Superheroes have been finding ways to protect their identities from the public for nearly a century. While some superheroes like those in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness don't seem to care about masking themselves, others work hard to create the perfect mask to keep their identities safe.

Some superhero masks have made huge transitions since they first showed up in the comics, while others have basically stayed the same. Regardless, there are plenty that have become recognizable quickly. From popular DC characters such as Batman to iconic Marvel heroes such as Spider-Man, these characters' identity-concealing masks ironically have made them instantly recognizable all over the world.

The Flash

The Flash's Speed Takes A Completely New Form in DC Comics Featured

The fastest man alive, the Flash has been sporting red and gold ever since he made his first appearance. It took some time for him to get the look fans to know him to have now, but once artists found it, it stuck.

Related: The 10 Best Multiverse Versions Of The Flash, Ranked

There isn't anything too flashy about his outfit, but his mask has become one of the popular ones that fans like to make. What makes it stand out from other masks is the yellow wings that stand out on the side by his ears. This small piece really establishes that it's the flash and not some other hero that has a red mask.

Deadpool

Ryan Reynolds Deadpool 2 Once Upon a Deadpool

Deadpool's mask is another mask that isn't too flashy, but in both the comics and the movies, jokes are made that his mask is necessary to cover up his grotesque face. The serum that helped kill his cancer and made it so he can't die also gave his entire body horrible scarring making it hard for many to look at him. The mask covers that up.

There is some irony to his mask though.  The exterior also gives no warning of what one may see underneath. It covers up his mouth, but he is known to talk a lot, and explicitly. As seen by many superheroes, it doesn't make it hard to talk, or breathe it seems. It also helps cover up any face he makes when he gets hurt, as Deadpool suffers many brutal injuries. Masks like this aren't used as much, but when they are it seems to be for a specific reason.

Wolverine

Wolverine Claws Cover X-Men

Wolverine's bright yellow suit is iconic to comic book lovers, but fans of the movies with Hugh Jackman may not be so familiar with this get-up. In the X-Men and Wolverine movies, Jackman does not wear this costume. He has an updated X-Men outfit, and it's his hair that resembles the mask as a sort of homage to the old design. Whether Wolverine's MCU appearance, which fans aren't ready for yet, will alter this outfit change is yet to be known.

While the old outfit and mask aren't used today, Wolverine's mask is one of the most well-known of the whole X-Men team. The yellow cowl with the long black flaps might have been an accident, but the mask quickly became iconic. The flaps are said to represent brows or whiskers, giving him more of the animal feeling.

Robin

Teen Titans Go Robin

Simple is sometimes the best approach when protecting one's identity. The domino mask is a very popular go-to for many superheroes so as to cover their eyes quickly. Robin's character has a few different variations of this simple mask since he first showed up in the comics, but it is the look his character is associated with.

Related: 10 Biggest Differences Between Robin In The Movies And Comics

Some of the variations have had small tips on the ends that make it look like bat wings, while others were different colors, but ultimately the simple black mask is the iconic Robin look. The simple mask is just one part of what makes it easy for fans to be able to dress up as him.

Captain America

Captain America

Used as inspiration to the U.S. Forces, Captain America's whole uniform bleeds red, white, and blue. There have been a few different variations of the uniform as well as the head cowl he wears, but one consistency is the color scheme and the symbols.

The headpiece has always been blue in color and has mostly had a big A on the forehead section. Similar to Flash, Captain America's mask is known to have had little wings coming from near the ears, but those have since been phased into the mask as an accent, instead of sticking out. The headpiece is worn sort of like a full helmet and even has a chin strap. The look, color, and large A insignia make it almost impossible to miss anywhere.

Daredevil

Daredevil leaps through the air in Marvel Comics

There are cases where a superhero's outfit and mask match their name well. In Daredevil's case, the red suit matched with the detachable cowl gives him the look of what humans imagine to be something like the devil. The cowl is the big giveaway with the little horn on the front of the head.

What is ironic about his mask is that there are eye holes despite the fact that Matt Murdock is blind. This is for his benefit as all of his enemies are not aware that he is blind, which gives him the upper hand in many situations. The red devil mask is a big tell as to who he is, and can be recognized by most. After seeing Matt Murdock show up in the new Spider-Man: No Way HomeMarvel fans are still waiting in anticipation to see if there will be a return of the legendary Daredevil in the MCU

Iron Man

Marvel's Avengers adds Infinity War Iron Man

Thanks to the MCU, Iron Man has become one of the most iconic and well-known superheroes of all time. The unforgettable red-and-gold suit has been captivating fans since before he made an appearance on the big screen. Iron Man's helmet has been one that fans have been trying to replicate for decades.

Related: 10 Most Underrated Iron Man Comic Arcs

From the glowing eyes to the front plate lifting up to reveal the face underneath, Iron Man's mask is filled with cool gadgets and fancy contraptions making it stand out from other superhero's masks. The full facial coverage allows anyone to be able to wear it and feel like they are embodying the famous character.

Black Panther

Black Panther Marvel Comics

It's pretty common for masks to help the hero look more like the name they chose for themself. For Black Panther, he has two little cat ears that stick up at the back of his mask, as well as other features that help it look more like a panther.

Before his appearance in the MCU, he may not have been as well recognized, but Black Panther is now very well-known and loved. The advancements of his suit, thanks to his sister, and the use of Vibranium make his whole look even cooler than it already is. His mask seals the deal by giving the last look of being a panther.

Batman

Robert Pattinson as Batman in The Batman looking up

Perhaps the most iconic cowl that belongs to a superhero has to be Batman's. The black headpiece is just one part of his costume that fans associate with his character. Batman's live-action suits have been some of the best looks the hero has had.

This superhero has a versatile face covering as it has been seen as a mask or as a cowl when recreated by fans. Having this ability and still being recognized as the iconic superhero shows just how strong his look is, and how well associated it is with his persona. Wearing all black with a mask or cowl like his and a bat insignia on one's chest allows anyone to be able to take on his role.

Spiderman

Marvels Spiderman Better Than Comics Sliding Timeline Retcons Peter Parker Adult Story

Superheroes don't always use full-face coverings, but one of the best parts about masks like this is that it allows anyone to feel as though they could embody this hero. This is especially the case with Spider-Man as it is something that gets brought up in the movies.

The big eye holes with the web across the red skin is a mask anyone could associate with Spider-Man. Not only is it quite literal, but fans have also been seeing this rendition of the mask for more than 60 years. There have been a few changes here and there, but overall, the Spider-Man mask has mostly remained the same making it as easy as ever to recognize in a crowd.

Next: 10 Coolest Cinematic Heroes Who Wear A Mask