The DC Universe pretty much invented the superhero genre ever since Superman made his debut in the first issue of Action Comics. In that first comic, the Kryptonian hero established his secret identity as the reporter Clark Kent. Since then, secret identities have been a key feature of superhero stories.

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Of course, it makes sense that people would want to keep their private lives separate from their careers in crimefighting. There are fears of villains seeking retaliation, of law enforcement punishing vigilante behavior, and just the annoyance of unwanted celebrity. However, some heroes have definitely had more success hiding their identities from the public than others. Here are ten DC characters whose secret identities aren't all that secret:

10 Green Arrow (Oliver Queen)

Oliver Queen might seem like just another out-of-touch billionaire, but he is committed to fighting for those less privileged than himself. While plenty of social justice warriors can be seen rocking epic beards these days, Seattle's wealthiest venture capitalist has a distinct van dyke goatee which his costume does nothing to hide.

Overall, Green Arrow has had few people recognize him, probably due to the fact that most people don't often see either superheroes or the über rich up close in person. However, he was once recognized by a Seattle beat cop who pointed out that it was obvious that the local superhero with a blonde beard was Oliver Queen.

9 Black Canary (Dinah Lance)

Black Canary used to really work to conceal her identity. With naturally black hair that she wore short, the long blonde wig that went with her costume helped to keep her identity a secret while she was fighting crime. Over the years she let her natural hair grow out, then dyed that blonde too. Being the girlfriend of a known superhero probably made some people suspicious. However, when Dinah joined a band called "Black Canary," it was pretty safe to say she abandoned any hope of avoiding notoriety.

Her identity might not be common knowledge, but she's been standing in the spotlight for a while and people have noticed.  She was even recognized by Oliver Queen's kid sister.

8 Nightwing (Dick Grayson)

As Batman's original sidekick, Dick Grayson learned how to keep a low profile. For most of his life, no one suspected that Bruce Wayne's young adopted ward was the superhero best known as Nightwing. That all changed during the events of Forever Evil.

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After the Crime Syndicate took over the world, Nightwing was among the heroes they savagely beat into submission. However, he fared worse than most when he was publicly unmasked by Superwoman, costing him his secret identity. He spent years working undercover to regain the life that was taken from him.

7 Mister Miracle (Scott Free)

Whether or not Scott Free ever valued his secret identity is debatable, which is why he isn't higher on the list. For a while, he seemed determined to hide that he was one of the New Gods from Apokolips. But he's also in show business, performing as the world's greatest escape artist, and even he can't escape the spotlight.

In Tom King's recent Mister Miracle series, it's made pretty clear that almost every aspect of the character's life has been made public knowledge. Scott appears completely okay with this and even uses the celebrity to further his career.

6 Spoiler (Stephanie Brown)

Stephanie Brown has gone by many superhero aliases over the years. She started as Spoiler, replaced Tim Drake as Robin, and (after taking some time away from Gotham) eventually became Batgirl. In every single one of these roles, someone has figured out her secret identity despite her best efforts.

The real irony about all this is that Stephanie first took up her costumed career as Spoiler to stop and expose her father, the criminal known as Cluemaster. She tried to have him jailed. Having her own identity exposed has resulted in her nearly being killed.

5 Green Lantern (Simon Baz)

Simon Baz as a Green Lantern in DC Comics

When it comes to origin stories, Simon Baz has one of the darker ones. As a young man, he got involved with stealing cars. One night Simon hijacked a vehicle that had a bomb inside. He managed to keep the detonation from harming anyone, but was accused of being the terrorist responsible for planting the bomb.

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Simon was taken to a US government black site to be tortured. Fortunately, a Green Lantern ring chose that moment to pick him as its bearer, breaking him out of jail just in time. The government eventually forgave his record, but they've had their eyes on him from the moment he got his powers.

4 Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)

By far the most famous member of the Green Lantern Corps, Hal Jordan has had quite a career. He's been an Air Force pilot, a Green Lantern, a founding member of the Justice League, and even the avatar of God's vengeance. All that separated his charming good looks from discovery was his costume's domino mask.

While he was the Spectre, Hal tried to attend a ball game with his friends. The result was the whole stadium confessing their sins to him (not exactly keeping a low profile). Later, when he returned to life (and active duty), he was recognized by one of his commanding officers. Maybe it's too much to expect subtlety from a guy whose superpower is a cosmic nightlight.

3 Wonder Woman (Diana of Themyscira)

It is difficult to say whether Diana ever really wanted to maintain a secret identity. In the current continuity, average people seem aware that she's Wonder Woman. But in earlier continuities, she spent years attempting to preserve a civilian identity so this much public notoriety has definitely impacted her life.

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What makes Diana so interesting is that keeping half her life a secret is out of character since she values truth so much (by Hera, she even has a Lasso of Truth). She understands the risks same as any other hero, but refuses to let that compromise her mission.

2 Aquaman (Arthur Curry)

Being the king of Atlantis comes with some perks. Privacy is not among them. While Arthur Curry was raised by his human father on land, he has spent his adult life trying to navigate between the surface world and his duties as Atlantis's rightful monarch.

When Geoff Johns took over writing the character in The New 52, fans got to see just how famous Aquaman really is. He couldn't even go out to eat at his favorite seafood restaurant that his dad used to take him to without the other patrons pummeling him with questions. Then again, if he wanted privacy, maybe he should have included a mask with his costume.

1 Poison Ivy (Pamela Isley)

This final entry is generally classed as a villain, but considering she's spent her entire life dedicated to fighting for the environment, Poison Ivy absolutely belongs on this list!

Having green skin does not exactly make fitting in easy. Neither does having a criminal record. Considering she also has mind control powers and that plants respond to her whims, it makes sense that she'd struggle to even go out in public without creating a scene. Really, Ivy just wants two things: to make a better world and to have a bit of personal happiness. Neither is easy without a private life, but with Harley's help, she's getting closer than ever before.

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