Agent of S.T.Y.L.E. - Simplifying the DC NEW 52
Normally, as frequent readers know, this column deals with choosing a character (or occasionally a group of characters) and discussing the evolution of their style and design of the years. We talk about whether a costume change was done simply because tastes had changed and a new, more modern design was desired. Or if it was a special design to reflect the nature of a story arc. Or if there was twist on the character, changing things like powers, origin, personality, secret identity.
This time around, we're going to look at a select few costumes of DC Comics' "New 52." For those of you folks who don't know, DC Comics decided to revamp the majority of its superhero universe a little over five months back. Many titles were rebooted from scratch; some were presented as jumping on points for new readers featuring the characters as now younger, less experienced heroes with streamlined back-stories. And just about everyone got a new costume. All of this has been featured in 52 new titles (along with a few mini-series here and there).
After the relaunch was announced, I did a two-part piece looking at some of the designs that were shown in preview images. There was only so much we could say about the looks at the time, as it was uncertain how many characters would be getting a change in personality and the atmosphere of their stories, along with altered origins and back stories. Now, we've had some time to get used to it and really think about what works and what doesn't. In the New 52 books, many familiar costumes have been made to appear "more realistic," with visible seams and padding, and some characters are wearing body armor rather than cloth. This can work sometimes and sometimes it just gives a cluttered appearance. Seams and padding are unavoidable, and sometimes visually desired, when making such outfits for a live-action film or TV show. But this is comics, where colorful sleek suits tend to look better. In comics, every visible seam can be an extra black line that distracts the eyes.
So we're trying an experiment this week. I've selected four characters with new designs that I think are just a little bit cluttered. And with some help from the magic of computers, I present simplified versions of the same outfits to prove my point, despite my not being an expert with Photoshop.
In the previous continuity, Tim Drake was a young man about to enter (or already entering) his 20s. After having operated as the third hero called Robin for years (since he was 14, in fact), he adopted a hooded costume and took on the name of Red Robin, an identity originally used by a hero of a parallel universe. Tim's Red Robin suit was pretty good and utilitarian for the vigilante detective. The biggest problem with it was that it closely resembled the outfit of the hero called Dr. Mid-Nite. And some fans felt that Tim didn't look great with a hooded cowl, and that he should've stuck with a domino mask.
In the New 52, Tim has been de-aged a bit. His career as the third Robin was shorter in this new universe and he's only 17 when he decides to adopt the new identity of Red Robin. After wearing the hooded, Dr. Mid-Nite-esque look for a while, he hung up that costume and got himself a new look. This new suit has actual wings and is equipped to let him soar through the air. He's gone back to a domino mask and he's added several belts and padding to his outfit.
But the rest of it is a little too busy. So I offer here an alternate take on the right. Remove the extra belts around the stomach that seem to have no real purpose. The harness around the chest I can accept as part of the wings, securing them. The belts on the arms I can also accept as they seem similar to one of Batman's old utility belt designs and could indeed be carrying extra survival gear and weaponry. But the padding on the trousers and the gloves just adds a little too much design. It starts to make Tim look weighed down, which acts against his acrobatic skills and the fact that he can now launch through the air. Remove them, and it's amazing how you truly see Tim now rather than the many decorations of his suit.
THE FLASH
The design has been tweaked now and then, but mainly has been left alone. The wings on the cowl have become more angular. The wings on the boots were removed for a long time. For a time, eye lenses were added to give a blank Batman-like look. The belt has been changed from being a lightning bolt straight across to two lightning bolts that meet in the center. And in the cartoons (and later in the comics), Wally West (the third Flash) added a gold circle around the emblem and made it a simpler bolt design than the one his mentor Barry traditionally uses.
The new design is not a deal-breaker. Francis Manapul has been drawing the Flash title both before and after the New 52. He gave us a great Flash beforehand and he gives us a great Flash now. I just think we don't need all these extra lines. The idea is that the seams light up with energy when the Flash is in motion, but when he's standing around they just seem unnecessary. It's not something that breaks the costume. The Flash still looks good. But I think he looks more streamlined without those seams, as displayed in the altered image on the right. Giving him a sleeker appearance is effective when dealing with a character that's supposed to symbolize speed and freedom.
I will say, however, that the new boots are very cool. The wings aren't really needed there and the seams work well, emphasizing that this is specialized running gear. Likewise, the kneepads are okay since if anyone needs to protect his knees from sudden impact that may result from losing his footing, it's the hero who can outrun a bullet. And the symbol now being raised and having a gold border works as well. Its presence implies that this suit is made of a special material that can resist the friction of high speeds rather than something that can be confused with normal cloth.
WONDER WOMAN
By simplifying the suit, it could make it easier for different artists to be on the same basic page about how Diana appears and whether this should look like something fashionable or something meant for protection. The images on the right show how taking away the extra seams also helps the stars stand out. There are other differences that are dependent on the artist, of course. The size of the eagle-W changes with Lee and he has Diana wear a thin, W-shaped tiara whereas Chiang draws one that looks like it has enough weight to be a weapon and can protect her forehead effectively from blunt attacks. Such details are really up to individual taste and are sometimes unavoidable since artist, naturally, like to put their own spin on characters they draw.
SUPERMAN
In the pages of Action Comics, reader have seen that Superman's initial look is really just a t-shirt and jeans with a cape. It works as a proto-costume, showing that Clark Kent, as the first public superhero of Earth, has no model to base his design on and so his first attempt is a minimalist approach. Eventually though, Clark adopts a suit of what appears to be Kryptonian armor and it is this suit that he currently wears in the other series, simply entitled Superman.
However, whether it's military or not, the suit is apparently from Krypton and I can understand Clark wanting to connect to some part of his heritage. And perhaps there's a more practical reason for the armor that we haven't learned yet. So let's just put that aside for now. Looking at the suit, there are some aspects I like. The collar on Superman seemed strange at first, but I've come to like it. Superman is a natural leader, an inspirational force that the other heroes tend to follow during times of crisis. Now he looks a little more the part. Yes, some people make the comparison to the Star Trek uniforms but let's face it, you can compare any collared look to Star Trek or the military, so it's not even worth mentioning at this point. I also very much like the deeper saturation of the colors. Many artists, particularly in the last few years it seems, have given Superman's costume a sky blue or baby blue shade. I prefer him in a deep blue. It makes him seem bolder, more powerful. The raised S-shield I also have no problem with. Other artists have done it in the past and it can work.
Another problem with implying "armor" too strongly is that Superman's most visually alluring power, and the one that he is most renowned for, is flight. He fell to Earth from the sky and he launches back into it on a regular basis. He's an angel who came from the stars to save us. Don't let him look heavy and weighted down for the sake of seeming more formidable. The coolness (and, in a way, scariness) of Superman is that he doesn't need weapons or a lot of aid to be powerful and deliver damage. He IS the weapon. Let him convey that with his actions and face, you don't need knee pads and visible padding. This is the one redesign I feel most strongly about. Get rid of those seams and man, that is a sharper looking suit.
That wraps us up for now. This last image has nothing to do with anything, it's just a fun crossover image I did on Photoshop because it's something I would love to see. Enjoy it for what it is. Until next time, this is Alan Kistler, Agent of S.T.Y.L.E., signing off.
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Alan Sizzler Kistler is an actor and freelance writer living in New York City. His work can be found on various websites and he has been recognized by publishers and news media outlets as a comic book historian and Doctor Who historian. He is the author of the Unofficial Game of Thrones Cook Book (coming out in May) and a contributor to the book Star Trek and History, coming soon. He knows entirely too much about superheroes, time travel stories, Muppets, and vampires. His website is AlanKistler.com and his twitter feed is @SizzlerKistler. Got a comment? There's lots of conversation on Newsarama's FACEBOOK and TWITTER!