Wonder Womans Costume: Should Stay or Go?

[Green Griffin]

What are your thoughts on Wonder Woman's Costume. Should she get a new one, maybe go back to a classic one or just keep the one she has now?

[Mart]

Tweak the one she has now, back to the classic version – a proper eagle bodice rather than eagle-mimicking double-Ws, single pointed tiara and white belt. Hey, I could even get behind the ballet slippers.

[RealWonderman]

Use Nicola Scott's bodice from Secret Six, double point tiara, and the Warrior Skirt...PERFECT!

[spark627]

Just like Superman and Batman, WW's outfit should never change. It is awesome and so iconic as is.

[Spiffy]

As discussed in that other topic here (the skirt/shorts/panties one) it ain't as simple as "keep or ditch". It's not like there are all that many people who want her to change to a totally different outfit. At most, there's simply a contingent who think its logical to continue to tweak the basic design, because that's what's always happened to her costume over the course of 68 (and counting) years. Or as I like to put it "don't get so hung up on Lynda Carter". :biggrin:

Although just as a brief change, I'm actually one of the few who kind of enjoyed her alternate costume back in the days when Artemis was Wonder Woman.


File under "nice for a short time but NOT permanently..."
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/57/WonderWomansq.jpg

[Spiffy]

Just like Superman and Batman, WW's outfit should never change. It is awesome and so iconic as is.
All three of those characters have had many costume changes over the past 6 decades. People have selective memory and a false sense of "preserving" something which hasn't really been all that constant anyway when they make this argument.

The key is only that they stay within an overall theme. The costume isn't the hero, but its still got to LOOK like the hero. So belts, subtle color shades, the cut of the outfits, the shape of letters on logos (or Bat symbols or Eagles), etc. Those all change. And in the cases where its a successful change, within a few years people don't even tend to remember that they used to be different.

[spark627]

All three of those characters have had many costume changes over the past 6 decades. People have selective memory and a false sense of "preserving" something which hasn't really been all that constant anyway when they make this argument.

The key is only that they stay within an overall theme. The costume isn't the hero, but its still got to LOOK like the hero. So belts, subtle color shades, the cut of the outfits, the shape of letters on logos (or Bat symbols or Eagles), etc. Those all change. And in the cases where its a successful change, within a few years people don't even tend to remember that they used to be different.

Right, they have had adjustments but overall it is the same look. I think the modification Terry Dodson did was perfect. I don't like the Lopresti draw its though (flat tiara, weird WW crest, rounded bodice with pointed WW)

[Wonder Watcher]

It's an iconic costume, which happens to look great.

So I'd prefer to see minor tweaks only - as Dodson did.

[Dinosaur Keith]

There's already been a few threads about this.

Here is Nicola Scott's one (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=285233) and here is the skirts vs shorts one (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=285282)

[Mart]

[QUOTE=Spiffy;9581810] Although just as a brief change, I'm actually one of the few who kind of enjoyed her alternate costume back in the days when Artemis was Wonder Woman.

I liked it too, and was most surprised when John Byrne 'revealed' that Diana's new haircut was a wig.

[aegisbearer]

If you want, I can merge all three into one thread.

[Simonesays]

There's already been a few threads about this.

Here is Nicola Scott's one (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=285233) and here is the skirts vs shorts one (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=285282)

Does anyone else think that the "eagle head" sticking out over Diana's cleavage and "=w=" nowadays looks awkward?

[Green Griffin]

If you want, I can merge all three into one thread.

Go ahead, i just didn't know there was another Thread.

[onecimo]

I like what she is wearing now, but i would like to see detail like this....

http://fanartexhibit.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/wonder_woman_movie_still_new.jpg

I like the Greek design, less American feel.

[mattman]

The Jim Lee version for the upcoming DCU online game looks great. A simple tweak to the skirt and it looks awesome...

Matt Z

[DeltaBadhand]

There's this thread too (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=285406).

It's interesting how some folks want to see it exactly the same every time, while others think it makes real world sense to see sublte variations over time.

[SJNeal]

Although just as a brief change, I'm actually one of the few who kind of enjoyed her alternate costume back in the days when Artemis was Wonder Woman.


File under "nice for a short time but NOT permanently..."
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/57/WonderWomansq.jpg

Count me in as one who liked the Deodato Biker-chick look. I have a soft spot for "bad" 90's comics... :redface:

[DeltaBadhand]

And Artemis' hair! Why did I think that was so cool back then when I think it looks silly now! :)

[Spiffy]

Does anyone else think that the "eagle head" sticking out over Diana's cleavage and "=w=" nowadays looks awkward?
That's another bugaboo I've always harped on, but some dismiss as "nitpicky". I can suspend a lot of disbelief, but sharp metal edges and pointy things on costumes? It doesn't look good enough to justify THAT level of suspension.

[SJNeal]

And Artemis' hair! Why did I think that was so cool back then when I think it looks silly now! :)

"Silly"?! How dare you! It still looks cool! :tongue:

[Spiffy]

There's this thread too (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=285406).

It's interesting how some folks want to see it exactly the same every time, while others think it makes real world sense to see sublte variations over time.
But as I've said elsewhere, I think the argument for gradual adjustments has the power of almost 70 years of precedent, whereas the "always keep it the same" point of view doesn't really exist anywhere other than in the imaginations of ardent fans of the TV show (most of them fixate on the "panties" look they first got in their minds because of that show, and then mentally update a few other elements to a period where they most identified with the comic book version and set that version in their minds as "the one"). Based, as I've also said elsewhere, mostly on the logic that its what they like rather than on what the actual franchise has been doing with the character since Day 1--regularly reinterpreting the look.

[ScottyQuick]

I love the Medusa armor thing with the ptergyes and the straps and the gloves, that was just so Wonder Woman-ish!

[nightforce]

I like the 1977 costume in the comics eagle bodice and heels

[FeminineMystique]

Personally I think her costume is fine as is. But I wouldn't mind seeing her in the golden chicken armour again :)

[Xeres]

Just like Superman and Batman, WW's outfit should never change. It is awesome and so iconic as is.

This. If it ain't broke there's no need to fix it. It ain't broke IMO.

[King Rockwell]

I love the Medusa armor thing with the ptergyes and the straps and the gloves, that was just so Wonder Woman-ish!
Pteryges, Scotty. y (or u!) before g
it bugs me how often i see this misspelled, really

And Artemis' hair is ridiculously long, but that's why it's awesome!

[shanejayell]

No costume at all!

I wanna see Gail write a all NUDE issue!
:tongue:

[jason_w]

Keep the current costume (as the Dodson's intended it to be drawn) with the belt resting on the hips instead of high up on the waist, and the tiara with two points, not one pointing down.

The bathing suit design is a classic look, and there's no need to change it to the Xena armor that so many people seem to prefer.

[Crusader K]

I like what she is wearing now, but i would like to see detail like this....

http://fanartexhibit.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/wonder_woman_movie_still_new.jpg

I like the Greek design, less American feel.

Good HEAVENS! Where...what...who is this?? Where did this come from? This is GREAT!!!

I remember when DC changed the eagle on the bodice to the double W. I was incensed. To me it was like someone changing the "S" symbol on Superman. However, over time, as Wonder Woman herself remarked in the same Gene Colan drawn issue, "Who knows? It may grow on me."

And it did. It made sense to me after a time as a melding of her initials and the eagle symbol. I love it even more that the Dodson's added elements to reinforce the eagle. I do wish tho that artists wouldnt draw it "flat" on the bodice. The symbol should...uhm...curve, y'know? One thing Wonder Woman cannot be accused of is "flat"!

Don't need the Wonder thong either. Utterly irritating to me. I actually like Darwyn Cookes greek skirt and wouldnt mind seeing that incorporated but I can see that might be a nightmare for artist's to draw.

Didn't like the Byrne Wonder guantlets either. They didn't seem necessary and I prefer the smaller silver bracelets and the Perez double pointed tiara.

[King Rockwell]

Well, you know Superman's S didn't always look the way it does now.
And Batman's chest emblem's gone through even more changes prolly than either of them!

[nerites]

Keep it as it is or...
http://www.comicartcommunity.com/gallery/data/media/42/WWD_sm.jpg

[PabloD]

Hum.

I usually go back and forth on this. On the one hand, the general outline of her costume, the "bathing suit" look, is fairly iconic and well known. And hell, I do rather like it, especially the way Dodson draws it (I particularly enjoy the changes he made to the...um...gold thing? Wonder Woman wears around her waist. In hindsight, the old one looks rather massive and cumbersome, whereas the new one with the 'WW' look is much smoother). On the other hand, well...it is a rather revealing, cheesecake-y and impractical outfit (especially for a hand to hand combatant or warrior), and if I had to hazard a guess I'd say it probably contributes a bit to Wonder Woman simply not being taken as seriously by some people (especially among the general public) as characters like Superman and Batman. It doesn't help matters that some artists take to drawing the bottom of the costume riding up her butt, or the top almost coming off and revealing a ridiculous and possibly improbable amount of breasts and cleavage.

So...do I think there should be a heavier redesign? I don't know. Like I said, I go back and forth on it. I've heard a few people say they'd like to see WW wear something sort of akin to idealized Greek armor, and I think that's a good idea in theory, but at the same time, while Greek armor would hark back to Diana's roots as princess of a badass warrior culture and such, I feel (and others will perhaps agree) that there are many more things to Wonder Woman's character and background beyond just being a badass warrior. And, well, that makes me wonder a bit if maybe wearing what'd essentially be battle armor all the time would identify her a little too much with that single aspect of herself and her culture, possibly shoving aside or underming other character facets like her status as an emmisary of peace. So...if there was to be a change of sorts, what should it be to? What should Wonder Woman wear if not her typical costume or idealized Greek battle armor? I'm afraid I don't know that, either. I haven't thought about it much and, like I said, whether or not there should be a change is not something I've really made up my mind about or anything.

Dunno, just my two cents.

[BrianPGH1972]

But as I've said elsewhere, I think the argument for gradual adjustments has the power of almost 70 years of precedent, whereas the "always keep it the same" point of view doesn't really exist anywhere other than in the imaginations of ardent fans of the TV show (most of them fixate on the "panties" look they first got in their minds because of that show, and then mentally update a few other elements to a period where they most identified with the comic book version and set that version in their minds as "the one").

I haven't really noticed fans of the TV show being any more or less vocal about the costume than others. Maybe I'm wrong.

As it is, even the TV show costume evolved over time and was tweaked here and there.

Spiffy, what would you like to see Diana wearing "below the belt," so to speak? Personally, I prefer the basic bottoms -- so long as they don't show half of her Amazonian tushy or resemble a thong. The only other look I'm totally opposed to in that area, would be leggings/tights. Oh, and shorts. Eek!

As far as her overall costume, I don't mind minor adjustments or situational variants. The Grecian armor is cool, but I wouldn't want to see that as her main look, on the comic book page or on the movie screen. For a major battle? Yes. For "every day" use? No.

Sure, Diana's costume may not be entirely practical, and, sure, it may be somewhat outlandish -- but I love that about it.

[Spiffy]

Spiffy, what would you like to see Diana wearing "below the belt," so to speak? Personally, I prefer the basic bottoms -- so long as they don't show half of her Amazonian tushy or resemble a thong. The only other look I'm totally opposed to in that area, would be leggings/tights. Oh, and shorts. Eek!
Yikes! There are SO damn many of these "costume" topics going now I'm losing track of what I've said in any given one!

Anyway, I've gone on at length elsewhere about one particular variant of the 'Warrior Skirt' that some guy made a mock up of (http://michaelmay.us/08blog/0926_fanwwmoviecostume.jpg).

[philippos42]

Why does she have to have a costume?

I think the costume is a substitute for personality. By making the trademark & defining trait her clothes, you don't have to write her consistently, just put her in the suit.

I'd rather have a character who's recognizable from one writer to the next, regardless of what she's wearing. Maybe it's too late for that.

[3D Master]

If anyone asks me if a beautiful woman's clothes should stay or go; the answer is always: go!

:tongue:

[pariah-1972]

I like the Dodsons costume that was heavily indebted to classic roman warrior look but still recognizably WW.

[Flying Saucers Over Oz]

Quick note: If I understand correctly, the 'Double W' emblem that replaced the eagle thing was brought in because Wonder Woman needed a recognizable symbol to trademark. Superman has his 'S' shield, Batman his bat-signal, Wonder Woman needed something too, for marketing purposes. I mean, it's kinda hard to use her in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese JLA Shapes otherwise...

[Blake Petit]

I like what she is wearing now, but i would like to see detail like this....

http://fanartexhibit.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/wonder_woman_movie_still_new.jpg

I like the Greek design, less American feel.

Is... is that Cobie smulders?

Oh, wait, Photoshop, right?

[shanejayell]

If anyone asks me if a beautiful woman's clothes should stay or go; the answer is always: go!

:tongue:

Two votes for a all nude issue, Gail!

[Flying Saucers Over Oz]

Two votes for a all nude issue, Gail!

And Gail will do a story where Diana and Ma Hunkel fight Doctor Psycho, Aunt Minerva, and The Penguin...

[scary harpy]

Tweak the one she has now.

Star-spangled black skirt or shorts (but no thong).

It's the smallest change but at least she wouldn't look like the American flag.

The =w= chest insignia stays.

[RealWonderman]

Tweak the one she has now.

Star-spangled black skirt or shorts (but no thong).

It's the smallest change but at least she wouldn't look like the American flag.

The =w= chest insignia stays.

I could handle a dark Navy blue skirt...would prefer it actually...but black...NO WAY...she's Wonder Woman, and she red white blue and gold baby!!!!