGHT off. Must wait till payday to get a jar of black and white liquid latex (I’m a tigress… Saber… like Saber-toother tiger… but in reality my persona is that of a white tigress).

superhero September 19, 2012 at 8:12 pm

We did that a few years back on a Pilot I was working on. it was a Mess. Didn’t come out to well either. you’ll have your work cut out for you.

dark protecter September 26, 2012 at 12:12 pm

i am in highschoool amd need some help donning a suit some plz thanx oh anyone in owntown fort wayne IN tell me

superhero September 27, 2012 at 4:32 pm

Hmmmm….watch this.
http://youtu.be/UFeBSSFUPT4
might help you.

Velocity October 3, 2012 at 9:56 pm

I prefer wearing my shades and my hoodie. I’d look ridiculous in a mask anyway lol

Mike Jones October 5, 2012 at 7:43 am

I was just passing through and saw the earlier comments. I think the idea of the wraparound sunglasses or goggles is a good one. Clayton Moore, who played the Lone Ranger in the 1950s, used them when he was legally barred from wearing his mask during the production of the Lone Ranger movie in the 1980s.

superhero October 5, 2012 at 5:49 pm

Your Knowledge is awesome! & I remember Clayton Moore showing up on a talk show (Vikki Lawrence I think) wearing the goggles!