| Posted: 29 April 2013 at 2:34pm | IP Logged | 8
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Firstly the circus Strong man outfit was clearly the early inspiration for the Jerry Siegel and Joe Shusters Superman subsequently Superman's looks was the inspiration for the most part of the super heroes that followed him, therefore it became a genre, with a proper and specific aesthetic.But that was then. What we get from then till now was the result of the popular phenomenon and Americana. Super heroes were supposed to look like Superman (generally) because he was the epitome. So the real deal of a super hero is a character with special characteristics that wears a costume. Mostly because it looks cool and appealing. Thus the idea is to appeal to readers and at the same time being a reflection of the actual popular culture. What was in vogue for super heroes to wear back in the 1930s is not in vogue any more for Super heroes to wear in 2013. Visuals evolved. As it must. As everything does.
I consider that costumes have to be a reflection of the time that it represents, but not only the time or era but also a reflection of the character that wears it, a reflection of the characters own fictitious background and intentions. And also a characters costumes has to be fit for their own function. Today (the modern day) we must think in terms of Design principles: Form and Function. Not the realism for the realism. Instead we find the realism as an answer to the question of Form and Function.
My first contact with super heroes I had the impression that those wonderful characters, all worn "special" outfits on their adventures and exploits. SPECIAL OUTFITS That was my explanation for those exotic visuals.
When I first watched SUPERMAN THE MOVIE (1978) I was so impressed by its realism that I thought it was real (at my early age as a child) and it made all sense that Superman's costume was of an alien origin reflecting its exotic culture, that was the way Kryptonians dressed and Superman was a Kryptonean among Men. I recall Perry White's statement from that move when he was asking to his employees at the Daily Planet what Superman actually wears. _"What its suit is made of? Plastic? What he hides under his cape? Batteries?" It was an alien suit, that looked perfect at least for the true believer. Because in the same movie in the first scene that Clark Kent transforms himself into Superman a street character (a pimp) that saw him in suit for the first time couldn't stop himself from saying: "Woa, man! That's a BAD outfit!" And it was really a disappointment when I found out that that suit was made of lycra the same fabric that girls use in gyms to practice their gymnastics. As I recall it lycra wasn't really, and never was actually men's clothes (outside sports of course). One should assume that Super heroes are gymnasts. And in part they really are the best gymnasts around and lycra is good for the free movements, that's right!
One thing is for sure, no way in the world lycra is bullet proof, or fire proof, or is used as stealth. No way in the world... and BTW "...am I the only one? You're not, Ronald." no you're not Ronald, I say! But I would never went in the street wearing lycra (and feeling naked and cold, unprotected) fighting criminals.
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