Great costumes that you sort of hate [Archive]

The Batman

10-01-2006, 03:17 PM

With a nod to pennywisdom and his thread about "Horrible costumes that you actually like" I was wondering.

What popular superhero costumes do you actually kind of hate?

http://www.leconcombre.com/init/Affiches/Captain-Marvel.jpg

For whatever reason I've never cared for the Fawcett Captain Marvel as a character and that extends to his costume as well. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is i don't like about it but there's just something. I'm sure part of it is the little cape that really feels more like a fancy towel than a real cape.

Strannik

10-01-2006, 03:48 PM

Superman costume, without a doubt.

The thing is too iconic to be changed, yet, just the same, it's so... well, silly. Not to mention the fact that it hasn't aged well at all.

Same goes for classical Batman costume. The whole black undies thing never worked for me.

Tommy

10-01-2006, 06:11 PM

I have to agree with Captain Marvel. It is the cape really. Its short, and has weird little designs on it.

Any costume with "Butt prevention" as I like to call it. (Superman and Batman most notably.)

The Batman

10-01-2006, 06:40 PM

"Butt prevention" ?

Kid Kyoto

10-01-2006, 08:16 PM

http://www.localarcade.com/arcade_art/data/thumbnails/2/C_America.jpg

Dude, what exactly are you?

wings on your head? a capital A? pirate boots? stripes on your belly? Just too busy!

Young Avenger

10-01-2006, 10:52 PM

The Jack Kirby's Ant-Man costume. I know a lot of love it but I think it looks absolutely awful.

dancj

10-02-2006, 05:01 AM

Is Nightwing's costumer popular? I always hated that.

Also Hal Jordan's costume always looked like girly leotard to me

Tommy

10-02-2006, 09:47 AM

"Butt prevention" ?
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/4854/c9cx9.jpghttp://img511.imageshack.us/img511/9640/batmancolorvg9.jpg

A long time ago I heard a story that the reason they gave those early heroes man-panties was to prevent them from having to graphically draw the character’s butt. So I have always called them “butt-prevention.”

Whatever their point, I hate them.

Similarly I dislike Wonder Woman’s costume. She is draped in the American flag no matter how they explain it, and it is just stupid.

Punch

10-02-2006, 01:35 PM

Similarly I dislike Wonder Woman’s costume. She is draped in the American flag no matter how they explain it, and it is just stupid.
yeah what's the deal with that?

The Batman

10-02-2006, 02:11 PM

http://www.localarcade.com/arcade_art/data/thumbnails/2/C_America.jpg

Dude, what exactly are you?

wings on your head? a capital A? pirate boots? stripes on your belly? Just too busy!

Agreed. I'm really not a big fan of Captain America's costume all that much for the simple fact that it is so busy, particularly with the stripes on the torso. The only time the costume really works for me is when it looks like this

http://www.leconcombre.com/serials/CapAmerica/34cover.jpg

They don't call him the King for nothing.

The Batman

10-03-2006, 06:37 PM

Pól Rua

10-05-2006, 12:49 AM

Gambit's costume should never be confused with 'great'.
It is the ass sandwich of superhero costumes.

ass. sandwich.

Brian Cronin

10-05-2006, 12:52 AM

Wonder Woman's costume is a great call - have they ever explained exactly WHY she is wearing the American flag as her costume?

-Brian

Pól Rua

10-05-2006, 01:30 AM

Wonder Woman's costume is a great call - have they ever explained exactly WHY she is wearing the American flag as her costume?

-Brian

As I recall, because she was sent back during WWII, it was done so they'd recognize that she was a friend.
Basically the equivalent of the scene in 'Saving Private Ryan' where the captured German is saying, "I love America! Mickey Mouse! Betty Grable! Great Gams! World Series!"

Tommy

10-06-2006, 08:41 AM

I think they RE-explained (in the lovely post-crisis world) it as she was wearing the costume of a famous Amazon warrior (or something).

Why said famous Amazon warrior draped herself in the American Flag I don't know. Look how silly she seems when she is actually WITH her people.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3289/oncefuturegk2.jpg

G. Wayne

11-02-2006, 04:59 PM

...
For whatever reason I've never cared for the Fawcett Captain Marvel as a character and that extends to his costume as well. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is i don't like about it but there's just something. I'm sure part of it is the little cape that really feels more like a fancy towel than a real cape.

I just try to ignore the cape. I know it's inspired by old British nobility capes or somesuch, but those knots just look so out of place. I really, REALLY hope that Black Adam quits wearing his version of the Captain Marvel cape that he's been sporting on and off in 52.

the film freak

11-02-2006, 07:54 PM

Can't stand the yellow and blue Wolverine costume. I generally prefer the brown and orange or street clothes.

Not a big fan of Plastic Man's costume.

Pól Rua

11-02-2006, 08:47 PM

I just try to ignore the cape. I know it's inspired by old British nobility capes or somesuch, but those knots just look so out of place. I really, REALLY hope that Black Adam quits wearing his version of the Captain Marvel cape that he's been sporting on and off in 52.

Captain Marvel's uniform is inspired by military dress uniforms (especially the over the top versions of same worn in Comic Operas).

The Batman

11-02-2006, 11:02 PM

^^^

I understand the inspirations and all that, I still really don't like it though. It might just be the cape since I dislike Black Adam's look alot less. I don't know if it's a good costume but Wolverine's yellow and blue outfit doesn't do much for me either, my favourite look for him so far has been his look during Morrison's run on the books and especially that Age of Apocalypse look.

http://www.susansizemore.com/WolverineConvergence/AofAWeaponX1-2.jpg

dancj

11-03-2006, 05:21 AM

Wolverine's blue and yellow one was terrible. The old brown and orange costume was okay, but really he should never wear spandex. Either street clothes or the type of costume Morrison gave him is fine

Agent Helix

11-03-2006, 05:31 AM

I don't know if this is a popular costume or a great costume but I know that I just hate, Hate, HATE it.

http://www.hikawa.com.br/img5/gambit.jpg

http://www.theempire.com.au/images/2005-08-12/Bowen%20Gambit%20Statue.jpg

hahahahahahahaha

Gambit's costume is far, FAR from 'great'.

Let's go through the logic of this one, shall we?

"Hello, mon ami! I am Gambit! I am a master thief, no?"

So, he wears big metal knight boots. (So he can sneak around, obviously.)

His chest and legs are bright pink. (Obviously, so he can remain hidden.)

His gloves have several of the fingers removed. (So he doesn't leave any fingerprints, naturally.)

He wears a big, heavy trenchcoat over the whole thing. (For freedom of movement!)

And he carries a five foot long metal staff. (The ultimate in concealable weaponry!)

Brilliant, Gambit. Simply brilliant.

The Batman

11-03-2006, 08:18 AM

Hey, don't blame me, I was just told that people thought Gambit's costume was good, I hate it too.

I mean, just look at the damn thing.

Agent Helix

11-03-2006, 08:20 AM

Oh, I don't blame you. I was just taking the opportunity to attempt to be clever.

The Batman

11-03-2006, 09:14 AM

I know, I should've probably put like a wink or something in there. Next time.

But yeah, man is that a sucky costume.

Agent Helix

11-03-2006, 10:55 AM

Oh no. A wink won't save you now.

I'm far too hurt.

The Batman

11-04-2006, 04:43 AM

Oh no. A wink won't save you now.

I'm far too hurt.

Then a thousand, thousand apologies your way good sir.

How's that? ;)

curefreak

11-04-2006, 04:57 AM

The golden age Robin wins hands down i mean why send a boy out to fight crime in a pair of speedos its ridiculous.

Alan2099

11-04-2006, 05:10 AM

Most Golden Age costumes were.

curefreak

11-04-2006, 05:18 AM

Most Golden Age costumes were.
But Robins was the worst.

Alan2099

11-04-2006, 06:25 AM

I take it you never saw the Golden Age Atom's costume then.

http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/reviews/openmike/images/sdcc2/atoms.jpg

curefreak

11-04-2006, 06:28 AM

I take it you never saw the Golden Age Atom's costume then.

http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/reviews/openmike/images/sdcc2/atoms.jpg
Yes i have actually and that looks like a pro wrestlers outfit and for some reason doesn't bother me as much.

BizarroBeachHead

11-04-2006, 08:48 AM

The thing about Gambit's costume, is that on some level, by using some twisted logic, it sort of works, but purely as a visual stimulation.

His chest and legs are bright pink. (Obviously, so he can remain hidden.)Pink looks good on black, it also matches his "kinetic energy" so visually, that's the connection.

His gloves have several of the fingers removed. (So he doesn't leave any fingerprints, naturally.)As I understood it, the fingers were removed so he could use his powers, he did have to touch the object he was charging.

He wears a big, heavy trenchcoat over the whole thing. (For freedom of movement!)Trenchcoats are cool, face it. They're also generally linked to shady characters, which Gambit was supposed to be. Also, he could hide stuff in it.

And he carries a five foot long metal staff. (The ultimate in concealable weaponry!)From what I remember, the bo staff was some kind of goofy retractable thing, that he carried in his pocket.

So, he wears big metal knight boots. (So he can sneak around, obviously.)This is the most indefensible, it's just something added to be more visually appealing than boots or shoes. They are "superhero" comics after all.

The problem with Gambit's costume, is that it's a horrid mix of cool costume staples(trenchcoat, swaying hair, cool gloves) and visually unique but useless additions. When it's put all together, it's quite silly and impracticle.

The Spirit

11-04-2006, 09:16 AM

I take it you never saw the Golden Age Atom's costume then.

I agree with most of the ones so far, Atom is the sissiest looking one IMO, can you picture a grown man wearing that? At least Robin was a 12 yr old boy when he donned the green panties. I also think Gambits costume is silly as well. This thread is about Great costumes and Gambits doesn't fit the list at all.

Dan Apodaca

11-04-2006, 01:50 PM

Pink looks good on black

This is a common misconception put forth by overweight goth girls.

Dr. Banner

11-04-2006, 07:22 PM

I never thought about Gambit's costume "logically". When you think about any superhero wearing silly masks and tights to punch people out, it ALL ends up wrong.

So sue me, I think Gambit's pretty cool.

The Batman

11-04-2006, 08:51 PM

True, if you think about superhero costumes they're all sort of silly. You'll get no argument from me on that.

That being said, something can be silly when you think about it logically and still look awesome and something can be silly when you think about it logically and look like Gambit's outfit.

Punch

11-04-2006, 10:27 PM

The Batman

11-04-2006, 10:57 PM

Enter the mutant called Gambit, exit my lunch.

Jean Claude Van Dame that's fugly!!

dancj

11-06-2006, 04:44 AM

Then a thousand, thousand apologies your way good sir.

How's that? ;)

Not good enough. Watch Oldboy then grab some scissors. You'll know what to do

curefreak

11-06-2006, 04:49 AM

I've always hated the whole idea of Gambit, but as far as his costume, yeah it's pretty bad, but it COULD have been worse, much worse.

DON'T LOOK DIRECTLY AT IT.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y34/punch360/2605_4_0266.jpg
Jesus christ is he wearing a thong over his uniform:eek: he looks so ugly there almost like an evil mutant kidnapping an innocent girl.

Omega Alpha

11-06-2006, 08:33 AM

I take it you never saw the Golden Age Atom's costume then.

http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/reviews/openmike/images/sdcc2/atoms.jpg

:eek: Man, that's the worse. Period.

Cam63

11-08-2006, 06:28 PM

Avoid long/large capes ( how often do they get caught in closed doors, rooftops, etc. ? ), mullets, '80s football size shoulder pads and bandannas, wanker pouches strapped to chests and legs that serve little or no purpose, pirate style boot flaps and puffy sleeves.

There, I think that covers it.

curefreak

11-08-2006, 08:45 PM

Punch

11-08-2006, 09:28 PM

Remember the early-mid 90's when a costume consisted of a trenchcoat and stubble?

curefreak

11-08-2006, 09:43 PM

Remember the early-mid 90's when a costume consisted of a trenchcoat and stubble?Paging mr Constantine please come to the white courtesy phone....

Cam63

11-09-2006, 10:33 PM

why must you must hate superhero costumes:confused:

I don't.

I listed the fugly ones.

curefreak

11-10-2006, 02:25 AM

I don't.

I listed the fugly ones.But i like pirate boots:o

Cam63

11-10-2006, 06:34 AM

Then that is your curse.

curefreak

11-10-2006, 07:04 AM

Then that is your curse.You're going to put a curse on me for liking pirate boots? god you havent seen some of the fashion disasters i made in high school.:(

Cam63

11-10-2006, 09:21 AM

Hey, I grew up in the late '70s and '80s.

curefreak

11-10-2006, 09:24 AM

Hey, I grew up in the late '70s and '80s.So did i !

captain_unimpressive

11-10-2006, 02:50 PM

Buccaneer boots are cool. If Captain America and Deathstroke teach you one thing, it's that.

curefreak

11-10-2006, 02:54 PM

Buccaneer boots are cool. If Captain America and Deathstroke teach you one thing, it's that.Aye matey:D

dancinhomer

11-20-2006, 11:26 AM

I have to agree with Captain Marvel. It is the cape really. Its short, and has weird little designs on it.

Those weird little designs actually had a purpose. They are "moley" flowers, as in "holy moley!" No joke.....:)

dancinhomer

11-20-2006, 11:30 AM

But Robins was the worst.

It wasn't until I was about 35 that I realized the reasons for the bare legs. Robin was supposed to actually resemble the bird, and birds have little spindley legs sticking out under their bodies!

Dan Apodaca

11-20-2006, 05:12 PM

It wasn't until I was about 35 that I realized the reasons for the bare legs. Robin was supposed to actually resemble the bird, and birds have little spindley legs sticking out under their bodies!

That's possible, I guess, but it seems like you might be giving them way more credit than they deserve. Back in those times, there were a lot of superheroes with bare legs. It was just one of the weird trappings of the industry in those days.

Tommy

11-20-2006, 05:43 PM

I've always hated the whole idea of Gambit, but as far as his costume, yeah it's pretty bad, but it COULD have been worse, much worse.

DON'T LOOK DIRECTLY AT IT.

Hey now! If Gambit was gay that might be pretty cool/pretty offensive costume.

But as is, he is a metrosexual's nightmare.

Omar Karindu

12-11-2006, 08:53 PM

Jakita Wagner's costume in Planetary. I know it's a "post-costume" costume. I know, from the intro to the second trade, that Joss Whedon likes it.

But c'mon. It's ugly despite its simplicity thanks to the collar and the red lines, and the red lines under the breasts are basically a "look, tits!" moment. Worse, black outlined in red isn't even a flattering way to depict tits.

I am drunk, so be gentle.