There are several reasons for superheroes’ ongoing appeal, including but not limited to the following: dramatic, over-the-top fights; never-ending soap opera plotlines; readers’ want to be immersed in worlds with clear-cut good guys and bad guys; etc. But, we can’t help but credit at least some of the success to the attire. Superhero garb is certain to attract people’s attention. A ten-year-old kid walking by could see one of these stickers and decide to buy the comic book it’s advertising. The decline in the number of children aged ten buying superhero comics on a whim is a topic for another column. Of course, this begs the question, “What characteristics make for a good superhero costume?”

There are, in my perspective, a handful of defining traits. They need to grab attention while yet being easy to understand. Superheroes are appealing because they play into our innate curiosity about how things work within the human body. Their garments are composed of this ludicrous spandex material that clings to every muscle and curve of the body while yet managing to keep intimate areas hidden (or depending on the target audience, not even that). It’s a lot like seeing a painting by an old Greek artist come to life and fly. Such people tend to take things more literally than average.

Sometimes, to a greater degree than other times

An excellent ensemble also has striking imagery. Several heroes have emblems or visual characteristics that make them instantly recognisable, such as Superman’s S-shield, Batman’s bat emblem, Spider-webbing, Man’s Wolverine’s tiger stripes, or even The Question’s faceless mask. You can determine who the hero is merely by looking at the insignia, even if you remove everything else. It works with the Black widow now.

Also, there is the element of colour to consider

The eye is quickly drawn to the superheroes’ wealth of bright tones and clashing colours. First colour use was driven by need. As the majority of 20th century comic books were printed using a process that included layering coloured transparencies over black and white artwork and then duplicating the result, artists were limited to using primary colours and simple gradients. Because of this, creators were restricted to using just the fundamental colours. This is why you’ll see a lot of our characters dressed in bright primary colours like red and blue, or green and purple, or even yellow and black. 640

Even if digital colouring sheets have become the norm, the problem of jarring colour differences remains. The outfits are, if anything, more stunning due to technological developments. A meta-discussion about the colours of superhero clothing and how heroes and villains use colour to separate themselves was even sparked by a recent issue of Fantastic Four. Typical heroes like Superman, Spider-Man, and Iron Man like primary colours like red, blue, and yellow, whereas bad guys choose secondary colours like green, purple, and orange. That’s not always the case, but I think the reason characters like Magneto, Hulk, and Sinestro can take from both sides is because they’re more morally grey. This is not a universal truth, but it does occur often.

Conclusion

It’s feasible that current social mores may change. There is a chance that capes and masks may lose their popularity. But, while creating a superhero costume, it is just as crucial to think about the form, meaning, and colour scheme.

Clare Louise