Super heroes and/or teams with no costumes

[Skytheen]

I've never read Runaways, but with the movie announced I'm looking at it. I'm liking what I see. Having not read any of it yet, and just from some of the images, my favorite thing about it is - it looks like we have a super hero team of sorts that don't dress up in costumes. I really like this aspect.

Is that pretty much the case with Runaways? Are there any other teams with out costumes? Are there super heroes that don't use costumes?

It picked up Captain Britain and MI 13 and I liked how Black Knight did away with his, it seems. Just a leather jacket and jeans with his helmet and sword. That was one thing I liked about DC's Starman with Jack Knight.

[XPac]

Luke Cage is a high profile hero (at least these days) that no longer wears a costume.

[mikekerr3]

Pete Wisdom

[Guest_1001]

Well that's two from MI:13 without a costume, not to mention John The Skrull. I wonder if Faiza will.

[streator]

luke cage doesn't wear a costume.

most of the x-men didn't under morrison, at least not traditional superhero costumes.

x-factor doesn't really wear costumes.

[Shellhead]

Iron Man probably doesn't consider his armor to be a "costume."

[Shellhead]

Hulk doesn't wear a costume either.

[Tobias Drake]

There are, to my understanding, two major purposes to a costume. One is to be identifiable, allowing people to easily notice and recognize that it's not just some guy with spider powers showing up, it's Spider-Man, the same Spider-Man that they've seen countless times before. The other is to conceal identity for a character who chooses to have a secret identity.

With this in mind, I've often wondered why superheroes who do not have a secret identity and who either are already plenty recognizeable or who simply aren't trying to be popular and famous, still go out of their way to wear a costume. Wolverine is a prominent example. What purpose does his garrish yellow/brown costume serve? He's not an icon, like Captain America, whose presence motivates and inspires others. He's not a civilian with a secret identity that must be kept concealed. And he's more than recognizeable without the costume. So why does he wear one?

I know it's a standard trope of the genre, but honestly, some superheroes just look better without it. Because of this, I like the direction Marvel is going, where superheroes who have absolutely no purpose for a costume aren't wearing them any more.

[rZi]

wait....they are making a Runways movie?!

How can a BKV fan like myself not have heard of this?

W

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[XPac]

There are, to my understanding, two major purposes to a costume. One is to be identifiable, allowing people to easily notice and recognize that it's not just some guy with spider powers showing up, it's Spider-Man, the same Spider-Man that they've seen countless times before. The other is to conceal identity for a character who chooses to have a secret identity.

With this in mind, I've often wondered why superheroes who do not have a secret identity and who either are already plenty recognizeable or who simply aren't trying to be popular and famous, still go out of their way to wear a costume. Wolverine is a prominent example. What purpose does his garrish yellow/brown costume serve? He's not an icon, like Captain America, whose presence motivates and inspires others. He's not a civilian with a secret identity that must be kept concealed. And he's more than recognizeable without the costume. So why does he wear one?

I know it's a standard trope of the genre, but honestly, some superheroes just look better without it. Because of this, I like the direction Marvel is going, where superheroes who have absolutely no purpose for a costume aren't wearing them any more.

According to Astonishing X-Men, Wolverine is back in tights basically because Cyclops made him.

In some instances, I suppose a costume might allow for greater protection or at least greater mobility. Professional fights don't go around fighting in street clothes. And in some cases, costumes work with their powers (unstable molecules).

[CJ Lentze]

With this in mind, I've often wondered why superheroes who do not have a secret identity and who either are already plenty recognizeable or who simply aren't trying to be popular and famous, still go out of their way to wear a costume. Wolverine is a prominent example. What purpose does his garrish yellow/brown costume serve? He's not an icon, like Captain America, whose presence motivates and inspires others. He's not a civilian with a secret identity that must be kept concealed. And he's more than recognizeable without the costume. So why does he wear one?Wolverine started out as a Canadian superhero. It was later revealed that the Canadian government had intended him to be the first member of Alpha Flight. A conspicuous bright yellow costume, then, would fit with the idea of Alpha Flight being public heroes (well, public as heroes, but with secret identities), pushed forward to rival America's Avengers.

How many people knew that Wolverine of the X-Men was Logan? How many people knew who Logan was, except for agents/officers who work for top secret organisations or select parts of the government, and his closest friends.

And like XPac said, in 2004, he returned to the bright yellow costume because Cyclops insisted his team of X-Men would be the 'public X-Men', and that Wolverine would be on this team (and on the two other X-Men teams, for that matter). Remember that Logan facepalmed at the idea of wearing the costume.

[Tobias Drake]

Wolverine started out as a Canadian superhero. It was later revealed that the Canadian government had intended him to be the first member of Alpha Flight. A conspicuous bright yellow costume, then, would fit with the idea of Alpha Flight being public heroes (well, public as heroes, but with secret identities), pushed forward to rival America's Avengers.

How many people knew that Wolverine of the X-Men was Logan? How many people knew who Logan was, except for agents/officers who work for top secret organisations or select parts of the government, and his closest friends.

And like XPac said, in 2004, he returned to the bright yellow costume because Cyclops insisted his team of X-Men would be the 'public X-Men', and that Wolverine would be on this team (and on the two other X-Men teams, for that matter). Remember that Logan facepalmed at the idea of wearing the costume.

That's a good question: how many people even knew who Logan was? Logan himself didn't know who Logan was. It's not like he had a civilian life where, when he wasn't in costume, he was hanging out with his girlfriend and his select group of normal friends who didn't know he was Wolverine, while trying to balance his civilian job at the pizzaria. That wasn't Logan. The name "Logan" and a face would not allow you to find him and kill him in his sleep, or identify people close to him to target. The very concept of a secret identity for such a character is pointless.

The Inhumans are another example. What purpose do their masks and costumes serve? Is Black Bolt afraid someone will identify him and realize that he's Blackagar Boltagon and lives on the moon? Is this really an issue?

Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch. They don't even HAVE secret identities. Their costumes aren't uniform, like the Fantastic Four or the X-Men. What purpose is there?

[Shellhead]

The Inhumans are another example. What purpose do their masks and costumes serve? Is Black Bolt afraid someone will identify him and realize that he's Blackagar Boltagon and lives on the moon? Is this really an issue?


Quoted for the awesome truth. Though who knows, maybe Inhumans all dress up in garish attire so that the more monstrous-looking ones won't feel so bad about themselves.

[psm]

Is that pretty much the case with Runaways? Are there any other teams with out costumes? Are there super heroes that don't use costumes?

Supposedly, Stan Lee originally intended the Fantastic Four to not have costumes. As the rumor goes, he finally put them in "uniforms" because of the demand by fans.

And I'm a big fan of Robinson's Starman too.

[Comet Man]

I love the costumes. I don't care why they wear them. I don't care what purpose they serve. I just like them, and I always have. I like seeing the different designs by the artists, and I like seeing which artists have the best imagination. I like the colors of the costumes. To me, it's a very important visual in superhero comics. Just like it's an important visual for sports teams to wear their colorful uniforms. I think if all superheroes went around wearing street clothes, or black leather (which seems to be the automatic way to make a superhero cool these days) , I'd have to stop reading comics due to visual boredom.

Also, if you want to know the practical reasons, the unstable molecules and under armor type spandex provide great mobility and protection from tearing and other things that could happen in battle, but like I stated earlier, I really don't care about that, I just like the way costumes look.

[XPac]

Supposedly, Stan Lee originally intended the Fantastic Four to not have costumes. As the rumor goes, he finally put them in "uniforms" because of the demand by fans.

And I'm a big fan of Robinson's Starman too.

That's interesting... because a lot of the FF's powers wouldn't be quite as effective without unstable molecule costumes. Them in street clothes would actualy be quite limiting.

[Expletive Deleted]

Eh, Stan would've just said their street clothes were made out of unstable molecules.

[psm]

That's interesting... because a lot of the FF's powers wouldn't be quite as effective without unstable molecule costumes. Them in street clothes would actually be quite limiting.

I'm sure Lee/Kirby would have added the idea of unstable molecules to their street clothes too. If I remember correctly, their uniforms did appear (issue #4) before the idea of unstable molecules was mentioned (issue #6). So that might be Marvel's first retcon. :)

[StoneGold]

Iron Man probably doesn't consider his armor to be a "costume."

Hulk doesn't wear a costume either.

If they wear the same thing every day, it's a costume, whether they consider them to be or not.

[StoneGold]

Supposedly, Stan Lee originally intended the Fantastic Four to not have costumes. As the rumor goes, he finally put them in "uniforms" because of the demand by fans.


I'm not sure I buy that, just because they were in uniforms by, what, #3? With what production lead times were back then, I don't think there would have been time. That said, the early FF uniforms weren't very superhero-ish. They were more coveralls with 4s on the chest. But the costumes weren't just painted nudes. They had folds and wrinkles to them. They were tight, but they weren't painted skin, like 99% of all other costumes.

[Tobias Drake]

That's interesting... because a lot of the FF's powers wouldn't be quite as effective without unstable molecule costumes. Them in street clothes would actualy be quite limiting.

If Reed Richards can invent uniforms with unstable molecules, he can invent clothes with unstable molecules.

[Comet Man]

If Reed Richards can invent uniforms with unstable molecules, he can invent clothes with unstable molecules.

Yeah, but why would he want to? A uniform is only one style. I don't think he has the time to start making whole wardrobes of unstable molecule street clothes.

Let's face it, costumes add a flair of the dramatic that street clothes can't do. You think people want to see Peter Parker swinging through New York in his street clothes? I really don't think so. It just wouldn't look as awesome.

[matthewaos]

The Punisher does not actually wear a costume, since Ennis.

[Comet Man]

The Punisher does not actually wear a costume, since Ennis.

He still wears a costume, it's just not his classic costume. He always has that big skull on his chest. That's a costume.

[Alphaxman]

Quoted for the awesome truth. Though who knows, maybe Inhumans all dress up in garish attire so that the more monstrous-looking ones won't feel so bad about themselves.

Alan Davis did stated that vary reason why the more human looking Inhumans wore mask in his Last Fantastic Four Mini last year.

[Dorsai]

There aren't too many plainchothes heroes. Especially in a medium like a comic book where every artist may have their own style, the costume makes them easily recognizable.

For plainchothes:

Jamie Madrox from his mini.
Amadeus Cho.
Moorlocks
Kingpin from the villain side of the fence.
Namor (kind of)
Drax no longer wears a costume. He hardly ever wears a shirt.




However, there are quite a few that don't consider their outfit to be a costume for one reason or another. For example:

Moon Knight considers his garb his "priestly vestments" and not a costume.

Richard Rider considers his outfit to be a uniform.

I thought Dr. Strange considers his look to be ceremonial.

[Skytheen]

Moon Knight considers his garb his "priestly vestments" and not a costume.

Thats a good point. T'Challa's would also fall in this category, probably. He's not even a super hero.

[Dorsai]

Yeah, I think the OP was looking more for plainchothes. But when you say "not a costume" and talking about Marvel, you have to include all of the Pantheons, most aliens, the Eternals, and a host of others who's costumes provide life support, protection for civillians, ceremonial robes, robes of office, etc.

[Skytheen]

Wolverine started out as a Canadian superhero. It was later revealed that the Canadian government had intended him to be the first member of Alpha Flight. A conspicuous bright yellow costume, then, would fit with the idea of Alpha Flight being public heroes (well, public as heroes, but with secret identities), pushed forward to rival America's Avengers.

How many people knew that Wolverine of the X-Men was Logan? How many people knew who Logan was, except for agents/officers who work for top secret organisations or select parts of the government, and his closest friends.

And like XPac said, in 2004, he returned to the bright yellow costume because Cyclops insisted his team of X-Men would be the 'public X-Men', and that Wolverine would be on this team (and on the two other X-Men teams, for that matter). Remember that Logan facepalmed at the idea of wearing the costume.
That was one of the things I liked about the original run of Wolverine where he was running around Madripoor as Patch. I got used to him not wearing a costume and when he was back in one it was almost a tiny shock. It was like - uhg, that looks silly. It'd be unwise to tell him so, however.

[Captain Mobra]

The Inhumans wear costumes because that's how the royalty of the Inhumans dress. It's not meant to be a mask any more than Henry the VIII's garish attire was.

[ivesaidway2much]

If they wear the same thing every day, it's a costume, whether they consider them to be or not.That's pretty cold. So, because the Hulk doesn't have enough money to buy a new pair of pants, it's now considered his "costume"?

[StoneGold]

That's pretty cold. So, because the Hulk doesn't have enough money to buy a new pair of pants, it's now considered his "costume"?

If they make a costume of your costume, it's a costume.

http://www.halloweenfantasy.com/files/details/d_1166.jpg

[princesa]

I like the no costume look for the most part except I hate Wondergirl's jeans. You can't fight in tight jeans

[Shellhead]

If they wear the same thing every day, it's a costume, whether they consider them to be or not.

What about the Wasp? Or for that matter, Tony's two dozen plus versions of his armor?

[ivesaidway2much]

If they make a costume of your costume, it's a costume.

http://www.halloweenfantasy.com/files/details/d_1166.jpgI'm just saying. When the Hulk actually got his hands on a little cash from that whole monarchy thing a couple of years back, he finally learned how to accessorize.

http://bp3.blogger.com/_bdVR-JIDi2g/RiVEIQxn3TI/AAAAAAAABMM/A6jeTF20jic/s1600/Antman_10.jpg

[Young Avenger]

He still wears a costume, it's just not his classic costume. He always has that big skull on his chest. That's a costume.

A design on a shirt is not a costume.

[Will.S]

The Inhumans are another example. What purpose do their masks and costumes serve? Is Black Bolt afraid someone will identify him and realize that he's Blackagar Boltagon and lives on the moon? Is this really an issue?
I suppose it could be chalked up to royal tradition.

[matthewaos]

A design on a shirt is not a costume.

Exactly. It's just a skull T-Shirt. The rest is not something that does not change. Plus in MAX he doesn't wear the Skull shirt all the time (or have it shown all the time, if that matters)

[Kaplan]

The fact that the hulk is violent green does make him a tad conspicuous. Hard to see him as in 'plainclothes'.

[Tobias Drake]

The fact that the hulk is violent green does make him a tad conspicuous. Hard to see him as in 'plainclothes'.

He has a significant, noticeable look to him. But that isn't necessarily the same as a costume.

[Guest_1001]

I think if this thread has taught us anything, its that people define "costume" differently.

[Kaplan]

He has a significant, noticeable look to him. But that isn't necessarily the same as a costume.

Well, he doesn't put it on in a phonebox, but I think for the sake of the OP's initial request for non-costumed superheros, Hulk's green skin is as good as a costume.

[psm]

I'm not sure I buy that, just because they were in uniforms by, what, #3? With what production lead times were back then, I don't think there would have been time.

Honestly, I'm not sure I believe it either. I think it had more to do with business reasons (like fear of being sued by DC). But thats the supposed story behind it.

[StoneGold]

What about the Wasp? Or for that matter, Tony's two dozen plus versions of his armor?

You can change your costume. I'm just saying, whereas the Runaways specifically don't wear costumes, wearing normal clothes all the time, just because the Hulk's pants aren't made of spandex don't mean they aren't a costume.

In this case, a costume is more symbolic of the character. It allows you to look at the character and instantly know who it is. So yes, even if Frank is just wearing the skull on a shirt, it's his costume. It's his fetish, in the traditional, power from inanimate objects sense, not the sexual sense.

[Alan2099]

As far as Mr. Fantastic goes, he's stated that one day he wants the entire world to have their very own unstable molecule outfit given to them at birth that will grow as they do. That way nobody ever has to waste time with fashion again.

I can see how uniformity would be a big deal for that guy.

Wolverine has at times referred to his costume as his fighting clothes. I suppose it's not as much for hiding his indentity as it is for telling people, "Yeah, this is WOLVERINE coming for you." It's a repuation kinda thing.

[Tobias Drake]

Wolverine has at times referred to his costume as his fighting clothes. I suppose it's not as much for hiding his indentity as it is for telling people, "Yeah, this is WOLVERINE coming for you." It's a repuation kinda thing.

I think his claws do that just fine.

[Alan2099]

You can't see claws as well from the distance. Especially if they're stuck in somebody else.

Personally, I like costume. Who cares if they don't make a lot of sense. They're traditional and they look cool (usually.) They give comics a unique look to them that other mediums just don't have and often can't without looking out of place.

[Dizzy D]

You can change your costume. I'm just saying, whereas the Runaways specifically don't wear costumes, wearing normal clothes all the time, just because the Hulk's pants aren't made of spandex don't mean they aren't a costume.

In this case, a costume is more symbolic of the character. It allows you to look at the character and instantly know who it is. So yes, even if Frank is just wearing the skull on a shirt, it's his costume. It's his fetish, in the traditional, power from inanimate objects sense, not the sexual sense.

There is a slippery slope there.

What about Jamie Madrox? He's wearing a green shirt with a yellow symbol all the time (though if you pay close attention, you'll see that there are various shirts with similar, though not exactly the same symbols)

What about Runaways' Molly? Are her hats considered a costume, because she always wears a certain style of hat?

In fact outside superhero comics, comic characters also often wear the same clothes all the time to remain recognisable.
Is Charlie Brown's yellow/black shirt a costume?
Is Calvin's red/black shirt?
Jughead's crown?
Tin-Tin's blue shirt/brown pants combo?

[Comet Man]

I think his claws do that just fine.

His claws aren't always unsheathed, and there just isn't the same dramatic impact without the bright yellow costume along with the bright adamantium claws coming at you. I'm sure it could be disorienting as well, just like playing Boise St. on their bright blue turf.

Also, besides the obvious aesthetic value of costumes, they really do provide the heroes with tremendous mobility that they can't get wearing street clothes. Just like athletes wearing their skin tight spandex.

[Jack]

If Wolverine's costume is made of unstable molecules, then the obvious advantage to wearing it would be that he gets blown up so much it would otherwise be tough to always be buying new clothes.

[StoneGold]

There is a slippery slope there.

What about Jamie Madrox? He's wearing a green shirt with a yellow symbol all the time (though if you pay close attention, you'll see that there are various shirts with similar, though not exactly the same symbols)
I think that's more due to artistic screw-up than anything else. Keep in mind, I'm lumping together costume, uniform, etc. into one category. Madrox's yellow dot shirts are his uniform. Even if they change slightly, it's more like if the UPS guy is wearing pants or shorts that day. They're still a part of the uniform. They're a highly-recognizable article of clothing that is used so you can instantly identify a character/person. That doesn't mean they have to be exactly the same. Iron Fist has changed his costume several times throughout the last year or so, but because he maintains the main identifiable elements of the yellow mask, green clothes and his tattoo, they're all his costume.

What about Runaways' Molly? Are her hats considered a costume, because she always wears a certain style of hat?
I'd say no, because Molly's hats are not identifiable in and of themselves as belonging to Molly.

Look at it this way, when you see a stylized skull on a shirt, you know it's Punisher. When you see the dot pattern on a shirt, you know it's Madrox. When you see a kooky hat of various designs, you don't know it's Molly.

In fact outside superhero comics, comic characters also often wear the same clothes all the time to remain recognisable.
Is Charlie Brown's yellow/black shirt a costume?
Is Calvin's red/black shirt?
Jughead's crown?
Tin-Tin's blue shirt/brown pants combo?

Yes, but outside of superhero comics, we're talking about an entirely different thing. They're all basically the same thing, identifiable symbols of characters, but because they aren't superheroes (or tangentially connected), they aren't costumes. Same purpose, different terminology.

[phantom1592]

I'd say no, because Molly's hats are not identifiable in and of themselves as belonging to Molly.

Look at it this way, when you see a stylized skull on a shirt, you know it's Punisher. When you see the dot pattern on a shirt, you know it's Madrox. When you see a kooky hat of various designs, you don't know it's Molly.


Agreed, but in the spirit of the weekend, Take indiana Jones. Personally I would certainly consider that leather Jacket and hat to be considered a costume. and that's just street clothes, Heck I have a hat and coat similiar that I can wear out in public (although I secretly pretend I'm Indy when I'm doing it:redface: ) If it is the same character wearing the same hat all the time, then yes it would be a costume.

I love the costumes. I don't care why they wear them. I don't care what purpose they serve. I just like them, and I always have. I like seeing the different designs by the artists, and I like seeing which artists have the best imagination. I like the colors of the costumes. To me, it's a very important visual in superhero comics. Just like it's an important visual for sports teams to wear their colorful uniforms. I think if all superheroes went around wearing street clothes, or black leather (which seems to be the automatic way to make a superhero cool these days) , I'd have to stop reading comics due to visual boredom.

Also, if you want to know the practical reasons, the unstable molecules and under armor type spandex provide great mobility and protection from tearing and other things that could happen in battle, but like I stated earlier, I really don't care about that, I just like the way costumes look.


I agree with everything you said Cometman! I love costumes and I don't NEED them to make logical sense! Once a great costume shows up it doesn't NEED to be "updated" or "modernized" It is what it is. Batman does not NEED armor, He should be straight up spandex under that Tuxedo "in case of Emergency" The current (hopefully Skrull) Luke Cage is painfully boreing. I hate his "look"

There are plenty of reasons even the most cynical of characters would wear costumes.

1) Protecting identitiy

2) Protecting Other people who associate with you

3) Fame and Fortune

4) Reputation. Once an opponent knows who you are and what you can do. They will probably freak and hesitate a bit in the fight. What is more likely to get a drug dealer to lose his cool, a big guy kicking in his door with a shotgun (maybe), or the freaking PUNISHER! He NEEDS that edge. While everyones Heart is in their throats and their soiling their clothes He gets a free few seconds to act.
Wolverine may not HAVE to kill people if they realize right away that they are messing with "THE" Wolverine, as opposed to some Short hairy guy with an attitude.

5) Durability. your wardrobe will take less of a beating if you have a set of clothes set aside for roughhousing.

6) Comfort. Can you imagine wearing Body armor for a 10 hour shift at night and then going to work the next day, only to get back into the same body armor next night? that's uncomfortable. Nobody would CHOSE to do that. Costumes should be "somewhat" Functional

7) Symbolism. Goes with the pro spandex #6 idea. The symbolism behind most of these characters is that they are tied down and restrained in normal life, but when they become the "hero" they released, unencumbered by society or Rules in general, Yet then slide into 60 pounds of body armor:confused:

[Alan2099]

6) Comfort. Can you imagine wearing Body armor for a 10 hour shift at night and then going to work the next day, only to get back into the same body armor next night? that's uncomfortable. Nobody would CHOSE to do that. Costumes should be "somewhat" Functional
Forget body armor. What about all the guys that go rough houses for hours on ened everynight in leather.
You gotta wonder how often they have to wash that stuff.

[samson]

I like costumes, but dislike the skintight "body paint" costumes. My ideal balance is the incredible Batman costume design from Paul Pope's Batman: Year 100. He nailed it there.

[CJ Lentze]

She's not really a hero at the moment, but Mystique doesn't wear a costume.


...or did you think she also had the ability to transform her clothes? :wink:

[StoneGold]

Agreed, but in the spirit of the weekend, Take indiana Jones. Personally I would certainly consider that leather Jacket and hat to be considered a costume. and that's just street clothes, Heck I have a hat and coat similiar that I can wear out in public (although I secretly pretend I'm Indy when I'm doing it:redface: ) If it is the same character wearing the same hat all the time, then yes it would be a costume.



Like I said (or think I did), it's basically the same thing, although the terminology is slightly different for non-superheroes. In that they aren't just costumes, but superhero costumes.

[HeckBoy]

Marvel's pretty unique in that a lot of their high profile heroes don't play the secret identity game [anymore], a big part of why I think costumes were used in the first place (to conceal yourself). A bunch are already out in the open with their secret identity being the same as their public one. In those instances, the in-story reason for why costumes are still being used could include: [consumer goods] marketing (I don't know how awesome a Mr. Fantastic action figure would be if he was only wearing flannel), as a symbol (Cap), as a source of their powers/abilities (Iron Man, Yellowjacket's helmet/wings/gloves, etc.), or just to fit in (Astonishing X-Men).

[Alan2099]

The secret identity thing is another problem altogether. personally, I think they lost more than they gained by deciding to have most of their heroes out themselves.

[StoneGold]

In those instances, the in-story reason for why costumes are still being used could include: [consumer goods] marketing (I don't know how awesome a Mr. Fantastic action figure would be if he was only wearing flannel).

Except the FF never had secret IDs. Day one, everybody knew who they were. Susie didn't make them costumes until #3, and even then, they were more like coveralls than traditional tights. Scientific fighting gear.

[StoneGold]

The secret identity thing is another problem altogether. personally, I think they lost more than they gained by deciding to have most of their heroes out themselves.

I dunno, only three of their heroes have had important secret IDs for years. Spidey has his again, DD's has been pretty weak ever since Frank Miller's Born Again storyline, and Iron Man. Thor hasn't had one since the 80s, Cap's never really bothered with one much one way or the other... really, who else?

[HeckBoy]

Except the FF never had secret IDs. Day one, everybody knew who they were. Susie didn't make them costumes until #3, and even then, they were more like coveralls than traditional tights. Scientific fighting gear.Yeah, I know. I didn't mean to imply that they had ever had secret identities. But you gotta admit, for such a, in-story, commercial group as the Fantastic Four, having recognizable uniforms (and not just stereotypical, real world explorer clothing) helps to sell their image as well as their products within the Marvel U.