Top 5 superhero masks to fight Covid-19: From Iron Man to Spider-Man, the masks that save lives
Superhero masks are all well and good for protecting a superhero's identity and their loved ones, but the majority are terrible at protecting them from the coronavirus. Everyone knows that the nose and mouth are what needs covering, but unfortunately the majority of superhero masks cover everything BUT the nose and mouth. Batman and Captain America are the most egregious examples of just how to keep yourself safe with a mask during the pandemic, but fortunately, there are still plenty of superhero face coverings to keep you as safe from infections as possible. We take a look at the top 5 superheroes whose masks are the safest bet if you have to go out wearing them.
1. Iron Man
If you can afford the millions of dollars that go into its creation and upkeep, there's probably nothing safer than Iron Man's helmet. Whether it's made from nanotechnology, or just steel and circuits, this helmet was designed for one thing: protection. Discounting the earliest versions, most Iron Man helmets come equipped with an air filter and keep one's face as protected from the outside world as possible. Plus, you can check your e-mails, make phone calls, have an AI assistant play your Alexa, and even see in the dark without having to lift a finger — it's all included in the helmet.
2. Spider-Man
If a full helmet is outside your budget, consider your friendly, neighborhood Spider-Mask. Peter Parker is not the only hero to have a full face covering, but he's certainly one of the most famous. Nothing's getting past that mask — his eyes, nose, and mouth are completely covered, and you'll always look visually distinctive. Protect yourself and your elderly aunt who makes you wheat cakes. With great pandemics must come great responsibility to keep yourself and your loved ones from harm.
3. The Sandman - Wesley Dodds
Wesley Dodds — the original Sandman — used a special gas to knock his enemies out. To keep himself from being knocked out, Dodds wore a gas mask with the best filtration system the 40s could buy. As the decades passed by, the mask would upgrade, but always retain its iconic look. If you think the gas mask looks unwieldy, add goggles, a fedora and a trenchcoat to your look — You'll never go out of style. If people still make fun of you, you can still always just knock them out with your sleep gun.
4. Negative Man
For those who are taking no chances whatsoever, we present Larry Trainor, the Negative Man. Get yourself some specially treated bandages. Wrap every inch of your body in them except for your eyes, and cover those with specially worked goggles. Never, ever, ever take them off until you're back inside your specially treated, decontaminated room. This method keeps all your radioactivity in, and the virus out — it's a win-win. It's worth noting that this look has also proven to work well with the right stylish trenchcoat.
5. Silk
Let's face it (no pun intended), this is probably the mask you're going to be going with. Simple, stylish and easily procured, Cindy Moon was covering the lower half of her face long before it was cool — not to mention necessary. All you need to purchase is a bright red mask and you've got your best street clothes-Silk cosplay halfway there. It's practical, easily removed, easily available — what more could you ask for?
Honorable mention: Chamber
There aren't many upsides to having your mutant ability blast your lower jaw off and replace that part of your face with biokinetic energy, but it at least keeps you safe from any harmful bacteria in the air. Yes, Chamber's nose isn't quite covered by the energy, but he can extend it to cover more of his face — not to mention the fact that when he's trying to look more surreptitious, his mask tends to cover his nose and mouth both. Chamber's taking no chances.
Stay home, stay safe, and if you must go outside, remember that wearing a mask saves EVERYONE.