The Official Costume Thread - - - - - - - - - - Part 19

[SuperMike335!!]

Do you really think Snyder/Nolan would put this on screen? I think it's badazz myself. I love the Z on his chest. Looks like an actual General if you ask me.

Looks a lot like a Kryptonian Shao Khan.

 

[Kurosawa]

First off, nice Maroni quote

Second, Kuro I have to say that I agree with those who have said you're being an obsessive purist. Not trying to fan the fires in ANY way, but the thing about adaptations be they TV shows, books, comic books, bios, whatever, is that there are GOING to be both aesthetic and thematic changes from the original material. It's part of the process. But the core essentials of the character are what people know of Superman, and even though I'm not as big a fan as yourself, I realize that sometimes there is a need for change in order to either a) keep the character's relevance to a modern audience that, especially since SR, has become somewhat disillusioned with him, and b) to stand out on its own as a unique Superman story. The costume is ONE element of Superman's character, not the be-all-end-all.

Are the core elements there? We haven't seen the movie yet.

 

[KingKane88]

Looks a lot like a Kryptonian Shao Khan.

lol, he does! haha Funny cause I just got done beating Mortal Kombat for the 50th time last night!


Btw, that Pic of Zod would make one hell of an MK boss!

 

[Nevaratoiel]

I'm kind of disappointed the red trunks aren't going to be part of it. Some people may think it's silly, but I think it's a huge part of his outfit. Just like the big S on his chest.

 

[camp Blood]

the trunks may be a big part but not completely essential. blue suit red cape and the S is what says superman IMO

 

[KingKane88]

^^

Couldn't agree more

 

[Superwoman Prime]

the trunks may be a big part but not completely essential. blue suit red cape and the S is what says superman IMO

This is a reasonable view.

 

[Tacit Ronin]

the trunks may be a big part but not completely essential. blue suit red cape and the S is what says superman IMO

What if Snyder kept the trunks but removed the cape?

 

[camp Blood]

then i would be seriously pissed

 

[SuperMike335!!]

What if Snyder kept the trunks but removed the cape?

Then he'd look like a Pro Wrestler. t:

 

[ChickenScratch]

Personally, I wouldn't have minded so much if they ditched the cape and kept the trunks. The big, epic cape thing seems more Batman's bag.

 

[Tacit Ronin]

Personally, I wouldn't have minded so much if they ditched the cape and kept the trunks. The big, epic cape thing seems more Batman's bag.

But Superman came first and had the cape first.

 

[The Infernal]

For me I've always thought that superheroes like Superman and Batman looked naked and odd without their capes. The underoos for me are the least necessary to make the suit look complete. I think the capes really transform both their suits and it's too weird for me to really want to see that outside of a few cases here and there where they lose them as part of a fight or whatever.

 

[Dark Sentinel]

Are the core elements there? We haven't seen the movie yet.

Of course we don't know what Supes' characterization is going to be yet. What I'm saying is that those are the most important elements that should be retained in a film

 

[moviedoors]

The capes are immeasurably more important to both characters than trunks ever could be. Capes add form and shape, they imply motion and an extended sense of body language and dynamics. The capes help physically personify character. Trunks are just underwear.

 

[Kurosawa]

What if Snyder kept the trunks but removed the cape?

Not acceptable. I personally would not want a single element of the classic costume changed. Only the slightly different \S/ is even acceptable to me.

 

[souperman]

I love the old Superman look, but like it or not, the trunks are dated. In the 21st century, trunks worn on the outside of tights simply look out of place. In 1938, it helped to define and depict a muscleman or circus strongman or wrestler and was a way to bring interest to a drawn, animated character.

Today, it simply does not work, at least in a traditional fashion. Perhaps they could have found a design that bridged the time gap and made sense for today's audiences but we have seen many talented artists here on the forums try but no one has been able to present a universally acceptable version of the costume with trunks or sudo trunks.. I think this is the reason they threw it out and started fresh (more or less) or allowed the suit to evolve. I am sure we don't want to hear the words... Strange visitor from another planet...with no fashion sense. In the modern era, there is simply no logical reason for wearing trunks over a tight fitting sleek, aerodynamic flight ready suit other than tradition. IMO.

Taking "exactly" the same elements and look of a comic brought to life just does not work. It ends up looking silly. Designers need to translate the 2d image into 3d and if you have ever tried that, you would find that many interesting problems come up in the 3d world that need to be addressed. Sort of like acting. If you take a stage actor (comic) and put them in a film (film) the stage actor will seem over the top, BIG gestures. Their performance is exaggerated so as to project to the audience, much like a comic is exaggerated. A film actor, acts with their eyes and small movements that are captured and magnified on the big screen. The stage actors needed to adapt and evolve or become extinct.

They could have done better, but I think it will present okay, if filmed correctly. We will have to wait to see. If they mess it up, there will be another opportunity for another reboot in 2017... maybe an Ang Lee version!

 

[souperman]

The capes are immeasurably more important to both characters than trunks ever could be. Capes add form and shape, they imply motion and an extended sense of body language and dynamics. The capes help physically personify character. Trunks are just underwear.

I agree, the cape is a cool style element and would not want to see it go, but it is a very troublesome and impractical garment. Other than being used for a ceremonial purpose, the cape would seem a superfluous accessory.

They look great on film, but in reality they are trouble.

I recall that when filming Batman , they needed to have stunt capes, short ones, so Batman could sit in the car and so on. Just wearing a long coat can make it hard to move around, imaging having to fight crime with that cumbersome piece of cloth wrapping around and tangling you up!

In a comic, the artist can place that cape in cool positions and it always lands perfectly. In real life, not so much unless you have 6 guys with wires adjusting it for you as you roll:

 

[Nevaratoiel]

I didn't think the trunks looked that bad in Superman Returns (and no, I won't go on about it). I don't see how we just can't keep the trunks (and the cape, the S and all other features). In my opinion that's just Superman. I mean, we've seen how the costume has marginally changed from the early movies/cartoons to Reeve's Superman and 5 years ago Superman Returns. And now suddenly it's so very different. I vote; keep all the elements that made him recognisable as Superman; Blue costume, gold S on his chest, red boots, red trunks and the cape.

 

[SuperMike335!!]

I didn't think the trunks looked that bad in Superman Returns (and no, I won't go on about it). I don't see how we just can't keep the trunks (and the cape, the S and all other features). In my opinion that's just Superman. I mean, we've seen how the costume has marginally changed from the early movies/cartoons to Reeve's Superman and 5 years ago Superman Returns. And now suddenly it's so very different. I vote; keep all the elements that made him recognisable as Superman; Blue costume, gold S on his chest, red boots, red trunks and the cape.

Hey I'm all for keeping the trunks too, BUT the way you worded that is funny.

When someone says something "wasn't that bad", its almost an insult.

I'm going to say that about my girl's outfit tonight before we go out. Wish me luck.

 

[elgaz]

Souperman has really hit the nail on the head above.

The trunks derived from the original incarnation of Superman, drawn at a time when circus strongmen and musclemen wore trunks. Thus, that 'look' was seen as quite masculine, especially on a character who at the time was known primarily for his superstrength and stamina.

In modern culture though, it's come full circle. Trunks on top of leggings/trousers/etc look ridiculous and don't promote masculinity at all. If anything, they're the opposite ......... and imply a certain effeminacy and campness.

I get the argument that the trunks are part of Superman's traditional look, and some people are just totally opposed to changing that. But IMO, things like this - in films/comics/whatever - have to change, and have to move on. And they have to be relevant to modern culture and fashion. If they aren't, then they run the risk of alienating the audience and the item in question will either hold no interest for them, or become a running joke.

Superman as a character has been around for a long time now, and for all we know he could still be here in another 100 years. You can't honestly put your head in the sand and expect him to go forever with no costume updates or changes? We have to be open to change, provided that the change is a positive one and doesn't completely alter or ruin the fundamental aspects of the original concept.

If anything, we should be thankful that Snyder & co have managed to modernise Superman's look, add much more detail to the costume, and still have it looking instantly recognisable as Superman's outfit. They haven't bastardised it completely, unlike some of the concepts put forth whilst Warner were trying to knock together a Superman film over the 90s and early 00s.

 

[hopefuldreamer]

I love the old Superman look, but like it or not, the trunks are dated. In the 21st century, trunks worn on the outside of tights simply look out of place. In 1938, it helped to define and depict a muscleman or circus strongman or wrestler and was a way to bring interest to a drawn, animated character.

Today, it simply does not work, at least in a traditional fashion. Perhaps they could have found a design that bridged the time gap and made sense for today's audiences but we have seen many talented artists here on the forums try but no one has been able to present a universally acceptable version of the costume with trunks or sudo trunks.. I think this is the reason they threw it out and started fresh (more or less) or allowed the suit to evolve. I am sure we don't want to hear the words... Strange visitor from another planet...with no fashion sense. In the modern era, there is simply no logical reason for wearing trunks over a tight fitting sleek, aerodynamic flight ready suit other than tradition. IMO.

Taking "exactly" the same elements and look of a comic brought to life just does not work. It ends up looking silly. Designers need to translate the 2d image into 3d and if you have ever tried that, you would find that many interesting problems come up in the 3d world that need to be addressed. Sort of like acting. If you take a stage actor (comic) and put them in a film (film) the stage actor will seem over the top, BIG gestures. Their performance is exaggerated so as to project to the audience, much like a comic is exaggerated. A film actor, acts with their eyes and small movements that are captured and magnified on the big screen. The stage actors needed to adapt and evolve or become extinct.

They could have done better, but I think it will present okay, if filmed correctly. We will have to wait to see. If they mess it up, there will be another opportunity for another reboot in 2017... maybe an Ang Lee version!

Souperman has really hit the nail on the head above.

The trunks derived from the original incarnation of Superman, drawn at a time when circus strongmen and musclemen wore trunks. Thus, that 'look' was seen as quite masculine, especially on a character who at the time was known primarily for his superstrength and stamina.

In modern culture though, it's come full circle. Trunks on top of leggings/trousers/etc look ridiculous and don't promote masculinity at all. If anything, they're the opposite ......... and imply a certain effeminacy and campness.

I get the argument that the trunks are part of Superman's traditional look, and some people are just totally opposed to changing that. But IMO, things like this - in films/comics/whatever - have to change, and have to move on. And they have to be relevant to modern culture and fashion. If they aren't, then they run the risk of alienating the audience and the item in question will either hold no interest for them, or become a running joke.

Superman as a character has been around for a long time now, and for all we know he could still be here in another 100 years. You can't honestly put your head in the sand and expect him to go forever with no costume updates or changes? We have to be open to change, provided that the change is a positive one and doesn't completely alter or ruin the fundamental aspects of the original concept.

If anything, we should be thankful that Snyder & co have managed to modernise Superman's look, add much more detail to the costume, and still have it looking instantly recognisable as Superman's outfit. They haven't bastardised it completely, unlike some of the concepts put forth whilst Warner were trying to knock together a Superman film over the 90s and early 00s.

Very well said, to the both of you

I completely agree.

 

[Nevaratoiel]

Hey I'm all for keeping the trunks too, BUT the way you worded that is funny.

When someone says something "wasn't that bad", its almost an insult.

I'm going to say that about my girl's outfit tonight before we go out. Wish me luck.

Well, maybe that didn't come out right. I meant to say that normally, and especially with men, trunks (or underwear as one might call it) should NOT be worn on the outside. But if you look at the entire picture it's just right. When I see that I think, 'now that's Superman, not some guy in primary colours with his undergarment at the wrong place and a cape.

It's just the image of Superman and they didn't make it look ridiculous on him (in SR), better than in other movies/comics/cartoons, where it seemed his trunks were hoisted up too high... for a lack of a better way of explaining it.

I'm all for change (to hook in on other people's comments, which seem pretty valid to me, and I politely disagree), but this is just one thing where I must stand firm; You do NOT mess with Superman's outfit (in my opinion).

Oh, and Mike; I would slap any man (boyfriend or not) into oblivion too if they said my outfit "wasn't that bad"....

 

[Wheels]

The trunks as Superman wears them are neither mmasculine nor feminine in a modern context. The closest thing in the modern world is worn by men in pro wrestling.

 

[souperman]

Oh, and Mike; I would slap any man (boyfriend or not) into oblivion too if they said my outfit "wasn't that bad"....

...not badly said...

(just joking)