iFanboy - Episode #115 - Superhero Costumes
The most obvious way to tell you're looking at a superhero is by the costume. This week iFanboy talks capes, masks, tights, leather, boots and pouches.
When creating a superhero, there is perhaps no element more important than the garb they wear. In comics, the costume is the first thing people see, and the quickest way to make an impression. The creator's responsibility is to create a suit that's both eye-catching and reasonably functional looking. Done right, a design can last decades and become an essential part of the cultural fabric, like Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man have become. Others can become jokes that create laughter for years to come.
Josh, Ron, and Conor talk about the best and the worst costumes out there, as well as their favorites, and what goes into making a great superhero costume, and what didn't work about the worst.
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Comments
I believe the how does a superhero go to the bathroom question was adressed in watchmen. Also, Ron owes New X Men a re-read.
Posted by Gabe on 04/01/09 at 02:35 AM
New drinking game: take a shot every time one of these guys says "iconic".
I kid because I love! Great episode, gentlemen. One of the more fun/playful entries in awhile, and those are always my favorite.
Posted by AMuldowney on 04/01/09 at 02:44 AM
Great episode!
Favourites: Spider-Man (both classic and black), Thor's current look, and Nova
Don't Like: I'll second Alexander Luthor, pretty much all of the 90's redesigns, and if we're allowed to use movies... any Batman costume that has nipples.
Posted by DMaggot on 04/01/09 at 02:55 AM
i have a terrible secret, i liked the azreal batman costumes.
and maybe the scarlet spider costume is why i exclusively wear sleaveless hoodies
Posted by edward on 04/01/09 at 04:05 AM
I like Taskmaster's costume as well, but I prefer the UDON redesign.
And I'm not sure, but I think Rogue has had more costume changes than anyone on the X-Men. Seems that way, at least.
Posted by Templar on 04/01/09 at 04:30 AM
I also like being able to see the seams in the costumes. Lee Berjemo's(?) depiction of Superman and Batman were very realistic in that their costumes looked like actual clothing. (Also Batman on the cover in Final Crisis).
Posted by UncleBob on 04/01/09 at 04:45 AM
Some Favorites:
Moon Knight = http://tinyurl.com/d75fru
I also like most of the Iron Man armors. Not the skin tight ones so much though. = http://www.cinecon.com/frontimages/2071-iron_man.jpg
Huntress = http://www.transbuddha.com/images/uploads/2009/01/huntress-year-one-1-198x300.jpg
Vic Sage = http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c8/Question_34.jpg
Least favorites:
Huntress = http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z121/fabmartin64/Huntress02.jpg
Hawkman = http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/87/Hawkman1.jpg
Other great designs:
Manhunter / Kate Spencer
Grendel
The Maxx
Galactus
Daredevil
Catwoman (pvc and goggles. It works in real life too! =http://www.gothampublicworks.com/images/gallery/catwoman-warehouse.jpg)
besides the obvious ones like batman and superman
deadshot
the question
deathstroke the terminator
modern catwomen (with goggles)
Posted by jets4life242 on 04/01/09 at 08:10 AM
The "iconic" drinking game is all Ron, I think you'll find.
Posted by josh on 04/01/09 at 09:42 AM
My favourite is probably the shiny Wally West Flash costume but it's hard to go wrong with the classic costumes for Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man.
Posted by Ilash on 04/01/09 at 10:12 AM
I always thought it was weird that people wouldn't recognize Clark Kent as Superman just because of the glasses, then last year happened. I work as an EMT in Lewiston, ME and so see ER Doctors a lot on calls or in classes and stuff. So for most of last year I kept seeing this one doc and one medic on most of my calls, where I don't where glasses. One day, I walked into a convenience store (wearing my reading glasses) and saw both of them and they didn't recognize me, so I guess it does happen...
Posted by deezer on 04/01/09 at 12:18 PM
I'm also a big fan of many of the Bruce Timm costumes. Also, Captain Cold has an awesome costume.
Posted by Gabe on 04/01/09 at 12:44 PM
Good show, I am glad to see someone else love the Taskmaster costume. Not only does he have the cape, boots, and hood thing going on but he also a bow and a freaking sword.
Some one my personal favorites include Madrox current costume and Constantine's look. I know John doesn't have a costume per se but his general appearance is so recognizable.
Posted by MeanOldPig on 04/01/09 at 02:15 PM
'Oh and never forget guys; you gotta have pouches, lots and lots of pouches. Right Rob?'-Deadpool
'Who's Rob?'-Skrull
Hands down the best if Jay Garrick, Alan Scott, and Captain Marvel
Worst? Anything Two-Face wears, Invincible, and Prankster
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/01/09 at 02:47 PM
I really like icons
Posted by ron on 04/01/09 at 02:51 PM
@Ron I think Grant Morrison is an icon.
Posted by Gabe on 04/01/09 at 04:38 PM
it's ironic, that i find Ron liking of icons to be iconic
Posted by edward on 04/01/09 at 05:08 PM
You know what? Call me crazy but I love that Greyish costume Spider-Man had on:
http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/1/11233/257231-128961-spider-man_super.jpg
No idea what it was for, nor do I know when it was from. I just remember playing a PS1 Spider-Man game and I was young....possibly drunk (as these stories go)....and I just loved the alternate costume. I know it's up there with Daredevil Armor as being the worst costumes ever.
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/01/09 at 06:01 PM
I like the disco Nightwing,too. No mention of the orange shirt Aquaman? For shame,
Posted by WinTheWonderboy on 04/01/09 at 06:01 PM
I've always hated Havok's costume. Those three ring-like things going around his head. Awful.
Posted by DarthDuck on 04/01/09 at 08:39 PM
Oh, I don't know. Conor was a big contributor to the iconic talk this time, too. I'm trying this next week with whiskey. Wish me luck.
Posted by AMuldowney on 04/01/09 at 08:51 PM
Orange Aquaman costume is one of the worst of all-time. It's like "costume by Eddie Bauer."
Is "iconic" a euphemism for "dated"? Superman's costume could stand a little modernization.
Posted by ultimatehoratio on 04/01/09 at 09:00 PM
Oh, and Havok's costume is one of the greatest ever.
Posted by ultimatehoratio on 04/01/09 at 09:01 PM
Aquaman's orange and green costume is iconic.
Posted by conor on 04/01/09 at 09:03 PM
And Bud Light has "drinkability". I love euphemisms!
Posted by ultimatehoratio on 04/01/09 at 09:26 PM
guess im the only one who hates task masters costume. it looks like he got dressed in the dark
Posted by peterporker on 04/01/09 at 09:30 PM
I've always wondered why so many scientists in the marvel universe wore purple slacks. Hulk and The Lizard have both always featured ripped up purple pants.
Posted by JCBlack on 04/01/09 at 10:04 PM
Speaking of costumes...
I was just talking to my girlfriend about the new Star Trek movie and told her I wanted to buy her a Star Trek uniform. "Set phasers to hot!" Yes, I actually said that to her and she asked, "what are phasers?"
Should I break up with her?
Posted by ultimatehoratio on 04/01/09 at 10:10 PM
Right away.
Posted by conor on 04/01/09 at 10:15 PM
If anything, that's grounds to keep her around. Relationships work really well when interests are like a venn diagram.
Posted by AMuldowney on 04/01/09 at 10:15 PM
How could I not love her? She watched the Army of Darkness trilogy in one long marathon session. I'll just have to teach her about phasers...
Posted by ultimatehoratio on 04/01/09 at 11:21 PM
You know what is a bad costume? Mr. Terrific's
Was he drunk and thought: 'Hey I got an idea......I'll paint a huge T on my face....then have some floating balls around so maybe I'll get some action...'
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/01/09 at 11:40 PM
I did not expect to see Santo and Blue Demon on iFanboy. My day is made.
Posted by JFernandes on 04/02/09 at 12:01 AM
Alan Scott Green Lantern has always been a favorite of mine.
I don't know why exactly. It's one of those designs that I've great empathy for. Sure, the colors clash, and Alan is so rocking the pirate shirt. But there's a real Errol Flynn vibe to the piece, perhaps more so than (ironically) Green Arrow's costume. I might also have a fondness for it since he isn't in spandex, much like Jay Garrick, as you guys pointed out.
Anyway, great show.
-J.
Posted by JamesSeals on 04/02/09 at 01:00 AM
The Guardian has my Favorie Costume, just becase of the simplicity of the costume.
Posted by GreenLantern2814 on 04/02/09 at 07:55 AM
My Least, Wonder Woman Biker, or Wonder Woman's Iconic Costume. I always thought that Wonder Woman showed too much for bein a woman of her class, but hey The Wonder Family has never really had a Good Costume.
Posted by GreenLantern2814 on 04/02/09 at 07:58 AM
I love Mr Terrific's costume! If that jacket existed, I would wear it.
Posted by ultimatehoratio on 04/02/09 at 12:44 PM
@horatio: If he didnt have the big T painted on his face he'd look like another regular somebody
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/02/09 at 12:47 PM
1990s biker Nomad. 'nuff said.
Oh, one more thing. Iconic.
Posted by DenverDave on 04/02/09 at 02:23 PM
I think Ben Edlund of "Tick" fame (talk about a comic that never seems to come up) wrote a story hypothesizing that everyone at the Daily Planet knew Clark Kent was Superman under those glasses but acted like they didn't because they were terrified of him.
In terms of impracticality, the Monica Rambeau Captain Marvel is tough to beat with her flying squirrel sleeves. Submitted for your approval:
http://www.captainmarvelculture.com/images/monica1.jpg
Posted by Jimski on 04/02/09 at 03:03 PM
@Jimski: Isnt that a SNL skit? Although replace terrified with mocking and you got the same idea.
Posted by TheNextChampion on 04/02/09 at 03:08 PM
If I was walking down the street and I saw Cosmic Boy from the Legion of Super-Heroes ( Silver Age ), I would fight him! I dislike that costume....... A good one is Metallo from the Superman/Batman comic, where he has the big shovel arm. I also like Cyborg Superman!
Posted by SuperMoore on 04/02/09 at 04:23 PM
Wow this is the second most exciting show topic so far! (First being Top Cow) I understand that Superman IS Iconic (And I'm a DC Girl!!!) but it doesn't make it a great costume!
Favorite girl costumes: I love Cassandra Cain's Batgirl costume & Black Canary. On the Marvel side Rogue's green and yellow body suit.
http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/dc_comics/batgirl/1_(of_6)/cover-large.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/Blackcanaryjusticeleague64.jpg
http://www.fhqhosting.com/ui/rogue3.gif
Male costumes: Night Crawler, Cap America!
Least favorite: Raven's Bodysuit or skank dress in her recent incarnations. Her 80's look is so alluring that the new looks don't compare. Arowette and Superboy have had some of the dumbest costumes, even now. Almost every single
But the worst, and many will agree.... Is Robin and his spankies. Even Modern Robin, I'm sorry. How can anyone take hero seriously if he dresses like one of Santa's Elves?!?!?!?!
On a side note, Magdalena has a kick ass costume to!
Posted by StardustDreamer on 04/02/09 at 11:01 PM
....there are so many!!!
Loves:
Flash, Batman (I even like the Redson Batman & Green Lantern for that matter), Captain America (new/bucky), Wesley (wanted), Elijah Snow, Spiderman, V, ......this could go on.
Loathes:
Spiderwoman......I'm sure there are more
HEY HERE's A THOUGHT - How about doing a sequel to this and just do Villains this time? Why not?!?
Posted by PostMan87 on 04/03/09 at 02:10 AM
Favorites: Spider-Man, Deadpool, Green Lantern
Least Favorites: Deathstoke, Galactus, Mister Sinister
Posted by omegalife2002 on 04/03/09 at 11:44 AM
it looked like you guys were dressed in the iFanboy "version" of a costume. blue jeans and a brown top (black for the rebel of the group)
Posted by leigh on 04/03/09 at 04:45 PM
How could anyone not pick Dr. Fate w/Gold helmet--absolute FAv
worst-----Havok with his jewel and crown & Power Girl(love to hate it)
Posted by Jesse1125 on 04/04/09 at 12:06 AM
Some of my favorites - Wolvie in Brown (the one I grew up with), Deadpool, Black Lightning
- also maybe a weird choice but I always thought the 80s punk rocker Storm was cool when I was a kid
Least Favorites - The Beyonder - I want that jacket for my next 80s night
The Vulture - he would need a walker if he couldnt fly
Mr Sinister - looks like someone from a KISS tribute band
Posted by JamesH on 04/04/09 at 12:55 AM
A very interesting and highly subjective topic for this week's installment.
I agree with Josh that Taskmaster has a great costume, a pirate meets Batman kinda' vibe. But as much as I like the classic Taskmaster suit, I much prefer the re-designed mercenary/combat suit he sported in the 2002 'Taskmaster' limited and Agent X series.
I however respectfully disagree with what the boys said about the '90s Ben Reilly/Spider-man redesign. I thought the revamped suit maintained the classic elements but also breathed some new life into an otherwise perfect design. They didn't re-invent the wheel, but they damn sure gave it a new spin!
My bottom 5 costumes (in no particular order) are: the original Pied Piper, Puck from Alpha Flight, Morbius the Living Vampire (and his pimp collar), Storm's 'punk' look from the '80s and the white Vision.
My top 5 (Again in no order) are: Superman, Spider-man, Batman (with or without the yellow oval encircling the bat), Iron Man's Heroes Return "Renaissance" armor and Danny Ketch/Ghost Rider - original '90s version.
Posted by phreak711 on 04/04/09 at 07:00 AM
This show is like a clarion call for fans of the Ben Reilly suit.
Both of you.
Posted by josh on 04/04/09 at 09:39 AM
@JamesH...Damn, that's right !! Storm with the mohawk was effin awesome and caused a sort of uproar in the title and among fanboys/girls
Posted by Jesse1125 on 04/04/09 at 10:11 AM
Fantastic show, guys. I especially want to second Ron's love of Cyclops' cowl-less costume. Scott Summers has great hair and should ALWAYS show it off.
Posted by throughthebrush on 04/04/09 at 01:01 PM
My favorites are
Nightwing's current
Deadpool
I loved it when the X-men wore the street clothes.
on the other hand.....
I can not stand Iron Fists open collar. looks way to 70's and i wish more people would pick up the aja redesign
Posted by greendart32 on 04/07/09 at 05:57 PM
It took me a long time to have it hit me, but the worst character design ever (I don't even look at his costume, his head is just so bad on its own) is Adam X the X-treme!(!!!)!
http://tawmis.com/xtreme/adamxtreme.jpg
Awesome Coustumes:
For Men: Sandman (Wesley Dodds, in the Mystery Science Theatre costume), and Captain Marvel (DC). I like old school mystery men and the gasmask just adds to it. As for Marvel, he is ICONIC, without having to wear spandex. His costume has a clasp on it, that means its a jacket.
For Women: Power Girl and Black Widow. It's not because of their ample *ahem* assets. Their costumes more than say that these women are strong, take charge women. They also say "Look at me. This is what is going to beat your ass."
Terrible Costumes
For Men: Nightwings Disco costume and Starmans Red Condom Costume. Need I say more? A costume that looks like soemthing out of the "roller disco" era is retarded, and as much as I like the golden age, I can't take anyone who wears a gigantic red bodysuit seriously.
For Women: Star Sapphire and Spider Woman. With Star Sapphire, there is proof that too much skin is bad, power ring or no power ring. With spider woman...seriously? Red and yellow? Never cares for the character anyway, but the damn
Posted by tokara2132 on 05/16/09 at 01:13 PM
Was just about to go to bed too, but had to watch this. Quite possibly the funniest intro you guys have done.
Favorite Costumes-Black Bolt, Invincible and Doctor Strange
Least Favorites-Jive, Etrigan and Mister Sinister
Posted by drakedangerz on 04/01/09 at 02:26 AM