Using Ze Ball Breaker’s Micro-Heroes Site, I will now present my favorite superhero costumes (or at least the ones I can think of right now). If they’re going to insist on wearing those ridiculous costumes, we might as well recognize the best in the field.
Spider-Man (Ben Reilly)
One part of the Clone Saga that I can honestly say wasn’t all that bad. While it may fall into the catagory of “edgy re-imaginings of classic costumes from the 90s,” this version of the Spider-Man costume is dear to my heart. It is close enough to the original to be familiar but tweeked just right to feel fresh. Years ago I sold a lot of my action figures as I thought I was too old for them, but I held on to my Ben Reilly Spider-Man because I loved it that much.
Orange and Tan Wolverine
While the yellow and blue costume was first, this is what most people think to be the classic Wolverine costume. Unlike the yellow and blue, this orange and tan ensemble actually matches the character’s personality. It’s more down to earth and appears to be more practical. Also, it makes Wolverine look much more badass.
Gray Hulk
Not technically a costume but Gray Hulk is the best flavor of Hulk. Green is fun but the more subdued color of gray definitely makes the Hulk appear much more dangerous. In gray, he is less of a science fiction fantasy and more of a force of nature.
Kryptonian Funeral/Resurrection Garb Superman
Another artifact of the edgy Ninties, I mostly love this costume for its simplicity. Superman’s traditional costume may be iconic but it also is rather boring, being the stereotypical superhero costume. This silver on black, cape-less version seems somehow more relevant, something that legitimately comes from Krypton and something that would be worn when serious ass kicking was in store. As for the mullet, I do not approve.
Punk Rock Storm
I have not read the story in which Storm gets this new look and it does seem rather out of character for her, but it’s fucking punk rock! Storm looks particularly good with a mohawk and she’s never looked more intimidating as she did with all the leather.
Grey and Black, Oval-less Batman
As a kid who lived off Burton’s Batman movies, I never understood why the Batman in the comics wore blue and gray. That never seemed like a very bat-like color combination to me. Likewise, the yellow oval just cannot compare to the old school plain bat symbol. Frank Miller knew this when he was drawing The Dark Knight Returns. He may have attempted to explain the oval but by the end of the series Bats was wearing his original colors.
Boob Window Power Girl
I swear this has nothing to do with the boobs. Seriously. I simply think this is a great superhero costume design. There is something regal about this Power Girl costume that really captures the strength of the character. I think the gold rope has something to do with it.
Symbiote Spider-Man
The original edgy costume, the black Spider-Man costume is so badass it eventually became a character in and of itself. Symbolizing the darkest times in Peter Parker’s life, this costume carries a lot of emotional weight along with a clean, serious design that signals the readers that a something epic is in store.
Daredevil
I remember a Wizard article years ago on the best superhero costumes with a sidebar on the worst. Daredevil was included in the later group because his costume is too simple. I say pish-posh. Simplicity is beauty and Daredevil’s bare-bones, monochromatic costume is the quintessential simple design. It is iconic, practical and fits the moody atmosphere of Daredevil’s books, especially when the inkers are generous with the shading.
Tim Drake Robin, v 2.0
Tim Drake’s original Robin costume was an incredible improvement over the classic “pixie boots” costume worn by Tim’s predecessors. However, this black and red costume that debuted during the One Year Later event signifies the evolution of the character even more than the original costume. Forget all this nonsense about Tim picking the colors as a homage to Superboy, Tim is a serious crime fighter. It was only a matter of time before the green and other flashy elements were eliminated from design. Tim has a character arc more defined than any other Robin so it only makes sense that his costume changes with him.
Now that I’ve shown you my top ten, feel free to show me yours.
