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The Spinner Rack should be up shortly. My island (yes, mine) lost the internet last night. Sorry for the lateness. Just another downside to living in rural Alaska. That, and having to look at Russian every morning while I'm drinking my coffee.
Mark Twain said “The clothes make the man. Naked people have no influence on society.” Not sure whether or not that statement is true, but when it comes to the world of superheroes and villains, there’s no doubt that a good costume can make or break a hero. Imagine if Batman had appeared as Bob Kane had originally drawn him, with a red costume and domino mask. you would not think the character would’ve had the longevity that he’s had. But the design that Batman ended up with is nothing short of iconic – you can recognize him in silhouette. Conversely, a character with a crappy costume will go nowhere. Unless your name is Brainiac – that guy rocked the pink tights for years and was as dastardly as they come. Of course, he never did defeat Superman, did he?
The Silver-Age Flash and Green Lantern. Much love for both of these guys’ costumes in previous columns. In a world filled with the classic cape-trunks-boots color scheme (see Batman or Superman for an example), these guys look like something from another planet. Actually, Green Lantern’s costume is from another planet, proving that style is universal. Both costumes are sleek and have an aerodynamic look to them, which perfectly suits both characters: a test pilot and the fastest man on the planet, and an iconic logo that is easily recognized. No capes, no shorts… heck, these guys don’t even have belts on! And have I mentioned my love of gloves and boots that don’t match? Killer. Green Lantern even ups the ante by introducing a third color to his color scheme. All-in-all, these guys set the bar for sweet superhero costumes. Kudos to Gil Kane (Green Lantern) and Carmine Infantino (Flash) for coming up with unique costumes that still hold up today.
Showcase #4 introduced the Silver Age Flash and a sleek new costume design
With Green Lantern #1, the fashionable new hero gets his own title.
While we’re on the subject of sleek and aerodynamic costumes, have you heard that black is the new red-and-blue? It’s true and the next two guys on my list exemplify that credo: Havok and Spider-Man. Havok’s original 1970’s look was simple: a black bodysuit and a mask with eyeholes so ridiculously large, there’s no way it could possibly conceal his identity. Add a funky three-pronged headpiece and you’re done. Havok’s powers did the rest, creating concentric circles of energy and giving the costume a “logo” of sorts.
As for Spider-Man… his original costume is legendary and quite awesome in it’s own right, the black and white suit (created by Mike Zeck) blew everyone's mind and left tiny chunks of brain on the wall behind them. It was the first time anyone had seen change of that sort in a comic book. Comic lovers rambled about possible theories while riding the bus home from school: did Spider-Man turn evil? Was it a different person under the mask? We couldn’t believe it, but most of all, we couldn’t believe how unbelievably awesome it looked. The black suit has since been transferred over to Venom (and then back to Spidey and then back to Venom) and it’s become quite commonplace since then. Seeing the cover for Secret Wars #8 or Amazing Spider-Man #252, chills go down the spine. Ah, the good old days.
With Amazing Spider-Man #252, a mysterious new webslinger arrives on the scene.
Havok is back in black on the cover of X-Men #97
Here are a two costumed greats are a couple of villains who bear a striking resemblance to each other. George Pérez gave Taskmaster and Deathstroke a blue-white-orange color scheme, buccaneer boots and an assortment of similar weapons when he created them back in 1980. And nothing says “I’m going to kick your ass” like flared gloves. You know these guys are badass because most villains dress in scary colors like purple and green or basic black. These guys not only sported three-color-combos (which included ORANGE), they wore gigantic boots and gloves. These are the type of dudes who wore their polyester shirts unbuttoned down to their navel with huge gold medallions laid atop their Burt Reynolds-like chest hair – and they went home with three chicks each every single night.
And this was in 1980… polyester shirts weren’t even cool anymore!
Seriously, I dare you to make fun of Deathstroke's boots.
A harsh Taskmaster covers The Avengers #196
Golden Age hero Dr. Mid-Nite and modern-day former Robin Red Robin. The majority of the credit for the design has to go to artist Stanley Josephs Aschmeier but Alex Ross deserves some kudos for designing Red Robin. There have been a few different people under the Red Robin mask since it first appeared in Kingdom Come. Who could care less who it is – that costume looks exactly how one would imagine Robin would look when he grows up. It’s a perfect combination of Robin, Mid-Nite and Batman from the 1989 movie and it all adds up to 100% awesome.
Dr. Mid-Nite dominates the cover of JSA #8
The all new, all original phase of the career of Tim Wayne (née Drake) starts in RED ROBIN #1
And speaking of grown-up Robins, this is a special spot on this list to Robin of Earth-2. No, we're not talking about that hideous almost-identical-to-Batman suit with a yellow cape that he wore when he first showed up, we are talking about the one with the long sleeves and yellow legs. I might be in the minority when I praise this costume, but let me set the stage: It’s 1986 and I’m 10 years old. My favorite comics are Who’s Who and The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe and I am slowly but surely becoming the lovable and annoying fanboy that you see before you. Here I am, perusing the latest issue of Who’s Who (it’s the R’s) that I picked up at my local 7-11 when lo and behold I find a different version of Robin that looks… well, it looks like a self-respecting hero should look. I mean, let’s face it, any 12-year old boy who becomes a sidekick isn’t going to want to wear pixie boots and no pants. It’s just weird. But this suit… this suit actually looked pretty kick-ass! The way Robin should look. Reading the text, I discovered that this was the Robin of Earth-2 all grown up. Never could figure out why he didn’t wear that costume in the regular DCU and it still holds a special place in a comic lover's heart. It’s less about how the costume looks and more about the memories it brings up.
All we can say is, Earth 2 Robin is a very secure man.
Starman of the Justice Society of America, better known as Starboy of the Legion of Superheroes. From head-to-toe, it’s simple black with an array of stars all over it, offset by white boots and gloves: another simple but classic look. Whether he’s got the full face mask or no mask at all (because having a beard is actually something of a rarity in the superhero world as well), this costume screams awesome. He’s covered in outer space! How cool is that?
Alex Ross gives the new Starman a particularly cosmic appearance on the cover of JSA #2
Who else but Jack Kirby could come up with an otherworldly escape artist/god like Mr. Miracle? As you can probably tell by now, I tend to favor the full-body costumes with not-so-standard designs. Nobody came up with interesting designs like The King. And while I’m raving about his costume, how about that name? Mr. Miracle. Say it out loud – it’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s astonishing and bold. In short, it’s everything a superhero should be. And he’s got a sweet cape with a huge 70’s style collar that he takes off when he’s fighting evil or escaping a death trap! You never see Batman or Superman take off their capes, but Mr. Miracle had enough common sense to know that there’s a time for making an entrance and looking smooth and there’s a time for rolling up your sleeves (or dropping your cape) and whupping some butt.
Mr. Miracle (and wife Big Barda) bust out from the cover of Jack Kirby's FOURTH WORLD
Costumes, capes and cowls are cool and so are tattoos. Here are a few folks with tattoos featuring a variety of sweet-looking superheroes and characters from other related genres.
When you’re talking about badassery, few can top Boba Fett or his papa, Jango Fett.
Rorschach anyone?
It’s not a superhero, but damn this Tetris tattoo looks awesome.
Again, not a superhero. But it’s a 3D tattoo! Put your glasses on and see if it works!
And of course, there’s your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Come back next week – maybe I’ll run down my all-time least favorite superhero costumes. In the meantime, stay tuned for The Spinner Rack and Ben’s 10, in which Ben manages to come up with some really good recommendations despite suffering a closed-head injury (you know I love ya, Benny!)
By Ben Johnson and, well, I’m super late so probably not Chad Derdowski
ABSTRACT STUDIOS
Terry Moores Echo #13, $3.50
Ben: What is this about… bout… out…?
AMAZE INK/SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS
Strange Eggs Jumps The Shark, $4.95
ANTARCTIC PRESS
Bad Kids Go To Hell #1 (of 3), $3.50
Ben: See you there Chad.
Gold Digger #108, $2.99
Gold Digger Peebo Tales Special #5, $3.50
Gold Digger Tech Manual #5, $3.99
Gold Digger Tiffany & Charlotte 2nd Semester #1 (of 4), $3.99
Rod Espinosa Prince Of Heroes Chapter 2 #4, $3.99
ASPEN ENTERTAINMENT
Soulfire #10 (Joe Benitez Cover)(resolicited), $3.99
Soulfire #10 (Michael Turner Cover)(resolicited), $3.99
AVATAR PRESS
Crossed #0-4 Bag Set, $17.99
Crossed #6 (of 9)(Regular Cover), $3.99
Ben: Just in case your soul wasn’t already a total mess.
Crossed #6 (of 9)(Red Crossed Incentive Cover), AR
Crossed #6 (of 9)(Wrap Cover), $3.99
Gravel #12 (Regular Cover), $3.99
Gravel #12 (Black Magic Incentive Cover), AR
Gravel #12 (Wrap Cover), $3.99
BERSERKER
Church Of Hell #2, $3.99
BONGO COMICS
Simpsons Super Spectacular #9, $2.99
BOOM! STUDIOS
Dead Run #2 (Cover A), $3.99
Dead Run #2 (Cover B), $3.99
Farscape Strange Detractors #4 (of 4)(Cover A), $3.99
Farscape Strange Detractors #4 (of 4)(Cover B), $3.99
Finding Nemo Reef Rescue #1 (of 4)(Cover A), $2.99
Finding Nemo Reef Rescue #1 (of 4)(Cover B), $2.99
Finding Nemo Reef Rescue #1 (of 4)(Incentive Variant Cover), AR
Irredeemable #4 (Cover A), $3.99
Ben: It’s picking up, but it feels as if I’ve read this all before.
Irredeemable #4 (Cover B), $3.99
Irredeemable #4 (Jeffrey Spokes Variant Incentive Cover), AR
Mr Stuffins #3 (New Edition)(Cover A), $3.99
Mr Stuffins #3 (New Edition)(Cover B), $3.99
Muppet Robin Hood #2 (of 4)(Cover A), $2.99
Muppet Robin Hood #2 (of 4)(Cover B), $2.99
Muppet Show #4 (of 4)(Cover A), $2.99
Muppet Show #4 (of 4)(Cover B), $2.99
Toy Story Mysterious Stranger #2 (of 4)(Cover A), $2.99
Ben: Every once in a while some random dude shows up and unloads round after round into Buzz, Woody and friends (five geek points if you get the reference).
Toy Story Mysterious Stranger #2 (of 4)(Cover B), $2.99
DARK HORSE
Buffy The Vampire Slayer #26 (Season 8)(Jo Chen Regular Cover), $2.99
Buffy The Vampire Slayer #26 (Season 8)(Georges Jeanty Variant Cover), $2.99
Fafhrd And The Gray Mouser TP (3rd Printing), AR
Goon TP Vol 8 Those That Is Damned, $15.95
Oh My Goddess TP Vol 12, $10.95
POP Wonderland HC Volume 1 Thumbelina, $16.95
Ben: It’s safe again kids, it’s safe again.
Solomon Kane TP Vol 1 Castle Of The Devil, $15.95
Star Wars Invasion #1 (of 5), $2.99
Unbound Saga (One Shot), $3.50
Ben: Bring your own staples.
Witchfinder In The Service Of Angels #1, $2.99
DC COMICS
Astro City The Dark Age Book Three #3 (of 4), $3.99
Authority #12, $2.99
Bang Tango #6 (of 6), $2.99
Batman And Robin #2 (Frank Quitely Regular Cover), $2.99
Batman and Robin #2 (Andy Kubert Variant Cover), AR
Batman Confidential #31, $2.99
Brave And The Bold Without Sin TP, $17.99
Broken Blade TP Vol 1, $9.99
Dead Romeo #4 (of 6), $2.99
El Diablo The Haunted Horseman TP, $17.99
Emma TP Vol 9, $9.99
Final Crisis Aftermath Run #3 (of 6), $2.99
Gears Of War #8, $3.99
Greek Street #1, $1.00
Ben: Phi Alpha Lame
Green Lantern Corps #38 (Patrick Gleason & Rebecca Buchman Regular Cover)(Blackest Night Prelude), $2.99
Green Lantern Corps #38 (Rodolfo Migliari Variant Cover)(Blackest Night Prelude), AR
Green Lantern Rage Of The Red Lanterns HC, $24.99
Green Lantern Rebirth #1 (Special Edition), $1.00
Jonah Hex #45, $2.99
Justice League Cry For Justice #1 (of 6)(Cover A Mauro Cascioli 'Left Side Of The Image'), $3.99
Justice League Cry For Justice #1 (of 6)(Cover B Mauro Cascioli 'Right Side Of The Image'), $3.99
Looney Tunes #176, $2.50
Mighty #6, $2.99
Secret Six #11, $2.99
Solomon Grundy #5 (of 7), $2.99
Strange Adventures #5 (of 8), $3.99
Y The Last Man #1 (Special Edition), $1.00
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Battlestar Galactica Final Five #4 (of 4)(Mel Rubi Regular Cover), $3.99
Battlestar Galactica Final Five #4 (of 4)(Nigel Raynor Variant Cover), AR
Boys #32, $2.99
Ben: Damn I could think a topical joke to go along with this one but… too soon.
Boys TP Vol 4 We Gotta Go Now, $19.99
Lone Ranger HC Vol 3, $19.99
Lone Ranger TP Vol 3 Scorched Earth, $14.99
Masqurade #4 (Foil Cover)(Release not confirmed by Diamond Distribution), AR
Red Sonja TP Vol 6 Death (Release not confirmed by Diamond Distribution), $19.99
FANTAGRAPHICS
Comics Journal #298, $11.99
Tales Designed To Thrizzle HC Vol 1 (Release not confirmed by Diamond Distribution), $24.99
HEAVY METAL MAGAZINE
Forgotten HC Vol 2, $14.95
HERMES PRESS
Buck Rogers In The 25th Century Complete Newspaper Dailies HC Vol 2 1930-1932, $39.99
Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea Complete Series HC Vol 1, $49.99
HORRORHOUND LTD
Horrorhound #18, $6.99
IDW PUBLISHING
American McGees Grimm #3 (Grant Bond Regular Cover), $3.99
American McGees Grimm #3 (Ben Templesmith Variant Cover), AR
Angel #23 (Angel: Aftermath)(Cover A), $3.99
Angel #23 (Angel: Aftermath)(Cover B), $3.99
Angel #23 (Angel: Aftermath)(Franco Urru Sketch Variant Cover), AR
Angel #23 (Angel: Aftermath)(Nick Runge Virgin Cover), AR
Art Of Michael Parkes HC II, $65.00
Classic GI Joe TP Vol 4, $19.99
Classic Transformers TP Vol 4, $19.99
Doctor Who Classics Series 2 #8 (Steve Parkhouse Regular Cover), $3.99
Doctor Who Classics Series 2 #8 (Steve Parkhouse Retro Art Variant Cover), AR
GI Joe Combat Heroes HC Vol 1 We Are GI Joe, $9.99
GI Joe Movie Adaptation #1 (of 4)(Casey Maloney Cover), $3.99
GI Joe Movie Adaptation #1 (of 4)(Photo Cover), $3.99
Locke & Key Head Games #6, $3.99
Star Trek II The Wrath Of Khan #3 (Cover A), $3.99
Star Trek II The Wrath Of Khan #3 (Cover B), $3.99
Star Trek II The Wrath Of Khan #3 (David Deitrick Variant Cover), AR
Star Trek Omnibus TP Vol 2 Early Voyages, $24.99
Transformers Spotlight Metroplex (Guido Guidi Regular Cover), $3.99
Transformers Spotlight Metroplex (Marcelo Matere Regular Cover), $3.99
Transformers Spotlight Metroplex (Marcelo Matere Virgin Cover), AR
IMAGE COMICS
Astounding Wolf-Man #17 (Jason Howard Regular Cover), $2.99
Ben: I just dig the hell out of Kirkman.
Astounding Wolf-Man #17 (Ian Churchill Variant Cover), AR
Chew #1 (2nd Printing), $2.99
Chew #2, $2.99
Existence 2.0 #1 (of 3), $3.50
Firebreather TP Vol 1 (New Printing), $14.99
Savage Dragon #149 (2nd Printing), $3.50
Savage Dragon #150 (Erik Larsen Regular Cover), $5.99
Savage Dragon #150 (Erik Larsen Variant Cover), AR
Spawn #193 (Greg Capullo Color Cover), $2.95
Spawn #193 (Greg Capullo Black & White Cover), $2.95
Spawn Endgame TP Vol 1, $14.99
Sword #18, $2.99
Witchblade #128 (Cover A Stjepan Sejic), $2.99
Witchblade #128 (Cover B Luke Ross), $2.99
KENZER & COMPANY
Knights Of The Dinner Table #152, $4.99
KING HELL
Brat Pack TP (New Edition), $19.95
KRAUSE PUBLICATIONS
Writing For Comics & Graphic Novels With Peter David TP (Revised Edition), $22.99
LAST GASP
Banskys Bristol Home Sweet Home HC, $24.95
Ben: Those Palins are everywhere.
LITTLE ROCKET PUBLICATIONS
Ben: Not to be confused with Red Rocket Publications.
Wild Stars Book Of Circles Recalibrated HC, $27.95
MARVEL COMICS
Agents Of Atlas #7 (Leinil Francis Yu Regular Cover)(Dark Reign Tie-In), $2.99
Agents of Atlas #7 (70s Decade Variant Cover)(Dark Reign Tie-In), AR
Amazing Spider-Man Family #8, $4.99
Astonishing Tales #6, $3.99
Cable #16, $2.99
Ben: So did anything get accomplished during Messiah War?
Captain America Fighting Chance TP Vol 2 Acceptance, $19.99
Captain America Reborn #1 (of 5)(Alex Ross Regular Cover), $3.99
Captain America Reborn #1 (of 5)(Bryan Hitch Regular Cover), $3.99
Captain America Reborn #1 (of 5)(John Cassaday Variant Cover), AR
Captain America Reborn #1 (of 5)(John Cassaday Sketch Variant Cover), AR
Daredevil Father TP, $19.99
Daredevil Noir #4 (of 4)(Tomm Coker Regular Cover)(Liar's Poker Part 4), $3.99
Daredevil Noir #4 (of 4)(Dennis Calero Variant Cover)(Liar's Poker Part 4), AR
Deadpool Merc With A Mouth #1 (Arthur Suydam Regular Cover)(Head Trip Part 1 Of 6), $3.99
Deadpool Merc With A Mouth #1 (Ed McGuinness Variant Cover)(Head Trip Part 1 Of 6), AR
Ben: What I need like I need a hole in the head?
Destroyer #4 (of 5), $3.99
Ben: A damn good, and mostly original, look at superheroes.
Exiles #4, $2.99
Fantastic Four #568, $2.99
Invincible Iron Man #15 (Dark Reign Tie-In), $2.99
Marvel Divas #1 (of 5)(J. Scott Campbell Regular Cover), $3.99
Marvel Divas #1 (of 4)(70s Decade Variant Cover), AR
Marvel Your Universe #6, $5.99
New Avengers #54 (Chris Bachalo Variant Cover)(Dark Reign Tie-In), AR
Official Index To Marvel Universe #7, $3.99
Planet Skaar Prologue (One Shot)(Dan Panosian Second Printing Variant Cover), $3.99
Runaways Rock Zombies Premiere HC (Book Market Edition), $19.99
Ben: Well, the fun couldn’t last forever.
Runaways Rock Zombies Premiere HC (Direct Market Edition), $19.99
Scourge Of Gods Fall #1 (of 3)(Aleksa Gajic Regular Cover), $5.99
Scourge Of Gods Fall #1 (of 3)(Aleksa Gajic US Variant Cover), $5.99
Spider-Man Election Day Premiere HC (Book Market Barack Obama Cover), $29.99
Spider-Man Election Day Premiere HC (Direct Market Menace Cover), $29.99
Ben: I wonder which version will sell the most?
Trojan War #3 (of 5), $3.99
Uncanny X-Men #513 (Terry Dodson Regular Cover)(Utopia Chapter 2), $3.99
Uncanny X-Men #513 (Simone Bianchi Variant Cover)(Utopia Chapter 2), AR
USA Comics #1 (70th Anniversary Special)(Clint Langley Regular Cover), $3.99
USA Comics #1 (70th Anniversary Special)(Marcos Martin Variant Cover), AR
War Of Kings #5 (of 6)(Brandon Peterson Regular Cover), $3.99
War Of Kings #5 (of 6)(Mike Choi Variant Cover), AR
Wolverine #72 (Steve McNiven Second Printing Variant Cover)(Old Man Logan Part 7 Of 8), $2.99
Ben: The finale is only 3 months away! (lame)
MERCURY COMICS
Atomika #9 (of 12)(resolicited), $2.99
NEW ENGLAND COMICS
Tick And Arthur Complete Works TP, $29.95
OLYMPIAN PUBLISHING
Cursed Pirate Girl #0 (Release not confirmed by Diamond Distribution), $1.25
OUTLAW ENTERTAINMENT
Imaginary Friends Rise Of The Valentine GN, $7.99
PAPERCUTZ
Nancy Drew HC Vol 18 City Under The Basement (Release not confirmed by Diamond Distribution), $12.95
Nancy Drew SC Vol 18 City Under The Basement (Release not confirmed by Diamond Distribution), $7.95
RADICAL PUBLISHING
Caliber TP Vol 1 First Canon Of Justice, $14.95
Hercules TP Vol 1 The Thracian Wars, $14.95
RANDOM HOUSE
Syncopated GN An Anthology of Nonfiction Picto-Essays, $16.95
SANCTUM PRODUCTIONS
Doc Savage Double Novel Vol 27, $12.95
Shadow Double Novel Vol 28, $12.95
TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS
Far Arden HC, $19.95
TRANSFUZION PUBLISHING
Worlds Of HP Lovecraft Dagon & Other Tales TP, $18.99
ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT
Escape From Wonderland #0 (of 6)(Real World Cover), $1.99
Ben: Too soon…
Escape From Wonderland #0 (of 6)(Wonderland Cover), $1
10) Scourge Of Gods Fall #1 – At the end of the previous series I was very confused. I’m glad to see there’s a sequel.
9) Chew #2 – Disgustingly awesome!
8) Mighty #6 – The creepiest take on the Superman goes crazy subgenre I’ve ever read.
7) Green Lantern Corps #38
6) Fantastic Four #568
5) Invincible Iron Man #15 – Watching Tony lose his mind has been great, but it’s time for this story to pick up the pace a bit.
4) Locke & Key Head Games #6 – One of the coolest, most original horror comics I’ve ever read.
3) War Of Kings #5 – Yep, it’s on the list again this week.
2) Batman And Robin #2 – From the writing to the art and everything in between the first issue was perfect in almost everyway and this would be #1 this week if not for…
1) Captain America Reborn #1 – Why is this number #1? Why would you ask such a stupid question?
The Spinner Rack should be up shortly. My island (yes, mine) lost the internet last night. Sorry for the lateness. Just another downside to living in rural Alaska. That, and having to look at Russian every morning while I'm drinking my coffee.
Wow, you can see Russia while you're drinking your coffee? Maybe you should be our ambassador. That obviously qualifies you.
Or VP
Chad, totally agree with the Robin thing. For me it was when Tim Drake didn't look like a dude wearing a rejected Pulp Fiction gimp outfit that I was able to breathe a sigh of relief... although your man love indicated by the crotch shot is a little disturbing.
Chad, good article. It's nice every once in a while to just chat about light stuff, and this was perfect. I never really thought about it, but Ive always been a fan of the starman outfit.
And heres another for you, since youre talking costume simplicity: the Spectre, especially from Kingdon Come. Just a cape and hood, and nuthin else. Now, I'm not a huge fan of naked men pictures, but that was just so simple and elegant that I had to mention it. Deadman is a nice simple one as well...with a sweet 70's collar.
And yeah, do the least favorite costumes next week. Looking forward to it. My vote is the creeper. That guys outfit just sucks all around.
Cheers.
Hey, that crotch shot is all Rob's doing. He's the man in charge of the pictures. And hey... that's cool. I'm comfortable with it if he is.
I'd be more concerned with my love of characters that look like they're dressed as traffic lights. Now that's weird.
Off topic, but looking at that Buck Rogers thing (and I'm sure its been brought up before) how can it be called "The Complete..." anything if its broken into multiple volumes?
Just sayin'.
Where's the flippin' spinner rack? That is the real reason we all come here.... ;o)