Popular culture wouldn’t be the same without the innovation of comic books and the superheroes they created. There are thousands of characters and plotlines between the Marvel and DC universes ranging from science fiction to horror and everything in between.
Among these universes, superhero costumes are one of the genre’s most talked-about features. Comic book writers have created a unique fascination with the costumes that outfit our favourite characters. The evolution of superhero costumes boasts a fascinating history, one worth exploring.
Early Animation
Marvel and DC superheroes’ animation has come a long way since the 30s when Superman first appeared in the first issue of Action Comics. While the colour pallets of iconic heroes like Superman and Batman have remained relatively consistent, the illustrations themselves have become far more advanced.
Changes in attire and colour pallets are often a result of various illustrators in the Marvel and DC universes. Every comic book writer and illustrator has their take on the character on the other end of the ink.
The notoriety of comic book artists has evolved over the years, along with the costumes themselves. Artists like John Romita Jr. still hold influence in the comic book world today, particularly for his bold composition in the Demon in a Bottle Series. Even before Romita Jr., artists like Willie Eisner created groundbreaking comics and taught a variety of today’s most prominent comic book artists. Without these leaders, the world of superheroes and their iconic costumes wouldn’t be as influential as it is today.
Pop Culture Phenomenon
The fascination with superheroes and their armour has made its way into mainstream culture in ways we’ve never seen before. Children anxiously await Halloween to look like their favourite hero, and Blockbuster movie posters are centred around the costumes each protagonist and villain is wearing.
Even YouTubers like Azzyland are in on this pop culture moment, posting videos in their favourite costumes or showing their followers how to create their own. The popularity of superhero franchises and the world of comic books has transcended genres and audiences around the world.
The Future of Superhero Fashion
As the illustrations and storylines evolve with the times, so does the conversation in our mainstream culture. The popularity of superheroes and heroines, and the iconic costumes they adorn, offer an exciting discussion about their influence in today’s society. Superheroines, in particular, are evaluated based on their outfits and the messages illustrators and costume or graphic designers are sending to fans and audiences.
Female superheroes are under a magnifying glass by the mainstream public because of the impressions their designs can have on children and young adults. Fans and critics call on illustrators and designers to create iconic imagery that will simultaneously promote a healthy body image.
Costumes are designed to create an identity around a character and help develop their personality, but they also have a moral responsibility in today’s society. As we further embrace the superhero genre, the importance of the hero or heroine’s wardrobe goes beyond advanced technology or striking colours — it’s about the long-term impacts and carving out a unique place in pop culture history.
