So, you know how we used to scoff at no one being able to recognize Superman as Clark Kent, just because he wore glasses and changed clothes? Yeah, I’m starting to think there was some logic there. Even something as simple as glasses can work great as a disguise, especially when paired with a different personality. And I think that’s why Cid Kagenou’s face changes as Shadow in The Eminence Of Shadow.

So, the reason why nobody recognizes Cid as Shadow is because, well, he doesn’t really show his face. Shadow is his alter-ego, a mob-like character that is really edgy and mysterious. Whereas Cid the teenager is a nobody who doesn’t like attracting attention to himself. The dichotomy of personality between the two also serves as a shield. It’s literally called the ‘Clark Kent method’. So today, let’s discuss why Cid’s face changes as Shadow in another segment of Lore Analysis!

Cid Vs Shadow: Does Cid’s Face Look Changed?

So, obviously Cid wants to hide his persona of Shadow, which is perfectly understandable because, well, there is that whole bit about him being the leader of the Shadow Garden. The Shadow Garden is a secret organization founded by Cid Kagenou that was initially set up to eliminate the devious Cult Of Diablos. So, of course Shadow had to be a character worth that role of leadership.

Which meant that Cid the Civilian had to be the complete opposite. For you see, Cid is just another kid attending the Midgar Academy. He’s jumpy, nervous and almost below average in everything. His mannerisms go from confident to meek, and he tries blending into the background as much as possible. But as Shadow, his entire clothing changes to hide his identity, complete with a Domino mask in the original source material. 

In the anime, it’s just the slime bodysuit and cloak, but that’s all Cid Kagenou really needs to turn into Shadow without suspicion. It sounds dumb but mannerisms and how a person carries themselves actually matter more when it comes to personal identity, rather than plain looks. It’s why secret disguises in comic books work too. 

Why The Clark Kent Method Works:

So, we might have made fun of this when we were kids but I will be honest, The Clark Kent method is an actual thing that works. No one would recognize Clark Kent because, well, he didn’t act like he was Superman, the most powerful being on Earth. If anything, Clark Kent was a shy nerd. 

But because he was dressed very plainly and didn’t stand out, no one could really suspect him of being the handsome and courageous superhero that they were in love with. And while it sounds hilarious that a pair of glasses and a sweater vest did the trick, it also makes sense because you associate a certain personality type to those clothing choices and Superman was not it. 

A more real life version of this is Homelander from The Boys, the hit Amazon Prime show that is made specifically to subvert the Superhero tropes we’ve come to see. Homelander is clearly meant to be a deranged, power hungry menace modeled after Captain America and Superman. But his actor is nigh unrecognizable outside of the series. He went viral for being a classic case of the Clark Kent method, because the character of Homelander is the insane and depraved individual, meanwhile the actor himself is just a normal dude. 

So yeah, safe to say that Cid Kagenou’s face doesn’t exactly change when he becomes Shadow, but rather it’s the personality shift and clothing that throw people off. Still, I wonder how long he can continue on as Shadow without anyone figuring it out. Only time will tell!