Superhero cover
If you browse through my posts on this blog, you’ll notice that I’ve written a lot about superheroes. That’s because I love all the aspects of superhero stories so much- the super powers, yeah, but also the character study/development, the take on morality, and the commentary on our world.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about a superhero having an alter ego as a taxi driver. Superman is Clark Kent at the Daily Planet so he can keep up with breaking news and help as he’s able. The downside is Clark has to do all the work a reporter does first to earn a living and second to keep his position at the Daily Planet so he can stay close to the news. I see pros and cons for my taxi driver scenario as well.
Pros
- can listen to police radio as he cruises around the city
- has a valid alibi–taxis can show up pretty much anywhere at any time
- personal transportation (significantly more important if his superpower has nothing to do with transportation)
Cons
- conflict of interests – What does he do if he hears a call he wants to respond to while he has a passenger in the car?
- rush hour
- use gas money for patrolling/cruising
- difficult to maintain a reputation as a reliable cabbie
I have no idea what sort of hero he’d be or what abilities he’d have. I’ve been thinking about the practicality of alter egos only. I think there are fun possibilities for a taxi driver by day, a superhero by…well, day or night. Maybe some day I’ll play around with the idea.