Off My Mind: Superhero Movie Costumes

Should Hollywood try to fully recreate the comic book costume?

By Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero | Jan. 18, 2011

There has been a lot of new images being released showing what the costumes of comic book characters will look like in their new movies. With so many characters being adapted for the big screen, the trick is making the transition to live action without the character looking completely goofy.

Most comic book fans would insist that the costume should be a near-perfect match. Let's face it, comic book characters have iconic costumes. The costumes are often more well known that the character's actual origin. Doesn't it make sense that if the character is going to make the leap to the big screen, their costume should as well without being completely revamped? Should Hollywood try to make sure the live action costume match the comic book version?

Unfortunately the brightly colored spandex outfits don't always make sense in the real world. Yet, we've seen some movies where there is a successful transition.

Inspired by the movies?

The Spider-Man movies show that Peter Parker can swing around in his red and blue tights without looking like a complete freak.

When X-Men was released in 2000, Bryan Singer and Fox decided not to go with the mutants' flashy costumes. I've always said that Wolverine would look a bit silly running around in a yellow and blue spandex outfit. Instead, pretty much everyone received leather jackets with the X-symbol on them. Interestingly enough, the team then later switched to leather outfits in Grant Morrison's X-Men run.

Christopher Nolan's Batman suits are more armor-like than the normal tight-fitting costumes Bruce Wayne always preferred to wear.

With the upcoming comic book movies, I like the new Spider-Man design. Being a tight-fitting spandex-type costume, it still looks great. Captain America's suit looks a little weird. It doesn't exactly have a WWII feel to it. Where's the chain mail? Seeing it in action might be a different story but it looks too...molded. Thor's costume is convincing. The red cape might be a bit much but fits with the flamboyance of the Asgardians' wardrobe. I really want to like Hal Jordan's look but I'm not fully convinced at this point. Again, seeing it in action more might win me over.

Going back to my original question, should a comic book movie try to recreate the character's original costume? It can be done. In order to make it convincing, the filmmakers will have to ensure that the mood and tone of the movie will sell the costume to audiences. Even Superman can look credible wearing his underpants on top of his spandex.

This isn't saying that all movies have to recreate the costume exactly. As cool as Hugh Jackman makes Wolverine look on the big screen, I really don't want to see him try to pull off wearing a yellow and blue suit.

As a comic book reader, I would like to see the movie characters honor their comic book counterparts' choice of dress but we have to be willing to accept the necessary tweaks. When the The Avengers comes out in 2012, if all the actors were running around wearing spandex, it'd be a harder sell.

Unfortunately for the cows, it appears that leather-type costumes work better than spandex in live action films. Tight fits and bright colors will work, but for most characters, they are better left in the pages of their comic books.

108 Comments

tbpinkfloydon Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:12 a.m.

Does anybody else want to see live-action versions of the upcoming Age of X costumes?

Theodoreon Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:28 a.m.

I think films should try their best to capture the spirit of the comics they are recreating, it doesn't have to be exact but I like them to have the same feel. I like Cap's movie costume, it's kind of like the Ultimate Cap costume.

thiagofonsecaon Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:29 a.m.

Well, movies are always adaptations. Something has got to adapt, and it's often the costumes. Spandex sure looks goofy on real life persons, and i guess that's why it fits well on spider-man, who's of a nerdy boy with superpowers (i like this new spider-man way better than tobey maguire's one, whichs webbing was too much reflexive and seemed white/silver instead of black).
But on a soldier, a spandex just doesn't make sense. They tried to save captain's america look, but i think they should have done it strictly as shown in the WWII era in ultimate avengers. it would be much more elegant.
Thor seems to have too much rubber. It could have more leather in the chest, i think. That would make it feel more nordic-viking.
As for Green Lantern, yes, it need to be seen in action.

Michel Gondry got mad at comic book fans who complainef of his Green Hornet. He said something like: comic book fans are like fascists. They love uniforms and are always ready to say you are wrong.

I think he's got a point. If we want it to be perfectly like the comics, we should stick to the comics. After all, it's a great media. It's perfect in itself. It doesn't lack movie adaptations. Comics don't need movies. But, if those happen, well, something will have to get adapted.

queenfrost_on Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:34 a.m.

I actually want the Avengers to wear their individual costumes, to reprsent solo heroes coming together. I just hope they don't all have matching leather

MrCipheron Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:42 a.m.

I think it's all about palette versus background. In the real world, colors are rarely as bright and varied as they are in comics (with the possible exception of Mesoamerica and South America where people have a tendency to paint their houses in technicolor). Either of Wolverine's iconic costumes (for example) would be sore thumbs in the New York backdrop of dingy grays, reds and browns. I noticed that Spider-Man's costume worked well (in most cases) because of when and how it was shot. He was framed around brighter regions of the city so the contrast wasn't too much to bear and even his costume was a few shades deeper than the original color scheme to begin with. Still I saw scenes where he looked out of place within the 3 movies.
Even so, every form-fitting costume is either going to have to be made from a molded material or have CGI assistance. Spandex kills definition unless you look like Arnold in the 70's and then it would be impossible to get a proper range of motion since everyone knows that bodybuilders can't scratch their own butts.
Fantastic Four looked kind of cheesy (for example) but Superman came off alright in this last incarnation. But costume designers darkened Supes' palette considerably.
That all being said, relying on black leather and plain clothes (cough, cough *X-MEN* cough, cough) is completely unacceptable, and I see moves like that more an issue of budget than anything else. When the bean-counters start harping about how much visual affects are going to cost, they seem to want to throw the costume budget out first in favor of the obligatory explosions and super-powered light shows.
I never understood Thor's costume in the first place, so it always looked funky to me, I think not having tiny wings on Cap's head is a good move although the rest of the costume is "ugghhh" to my sensibilities and the CGI Lantern costume is almost pornographic as far as I'm concerned.
Producers and costume designers have a tough challenge set out for them when it comes to 4-color costumes.

moffattbookson Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:43 a.m.

Perhaps not so much an adaptation as a look of a realistic outfit that that superhero put together. Probably why Batman Begin's costume worked is because a rich person would assemble one out of the best money can buy. Other heroes would work with what they have and they think would work and evolve from there.

formated4tvon Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:44 a.m.

The new Green Lantern one concerns me, only because it kind of looks like he's just made of green muscle tissue, and not so much that there's an actual suit to him. In the screen cap in the article, if you look at where the abs/pecs meet the lantern logo, it just looks like when they show a human skeleton with muscles on it.

MikeDanger1on Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:45 a.m.

Out of all the movies that have not used their counterpart comic costumes, Wanted was definetly the one that im thinking about when I see this topic. I was pretty dissapointed with that movie and how they actually didn't use anything from the comic. Second place goes to.... X-Men, Where's Wolverine's classic look?

But some actually do a pretty nice job, like The Dark Knight and Kick-Ass.

Soo I think it's not really about the costume as long as it looks iconic enough as much as a good plot in the story that follows.

Jake Furyon Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:46 a.m.

The only thing I don't like about Cap's movie costume is the exposed neck.

dondaschon Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:51 a.m.

ZOMG ! That Green Lantern shot just scared the hell out of me !

Darthtravison Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:52 a.m.

The more iconic the super hero, the harder it is to change the costume. Try to put Supes in a leather outfit and there would be a mutiny among fanboys. Same with Spidey. Batman gets away with the armor because the audience knows that he is human and understands the pragmatic value of armor.

In the comics, the X-Men typically ran around and used their powers sans uniforms; further, they changed their costumes several times in the years preceding the first movie. This made costume changes relatively easy.

Hadezon Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:54 a.m.

I'm saying that they should get as close as possible. I loved both Spider-man costumes the Toby run yes looked a little off with the stand off plastic stuff and was on it and the new suit looks awesome, The villains for the most part weren't that bad. Sandman was the only one that looked like himself and Doc Oct's new design had me sold but Greeny sold have looked like he did in the comic that was a hey look I'm crazy costume, Venom was built like a brick crap house in the comic not a tiny skinny guy which was stupid, and the Neo-Goblin was hella dumb(character and costume). Thors looks B.A. and Cap's WWII costume looks pretty legit I can understand why he's rocking the old football helmet look and it works for WWII I'm worried about the redskull. The X-Men movies everything had to be black and that was a dumb choice and mad me dislike them to a point and the way they dressed Mystique down right pissed me off dont get me wrong I'll be the first in line to see Rebecca Romijn naked but Mystique wore clothes and just had Blue skin. As far as Wolvie yes he'd look goofy as all could be in Yellow and blue tights but that he's costume they could have made it leather not spandex or he could have used one of his many other costumes like his Weapon X stuff. The new GL costume not bad but not a big fan that it looks the muscle tissue. I dont mind the Batman costumes cuz well and thing is better then the can't move in rubber and bat nipples and they do look closer to what you think they'd actually look like in real life. The Punishers Costumes pretty much looked spot on given the different looks he's had in the different series of his run plus bullet proof vest looks way more menencing then black spandex, white gloves, and rediculas skull tooth belt that would actually be a hinderince. The Fantastic 4 were spot on and watchen for the most part was minus Night Owl 2 but Night Owl 2 looked hella dorky in the comic and a little more B.A. in the movie and Ozymandias he looked alright but him being as flamboyant as he was should have looked like he did in the comic. Now in Kickass I think that they just did a 50/50 split Kickass and Hit-Girl looked like they did and that was well Kickass while Big Daddy and Red Mist not so much I would have like if they made Big Daddy look like he did in the comic but Red Mist looked like a bigger douche than he really is. I know I'll prob get crucified for saying this but I liked the way Ben Affleck looked as Daredevil he was a little more menacing looking as well yes its is true spandex tights would have made a better man without fear statement but they need give Elektra her real costume and get a Spanish actress to play her next time that decide to bring her into the fold of movie land and Bullseye's costume if you can call it that was less cool looking then the comic because his outfit makes him look like a lunatic the trench coat and branding I'm sorry Colin but it doesn't do it for me.

hitechlolifeon Jan. 18, 2011 at 5:57 a.m.

What I hate more than anything is when they resort to rubber. It just looks bad. I understand the desire to add texture but surely there's a better way than the re-purposed basketball look seen in Spidey and Superman returns.

Billy Batsonon Jan. 18, 2011 at 6:03 a.m.

G-Man made a typo. Batman's amor-like suit? But keep up the good work, G-Man!

Danial79on Jan. 18, 2011 at 6:04 a.m.

I remember when Hawkeye was announced in the Avengers film, they specifically stated that he would not be wearing the purple outfit... but isn't that what Hawkeye's known for? I understand if they change it a little from the Robinhood-esque boots and whatnot, but I still think it should stay purple, even if it's just a darker shade.

Darthtravison Jan. 18, 2011 at 6:04 a.m.

The problem I have always had with the Spider-Man costumes is the fact that he made the costume himself. Where did he get all that fancy material?

Danial79on Jan. 18, 2011 at 6:08 a.m.

For what it's worth, I happen to think Cap's movie costume is pretty cool... besides the helmet :P

DEGRAAFon Jan. 18, 2011 at 6:14 a.m.

i think they should stick to the comic version as much as possible but X-men would have looked dumb in blue and yellow unless they could find a meaning to put behind it to justify why they should wear those colors.

Spidermans costume has come across great on the big screen in all three movies and the reboot being made.

Supermans costume actually comes across well IMO or at least not any worse then it does in the comics. Superman returns costume was off to me. I wasnt a huge fan of the smaller 3D symbol on his chest and all the little watermark symbols covering the suit.

Batmans armor costume looks great and to me seems like it portrays the comic one well. We know in the comics, Bruce uses a heavy kevlar in his suit and some armor in all black, i think that that was something needed to be shown in the movies rather then just giving him a rubber suit.

I even liked The Phantom's costume in his movie and all he wore was purple spandex.

I really like the Thor version. I think it adapted well to the movies. I dont think it would have gotten much better.

I actually dont like Captain America's. It just doesnt look like something an american hero would wear in to battle. It looks more like a ad compaign to join the American military or something.

Elektra didnt look great but i think it was an ok adaptation. I think they could have gone with something closer to the comic version and made her oriental or something.

Daredevil wsnt bad in my opinion but the movie wasnt great. I actually like the guy that played Kingpin even though he looked nothing like the comic obviously.

Green Lanterns i like. I cant wait to see it in action.

We all know Wonder Woman's outfit wouldnt transition well to the big screen and most people ive talked to seem to agree the new version of her outfit (with out the jacket) would make a great movie adaptation.

I know it sounds sexest probably but i think women could pull off the spandex on the big screen better then men.

G-Man staff is online on Jan. 18, 2011 at 6:20 a.m.

@Billy Batson: Well you know amor is love and Batman always gets the chicks. It's the way they make the costume form fit to show off his bat-buttocks.

TDK_1997 is online on Jan. 18, 2011 at 6:22 a.m.

I think that the heroes in the movies have to be with their comic costumes.

Recent Reviews

Review
An all-new story told from the perspective of an Imperial Cadet that might even leave you rooting for Darth Vader.
Review
The Voodoo Queen discovers the secrets of her history, the Voodoo Court and more in the latest issue of this Vertigo series.
Shock to the System, Part Two
Review
Get ready for some suspense, heavy duty action and not one, but two crazy twists. This is Captain America on a mission. Brubaker and Zircher are unleashing the Captain America action here.
Review
Stryker's Sentinel war against mutants continue but we take a little detour to see what's going on with a couple of other mutants that haven't been seen for some time.

First Impression: BEFORE WATCHMEN Limited Series We visited the DC Entertainment office to get an early look at all 7 BEFORE WATCHMEN limited series. That's right, we've read all the #1s (and some of the #2s)!
Comic Book Wallpapers for the New iPad Finding the best wallpapers isn't easy. Here's a bunch and what you need to know to make your own.
Off My Mind: Will the DC Universe Be Rebooted Again After Flashpoint? Is it really that crazy of an idea?
Off My Mind: Defeating Teen Heroes Through Their Hormones Why isn't this 'weakness' exploited more often?
Off My Mind: Should Mary Jane Gain Superpowers? Having powers could help them stay together.
San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Cosplay Gallery The official Comic Vine cosplay gallery, with 1100+ cosplay photos from San Diego Comic-Con 2011. Enjoy.
Off My Mind: Should Superheroes Keep Trophy Rooms? It's cool to keep villains' memorabilia but how safe is it?
Off My Mind: What if the Punisher Shot an Innocent? It's his job to punish the guilty but what if he became guilty himself?

Marvel Announces Landmark X-Men Marriage [Spoilers] The wedding you never thought you'd see is finally here.
First Look At Marvel's CAPTAIN MARVEL #1 Get a peak at Ms. Marvel as the new Captain Marvel in this four-page preview of the upcoming series.
10 Comics to Buy This Week: 5/23/2012 Our recommendations for this week in comics.
Best Comic Book Covers of the Week: 5/18/12 This week Spidey, FABLES, and CONAN THE BARBARIAN make our list; what's on yours?
'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' Pushed Back to March 2013 to Add 3D Looks like COBRA will have a longer period to plan their attack against the Joes.
Even More 'The Dark Knight Rises' Movie Posters If the reveal of yesterday's latest Batman movie poster wasn't enough, here are six more for you to feast your eyes on.
Genesis: Mutantkind's Next Great Savior, Or The Next Apocalypse? Is the future of Genesis' character predetermined, or is there a chance he won't eventually become Apocalypse?
First Look at AMC's 'The Walking Dead' Season 3 The next season is said to be "harder, darker, faster, deeper."

Marvel Announces Landmark X-Men Marriage [Spoilers] The wedding you never thought you'd see is finally here.
First Look At Marvel's CAPTAIN MARVEL #1 Get a peak at Ms. Marvel as the new Captain Marvel in this four-page preview of the upcoming series.
Genesis: Mutantkind's Next Great Savior, Or The Next Apocalypse? Is the future of Genesis' character predetermined, or is there a chance he won't eventually become Apocalypse?
Even More 'The Dark Knight Rises' Movie Posters If the reveal of yesterday's latest Batman movie poster wasn't enough, here are six more for you to feast your eyes on.
'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' Pushed Back to March 2013 to Add 3D Looks like COBRA will have a longer period to plan their attack against the Joes.
Are Videogame-Based Comics Worth Reading? It's a GameSpot-Comic Vine team-up as we get gamers and comic fans to assess titles based on Mass Effect, Gears of War, God of War, Halo, and the NES-era Nintendo lineup.
Awesome Art Picks: Avengers, Thanos, Hawkeye & More The coolest comic art you won't see in comic books.
Off My Mind: Why Batman Incorporated is a Good Idea Batman taking his war to a global level has been questioned by readers but there are reasons why it has become necessary.

Comic Vine News

Off My Mind: Superhero Movie Costumes

Should Hollywood try to fully recreate the comic book costume?

Dig Deeper into Batman

Quick Look: Joy Ride Turbo

Quick Look: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier

Are Videogame-Based Comics Worth Reading?

Are Videogame-Based Comics Worth Reading?

Off My Mind: Using Imprisoned Villains for Dangerous Government Missions

Off My Mind: Using Imprisoned Villains for Dangerous Government Missions

First Impression: BEFORE WATCHMEN Limited Series

First Impression: BEFORE WATCHMEN Limited Series

Comic Vine Weekly News: 05/18/12

Comic Vine Weekly News: 05/18/12

Comic Vine News

Off My Mind: Superhero Movie Costumes

Should Hollywood try to fully recreate the comic book costume?

Dig Deeper into Batman