Hero & Vigilante (concept)

A hero or vigilante is an individual who is noted for feats of courage and nobility. While heroes are publicly recognized, some are vigilantes, who are less seen to the public and are commonly legends to others.

Heroes typically use their powers or abilities out of the kindness of their hearts and for the good of the world. Vigilantes typically believe that the police and the court system are unable to or unreliable at bringing criminals to justice, but also for the good of the world.

It is also common for heroes or vigilantes to take on a moniker to be known by, some by personal choice and others by having been named by the public.

Some vigilantes eventually gain a level of popularity and admiration from the general public that they begin to be seen as a "superhero" or "hero". Despite the name suggesting this term is reserved for individuals with superhuman powers, it may also be used to define individuals without any but instead rely on combat skills, intellect, or gadgetry.

Landing of Kal-El's pod
After Kal-El/Clark Kent landed in rural Kansas, he discovered he had abilities. With the upbringing of his parents, he used his powers for good. As a young boy, he donned a costume created by his mother. Furthermore, he hid from the public but those who he had seen him, dubbed him "Superboy".

Man of Tomorrow
Then after moving to Metropolis, Clark had continued his vigilantism and continued to hide from the public. His costume remained the same, with no additional edits. After publicly defeating Metallo, Clark became a world-wide hero known as Superman.

Return of Bruce Wayne
During the year 1999, Bruce Wayne had finally returned to Gotham after taking a long trip. Learning multiple skills and picking up new things. He then donned a cape and cowl in an effort to hide his identity and maintain safety. Acting as a vigilante, he hides from the public and acts in the darkness.

Flash: Year One
After being struck by lightning, Barry decided to use his speedster powers as a tool to further his mission of keeping Central City safe. Instead of being a CSI and solving crimes to help families, he could now stop crimes before they could do serious harm. This in turn made him create a friction-proof suit and call himself the Flash as he decided to spend a year operating as a vigilante in secret and being so fast nobody could prove he existed.

Going Rogue
As a result of the Rogues being some of the toughest villains The Flash had to face, he ended up being caught by the CCPD apprehending the criminals after their third interaction. He introduced himself as the Flash, Fastest Man Alive, and so was no longer a secret vigilante and was now a public 'superhero'.