This will be a bit of a blast from the past as it is looking way back to the first ever blog that I posted on this website, which was almost three years ago. In this blog I highlighted all of the things which a superheroine should never sport when pursuing a career in superheroics. In terms of the application of these rules, there is of course little logic, and fan service generally wins out over what actually makes, but there is one place where it has more of a tendency to work than others, that being in the cinematic universes of DC and Marvel.

For just a quick look at how that works, look at the Black Widow costume as is being promoted for the new movie:

The rules were pretty simple and I will just go over them quickly

No pantyhose or fishnets - With the military inspired uniform, more designed for practicality than looks (though it works well on that too) this one gets a pass.

Cleavage - As I mentioned exposing cleavage during battles is going to lead to a lot of trauma. In this case, the uniform almost gets a passing grade, though some of that can be given away to the fact that the the characters as seen in the movies is often fully done up.

No colour - Just like Batman, colour is going to make you a target. This uniform passes again.

High Heels - Another check mark, any functional footwear here.

Loose Hair - Incidentally the character that I used to illustrate this the first time was Scarlett Johanssen in Iron Man 2. Not much has changed except being straightened. On a list of movie sins though this isn't that bad, just as bad as James Bond wearing a tie.

Jewelry - I can't be certain but it appears ok.

Sexualized attire - Also good, though ScarJo makes most stuff look good regardless. She could probably wear a potato sack and still make the cover of Vogue.

It is pretty interesting to see that the evolution of the superheroine costume is towards something more reasonable, at least on the big screen. As a big proponent of the post issue 600 look for Wonder Woman, it gives me some hope that the character on the big screen might not look as bad as well.