So I said I would do this, took me a while to decide who to start with.
This is a costume response thread where you can rate and comment on selected superhero costumes. If things go well I'll post a few costumes every week or so and people can comment on it.
I'd like to see a rating because numbers are easy to digest. I suggest:
5 = Love it!
4 = Like it.
3 = It's okay/ meh / no strong feelings
2 = Dislike it
1 = Hate it!
I've selected two big name characters one from each of two major comics companies with two costumes each, a classic costume and a current costume. Seemed like a good way to start. This isn't really a which do you like better thing, just rate it how you like it. Ideally you should rate the costume outside of the stories they're used in but I'll leave that up to you.
Superman – classic
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/SupermanClassic_zps39d8859a.jpg)
Superman – modern
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/Superman52_zpsf7328a7e.jpg)
Spider-Man – classic
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/SpiderManClassic_zps93c61073.png)
Spider-Man – modern
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/SpiderManOck_zps28caccb9.jpg)
I'll give my ratings later this week.
Pod -
I have been anticipating this thread since you mentioned it a few weeks back, but I am finding the rating concept difficult. From a pure design perspective I can easily tell you which costume I prefer, but that doesn't mean the one I like best represents the character. :banghead: So which perspective should influence my votes: the pure design perspective or the "best represents the characterr" perspective? In many cases, the answers will be different. For example:
Superman classic by design - 3
Superman modern by design - 4
Superman classic by character representation - 5
Superman modern by character representation - 3
Spiderman classic by design - 5
Spiderman modern by design - 3
Spiderman classic by character representation - 5
Spiderman modern by character representation - 4
If you leave it up to me to interpret the questions posed, then I may just score the from both perspectives and average it out to get my answer. But if you have a specific perspective in mind, let us know. Either way, I love the thread and I look forward to participating.
Honestly it's up to you, you can leave out the rating entirely if you want. I just like numbers sometimes. Ultimately it's the comments and reasonings that I think people want to hear.
Is the modern Spider-Man costume black instead of blue, or is that just weird coloring? If the former, that's asinine.
Superman Classic: 5
Superman Modern: 3
The classic costume is aesthetically perfect. It's one of those classic DC costumes that were basically the ideal form of a superhero from the very get-go. It's balanced, iconic, and an utterly apropos expression of who Superman is.
The modern version is not a bad costume, but with its more alien look it misses the point of who Superman is and what motivates him, and without the red trunks it is unbalanced. It looks like it might belong to a Superman who is adventuring with the Legion.
Quote from: BentonGrey on June 23, 2013, 03:51:51 PM
Is the modern Spider-Man costume black instead of blue, or is that just weird coloring? If the former, that's asinine.
This is one of those things that depends on the artist/colourist, but the intention is supposed to be that it's black based on the original character sheet.
It's worth noting that if my memory is correct the classic costume was originally supposed to be black as well. I believe it fell into the same hole of classic Cyclops where black with blue highlights became blue. Either that or the black Spidey colours didn't make it into the actual issues. I'm pretty sure it was one of the two.
Benton - I agree that Superman's modern costume is imbalanced. I would like to like the new costume better because I think the undies-on-the-outside trend in comics needs to die out, but it's difficult to embrace the new Supes design because of the color imbalance. Maybe the belt should be yellow? Or there should be some yellow trim on the top of the boots? I don't know.
Spiderman's classic costume is perfect. I've seen every incarnation of it (I think), but you can't beat the original.
Superman classic-4 While I tend to dislike the spandex/cape/undies on the outside look, Superman's classic look is iconic. Make a similar costume on anyone else and I'd think they were insane or unable to dress themselves in the correct order.
Superman modern-3 The recessed areas of the belt needs hints of yellow. Maybe make the buckle an "S" symbol. Even the boots, sleeves or cape could have yellow piping along their edges to break the red and blue blandness of this costume.
Spider-Man classic-4
Spider-Man modern-4 I like the blue w/black shading more than the black w/grey highlights. This costume is still recognizable even to the most casual observer.
Classic Superman = 5
Modern Superman = 1.5
Classic Spider-man = 4.5
Modern Spider-man = 4
I'm not a fan of the Superman costume sans red tights." The classic Superman costume is probably the best costume of them all, but I don't mind seeing different versions of the S shield on the chest. It makes for some cool variations.
Also, I think the "Classic" Spider-man costume pictured here isn't the original design. The original didn't have the Spider chest logo in such a stylized scarab design. I think it might have looked more like the red spider logo on the back of his suit.
Quote from: BentonGrey on June 23, 2013, 03:51:51 PM
Is the modern Spider-Man costume black instead of blue, or is that just weird coloring? If the former, that's asinine.
I'll admit it... I really like the red on black design for the Spidey costume. That was always my most desired alternate palette I wanted to see during my Marvel Vs. Capcom playing days. I like it because it reminds me of the super cool all-black symbiote costume while still preserving that classic Spider-man pattern on the upper torso.
Oldmanwinters - I apologize. I misspoke. While the Spidey Classic costume pictured is not the original design, I would still call it classic. As with most superheros costumes, "original" and "classic" are not synonymous.
Superman (both)- 4
I'd put both costumes at about the same place, personally. I think the Classic has some slight edges over its Modern counterpart overall (the boots have always irritated me... Superman's boots should have the "M" shape, and I agree about the belt) but it loses a bit with the outdated "underwear on the outside" thing. I still like both, but neither are perfect. I actually really like his "normal" look in Injustice. Modernizes the look, keeps the details the modern costume SHOULD have kept, and does away with the trunks.
Spiderman
Classic-5
Modern-4
I don't think this one is a fair contest, in the same way as comparing Modern Cyclops to Classic Cyclops would not be a fair contest. "Modern" Spidey ISN'T the classic Peter Parker, it's doc ock in his body. The changes to the costume reflect that.
Quote from: Helix on June 23, 2013, 07:56:29 PM
Oldmanwinters - I apologize. I misspoke. While the Spidey Classic costume pictured is not the original design, I would still call it classic. As with most superheros costumes, "original" and "classic" are not synonymous.
Aw, yes, that's true! Same thing is true for Superman, Batman, and most superheroes. Their original look isn't necessarily their most familiar. I think the "classic" designation left me a little confused.
Quote from: oldmanwinters on June 23, 2013, 09:55:31 PM
Quote from: Helix on June 23, 2013, 07:56:29 PM
Oldmanwinters - I apologize. I misspoke. While the Spidey Classic costume pictured is not the original design, I would still call it classic. As with most superheros costumes, "original" and "classic" are not synonymous.
Aw, yes, that's true! Same thing is true for Superman, Batman, and most superheroes. Their original look isn't necessarily their most familiar. I think the "classic" designation left me a little confused.
Yeah that's what I meant. Perhaps iconic would have been a better word.
Meant to get to this earlier but I've been busy this week.
Superman classic- 4
I was really iffy on giving this a 3 but decided to give it a 4. The positive of it is that it is the quintessential iconic superhero costume. The negative of it is that today it's on the bland side. Still, good logo, colours, and balance. It's a strong look.
Superman modern - 2
My main problem with this one is all the lines. It just looks way too busy. Additionally this is advanced tech armor, but Superman is isn't an advanced tech character. He's iconic strength and flight. The armor just doesn't fit. Most importantly I just don't like the look of it, probably because of the unbalanced colours.
Spider-Man classic - 4
Part of me wants to give this a lower rank because it's such a silly costume when you really look at it. All those spider line over red and blue pajamas. Why is a spider character red and blue. Regardless it looks good and fits the semi/sometimes bright world of Spider-Man. The best parts are the eyes (especially the bigger Bagley style ones) and the red spider emblem on the back.
Spider-Man modern - 4
These two costumes are really similar so it's difficult for me to change the mark at all. The weak spot of this new costume is more jagged cut of the red in spots. The strong spot is (again) the eyes and the spider emblems on the front and back. The black body suit is pretty snazzy too. Pretty good redesign in my opinion.
Supes classic - 4
Vibrant color, look, prolly the most recognizable costume of all time. Sadly it didn't age too well. But for its iconic appearance it gets a 4.
Supes modern - 4.
I like the origin of the suit, and how it forms around Kal's body. The amount of lines can be pretty distracting, it really depends on the artist, some can make it work, some can't.
Spidey classic - 4
Can't shake the feeling that it always looked like pajamas to me. As iconic as it is, I really think they should have changed it more with time. Only gets a 4 for being enduring.
Spidey modern - 4
Not much if a change here really. I like the more tech used in the suit, which makes sense considering who's in it.
The upcoming costume update however is really hardcase, really hope Peter doesn't drop it when he comes back. I think its a nice redesign.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/comics/news/a470744/spider-man-arrives-at-shadowland-with-new-costume.html
Bat1987 - I'll reserve judgement on the new Spidey costume until I see a better artist draw it. Whoever drew the pic your previewed made him look androgynous. Its seriously creepy.
Superman Classic - 5
Balanced, simple, and easy to draw. Even a child can do it. Imagine that!
Superman Modern - 1
Concept alone gave this outfit a 1. The Man of Steel should not be in any form of armour. Also being covered in more pointless line work doesn't help.
Spider-Man Classic - 4
One of the best overall costumes ever put together. It loses a point because of that damn webbing can be so tedious at times to draw! :P
Spider-Man Modern - 3
"Meh" is right. Not much point of a redesign here. It's just and "sharper" "edgier" version of the original. Really don't like the bulging eyes...but I guess that has to do more with who's behind the mask.
The upcoming Spider-Man costume is basically a slightly altered version of Alex Ross's movie concept. "Meh" again.
again, the modern spiderman is a just a few minor alerations relecting the fact that this is otto as spiderman, not peter.
Took me a while to get back to this. Honestly I had trouble deciding on which characters to do. I decicded on classic Flash, and current Captain America.
Flash (classic):
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/FlashManapul_zps02843599.jpg)
Captain America (current):
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/CapAmericaNow_zpsa8c495f3.png)
So once again just tells us what you think. I recommend using the 1-5 rating seen earlier in the thread.
Here's my ratings:
Flash (classic) - 3
I would have given this a 2 but some artists make it look great (example Francis Manapul - awesome artist). The all red body suit with just a dash of yellow here and there has just never worked for me.
Captain America (current) - 3
This is a another borderline 3 for me. When I first saw I thought it looked horrible, just a mess of overly complicating crud on the standard Cap costume...but now that I've seen a number of artists take on it it's not that bad, especially since most streamline the design a bit. It has a nice advanced military design that can work especially in the context of Cap upgrading to confront tougher foes (which is how it was introduced). Not the best Cap costume by any means but it can work.
Classic Flash - 4
Simple, clean, easy to draw and always liked the colour scheme (although the blue and silver variant as seen in the old Flash live action TV show was pretty slick too). All the marks are here for a well designed superhero costume.
Current Captain America - 1 only because I can't give it a 0.
Ugh. Typical modern day artist over designed nonsense. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too busy. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too complicated to draw. Obvious and lame attempt to tie into the Avengers movie costume...which is also a crappy version of Cap. Oh yes...and more pouches he will never use. He's not Batman. Gotta love it when they add on crap for the sake of adding on crap. Garbage from head to toe.
I'll more or less agree with C6 on this one.
Classic Flash: 5---This is always been one of my favorite superhero costumes (I would mind seeing the blue and silver one that C6 mentions), it's simple, it's not mugged down by unnecessary details, it's classic.
Current Cap: 1---Sorry, but classic Cap was just that, classic, there was nothing wrong with his old uniform, and changing it was unnecessary. This version is bogged down by excessive details, and to me, it just isn't Cap.
The color scheme on Pollox (Blue/Silver clone flash C6 mentioned is ok, but he has one of the dorkiest symbols ever and I don't know what they were thinking with it.
Flash (Classic Barry Allen)- 4. It's above average, but there are elements that were perfected in the Wally West version later on, such as the better belt, the lack of wings on his boots (I'm sure there are people who like them aesthetically, but from a purely practical sense those things would fall off every time ever) and I feel like going back to this design is a step backwards.
Captain America (Modern)- 3. It's meh, and I agree with C6 that it is a ripoff of the movie costume. Still, I don't think it's nearly as bad as he's saying it is either... for what it is, it's actually decent. Unlike other "Modernized" cap looks, there's no stupid browns or grays in there (because brown makes everything seem more realistic, said no-one ever) so it keeps the basic color scheme of the original, just with some (admittedly pointless) additional detail. I do have to disagree about the pouches though... this isn't a 90s design, it's not like there are pouches all over his costume. He has a few pouches on his belt to make up for the lack of pockets on his costume.
I couldn't really remember the symbol they gave the Flash clone...had to google it. It is pretty dorky and way too big! :lol:
One pouch is too much for Cap let alone four. He never needed them before and still doesn't. Like I said. Adding crap for the sake of adding crap.
Look at those gloves and how long it would take just to draw them. Or the complicated hexagonal pattern rather than simple scale/chain mail. Ridiculous. This kind of design belongs in live action movies and cg animation. A medium where you don't have to repeatedly draw it 50 times or more per issue. Marvel's hyper realism is way out of control.
The Flash - 5
One of my all time favourites! Sleek, cool color combo. One of those costumes I felt they really shouldn't have changed in new52 (and the change they made is just for change's sake)
Cap - 3
To be fair I am not a fan of classic Cap's costume either. But this is an OK change, really looks a lot like a modern soldier in that getup (which I assume is what they were going for both here and in the movie).
The Flash - 4
It's just classic. It's charm is it's simplicity. The contrast of the red and yellow fits perfectly.
Captain America - 3
I'm only ranking it this high because they basically kept the color scheme/design from his classic costume. What's up with the steampunk boots? You go ultra modern with the calf portion and then still have him with laces? I realize it's difficult, if not impossible, to realistically put on firm high boots and the laces may be necessary, but, come on, it's a superhero costume. Plus, it look like the calf pieces would just snap on anyway. Are those supposed to be forearm guards worked into the gloves? I guess he could make use of those since he doesn't carry around a shield or anything. Oh, wait; he does! I'm with C6 on this one. There's just too much unnecessary crap in an effort to make it look modern.
C6, you think thats too complicated, you should see the original design sketches for Cap's new costume. Just an insane amount of detail and complicated bits.
Quote from: Courtnall6 on July 24, 2013, 07:52:35 PM
Look at those gloves and how long it would take just to draw them. Or the complicated hexagonal pattern rather than simple scale/chain mail. Ridiculous. This kind of design belongs in live action movies and cg animation. A medium where you don't have to repeatedly draw it 50 times or more per issue. Marvel's hyper realism is way out of control.
See this is an interesting point. I'm not a comic artist so when I look at a design I don't really think about how difficult it is to draw. I'm just thinking about a) do I like it? and b) does it work for the character. And I am comparing it to other design in comics and other mediums including video games and movies, so generally simple designs tend to bore me unless there's something really compelling about it.
I recently read a comment from a comic artist saying that the new Cap costume is a pain to draw. I can't remember who it was though. So obvious some artists feel just like C6, and others must be okay with complicated designs - artists created them after all.
Also I like pouches, particularly for military/black ops/commando type characters. Something about them just seems to add the right amount of weight and balance to a design for me.
I 90% agree with C6. The other 10% belongs to Tomato because the Wally West Flash uni is better. New Cap is just horrible. I'm not opposed to updating his look a bit, but not like this. His new costume looks like it can fulfill 58 more functions than it actually can. He looks Iron Man-ish.
Being properly chastised after looking at the original Spider-costume, I retract my condescension, though the blue looks vastly better.
There are lots of good points here already, but I'll throw in my two cents just the same.
Flash - 5
Like most of the rest of the original JLA, Flash's costume is darn near perfect. I won't disagree with 'Mato that Wally's belt was better, but we're talking about grades of awesome, so I don't really think it's worth knocking a point off. I don't think any other costumes is as good of an example of perfection and simplicity combined in such a great marriage as is this almost all red super-suit. It's amazingly simplistic, and yet it is perfect for the character. At the same time, it is unique; there's basically nothing else like it in comics that isn't derivative OF it.
Modern Cap - 3
I absolutely agree that it's over-complicated, over-designed, and generally over-everything other than awesome. It's a pretty perfect example of the problem with messing with these classic costumes. They really did capture lighting in a bottle, and adding to it is just gilding the lily. This isn't a BAD costume, just not particularly good. At least armor somewhat suits Cap, unlike Superman.
Quote from: Courtnall6 on July 24, 2013, 07:52:35 PM
I couldn't really remember the symbol they gave the Flash clone...had to google it. It is pretty dorky and way too big! :lol:
One pouch is too much for Cap let alone four. He never needed them before and still doesn't. Like I said. Adding crap for the sake of adding crap.
Look at those gloves and how long it would take just to draw them. Or the complicated hexagonal pattern rather than simple scale/chain mail. Ridiculous. This kind of design belongs in live action movies and cg animation. A medium where you don't have to repeatedly draw it 50 times or more per issue. Marvel's hyper realism is way out of control.
See, I'm looking at it from a practical point of view... I work all day in scrubs, and one of the most annoying things for me as a guy is having to carry around keys and wallet and stuff (women can just stick that stuff in a purse, but men must suffer without them) when the most common scrub pants have like, one pocket. Even assuming cap doesn't need to carry around keys to the Quinjet or his Avengers ID badge, what if the dude just wants to have a stick of gum on hand?
Yes, having 20 pouches for ammo and gadgets is inane 90s garbage and that trend needs to go away. But on a uniform that features no pockets, I'm perfectly fine with a couple of discrete pouches on his belt.
Yeah, I mostly agree with that, 'Mato. At least those pouches aren't terribly noticeable, and they aren't too numerous.
I'm of the opinion that the classic Barry Allen Flash costume (and even 90s redesign with Wally West) is just about the best looking suit in all of superhero-dom. Just look how popular it is on The Big Bang Theory! :lol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6vamUfmdUs
I love the Captain American uniform too (with or without the texture), because it taps into my patriotic spirit. But The Flash costume is just about the best there is. It doesn't ever need a major change.
In regards to Captain America in ANY version of his costume: does it bother anybody else that the blue parts of his costume are not the same blue that is actually on the United States flag? Or is it just me?
Quote from: Helix on July 28, 2013, 02:35:44 AM
In regards to Captain America in ANY version of his costume: does it bother anybody else that the blue parts of his costume are not the same blue that is actually on the United States flag? Or is it just me?
I always prefer his darker blue color palette whenever I play him on the Marvel Vs. Capcom series. It just looks a bit more dignified.
Well, then at least one person in the world agrees with me.
I think it's time for another costume poll. Today we'll look at classic Cyclops and current Green Arrow.
Cyclops - Giant Size era
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/CyclopsClassic_zps995355df.jpg)
Green Arrow - New 52
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/GreenArrowCurrent_zps390bdd64.jpg)
My ratings:
Cyclops - 2 (dislike it)
I opened up uncannyxmen.net's Cyclops page and was looking over his costume page, and this is probably my least favorite costume for Scott, always has been. Something about it just seems unbalanced, too much yellow on the lower half and mostly plain dark blue on the top. It's not terrible, but I find it unappealing.
Green Arrow - 4 (like it)
This one was really hard for me to rate but I'm giving it a borderline 4. Really seems to depend on the artist, but I like the colour scheme, general design, hood, and younger clean shaven Ollie. I'm not as big on the boots and arm guards, they look a little over designed. And while trying to find a good picture for this poll I saw a lot of drawings that looked pretty bleh. There's something missing that would like me really love it, but still I find it a pleasant design.
Cyclops - 4
I actually really like that costume... admittedly I actually like the Astonishing redesign more (the Cassiday one, not the abomination with the 20 friendship bracelets that came pre-NOW), but the Giant Size era just IS Cyclops to me. There are better versions based on this costume, but they all come from this one.
N52 Green Arrow - 3
It's decent. It's certainly one of the better n52 costume designs, but he really needs a beard... even Arrow had the good sense to give their hip young Oliver Queen a beard. He just isn't Ollie without the goatee. And no, I'm not just saying that because I happen to be sporting an awesome goatee of my own lately.
Quote from: Tomato on September 03, 2013, 01:39:24 AM
admittedly I actually like the Astonishing redesign more (the Cassiday one, not the abomination with the 20 friendship bracelets that came pre-NOW)
I actually really like the second Astonishing costume. It might be my favorite Cyclops costume, but I agree the forearm and leg band are too much. They needed a clean-up.
Quote from: Podmark on September 03, 2013, 05:45:56 AM
Quote from: Tomato on September 03, 2013, 01:39:24 AM
admittedly I actually like the Astonishing redesign more (the Cassiday one, not the abomination with the 20 friendship bracelets that came pre-NOW)
I actually really like the second Astonishing costume. It might be my favorite Cyclops costume, but I agree the forearm and leg band are too much. They needed a clean-up.
I hated it... even discounting the bracelets, you had the triple seams on the shoulder which would restrict his ability to move his arm, the lack of belt to break up the mass of blue black color on his torso,, and the random logo on his chest. It's an unbalanced mess of ideas that don't make any practical sense.
Cyclops - 5
Ding ding ding...we have a winner! My all time favorite costume for Scott. Followed closely by his first X-Factor costume. As Tomato said....this IS Cyclops.
Green Arrow - 3
Not too bad. One in the very very very low percentage of the Nu52 designs I can actually stand. I agree with Pod on the armguards and boots....too much going on there. Biggest complaint. No goat! Not Green Arrow with out his trademark chin wiskers!
I do like the X-Factor costumes.
I think the lack of beard would bother me if this was a the old universe. With the new DC universe that lack of a beard seems appropriate. Although I seem to recall Ollie did have beard earlier in the New 52...
Classic Cyclops - Can I give him a 10? I guess I'll have to settle for a 5. One of the first books I ever picked up was Uncanny X-Men #199, with the opening splash page portraying an awesome shot of Cyclops. It made for an instant favorite.
N52 Green Arrow - Maybe a 3, it's overly busy, and it just doesn't properly represent Ollie.
Quote from: Podmark on September 05, 2013, 10:14:00 PM
I do like the X-Factor costumes.
I think the lack of beard would bother me if this was a the old universe. With the new DC universe that lack of a beard seems appropriate. Although I seem to recall Ollie did have beard earlier in the New 52...
He's been depicted as having a stubble a few times, but not a beard.
What gets me about your argument is, again, Arrow. That depiction is about as loosely tied to the comic book version as an adaptation can really be, and he STILL has a beard. If I took ANY of the Green Arrow costumes Oliver is most known for, but drew them without the beard, they wouldn't look right to me. They would look like Red Arrow.
Interesting choices...
Cyclops: 4
I like this one a lot. It's really the classic Cyclops costume, and it works really well. Once upon a time I didn't like it, but it grew on me when I read through the Claremont run and learned to actually like Cyclops. ;) For me, despite its obvious 90s flaws, the Jim Lee design is Cyclops. Still, objectively I realize that this is probably a better costume. It could use "something" one the chest or shoulders (hence part of my love for the Jim Lee version), but it's still a great design.
New 52 G.A.: 1
This costume is pretty much everything wrong with the New 52 designs. It's bland, boring, and yet still over-designed. It's a generic hero-archer, but not Green Arrow. I definitely miss the goatee, and this thing is trying so hard to be "hip" that it hurts.
C, I wasn't aware that Ollie was famous for his goat herds. ^_^
Quote from: Tomato on September 06, 2013, 08:10:40 AM
He's been depicted as having a stubble a few times, but not a beard.
No idea if this was used in the actual pages, but there was this cover at the beginning of the New 52:
http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/f/f5/Green_Arrow_Vol_5_1_Textless.jpg
Certainly looks more like the traditional Ollie.
One thing I forgot to mention is all throughout Trinity War I kept saying to myself that Green Arrow looked like Hawkeye.
Quote from: BentonGrey on September 06, 2013, 10:10:38 PM
It's a generic hero-archer, but not Green Arrow.
I find myself wondering what makes Green Arrow Green Arrow, or more generally what makes a costume non-generic? Take the Cyclops costume for example. If I were to remove the visor and take away the x on the belt what about that costume says Cyclops? Those two elements are present on nearly all Cyclops costumes, so the classic costume really seems about as generic as you can get.
There's some costumes that are obviously specific to a character, Spider-Man is a simple example, and Batman and Superman have very iconic design elements that are present in each of their costumes. Most (all?) of Cyclops' costumes seem generic to me. And this Green Arrow costume looks like GA to me, especially if you throw on a beard.
I'm glad I made this thread. I find it interesting seeing people's views on costumes.
Well, to be fair, Cyclops' orginal outfit was basically just the classic x-men costume without the vest. Heck, most of the graduation costumes were just minor modifications of the original costumes (Beast's was just a swap of red for the yellow) but I specifically like the idea of Cyclops maintaining that tie to the original X-men outfit... part of his character, especially in the beginning, was that he couldn't really have a life outside of the X-men. As such, his costume never really had that drastic change you saw in the other x-men outfits... It's another reason I really love the NOW costume as much as I do, because it's such a huge break from his identity as an X-man.
QuoteThis costume is pretty much everything wrong with the New 52 designs.
Hawkman, Flash (Barry and Jay), Deathstroke, Captain Marvel...sorry Shazam! (Ugh), Bizarro, Harlequin, Martian Manuhunter, Darkseid, ALL of the Teen Titans, and the list just goes on and on and on. These are what's wrong with the New hideous 52. Green Arrow's NuLook isn't great but it's not the worst of the bunch...not by a long shot.
Ehh, C, I disagree. The Flash, for example, is overdesigned, but at least it isn't boring and plain. I'll agree with you about pretty much all of the others, but I don't think it's an either/or proposition. Hawkman is a great example of the ridiculous 90s aesthetic of overdesign, as are the Titans, while GA is an example of the minimalism/overdesign mash-up that is going on with a lot of characters. There's plenty to dislike, but I'd include GA in that list, if only because his design is so freaking boring.
Cyke: 2
meh all around, I know it was a product of its time but I don't like it at all. Cassaday Cyclops is by far my favourite look for him, followed by the NOW! costume.
Ollie: 3
I think its a nice modern update but he does look really weird without a goatee. It does look better with the way some artists depict it, like Sorentino.
Quote from: bat1987 on September 13, 2013, 11:00:17 AM
Cyke: 2
meh all around, I know it was a product of its time but I don't like it at all. Cassaday Cyclops is by far my favourite look for him, followed by the NOW! costume.
Ollie: 3
I think its a nice modern update but he does look really weird without a goatee. It does look better with the way some artists depict it, like Sorentino.
I try and avoid public disagreements, and I don't know exactly which costumes those are, but there's no way they could be better than the classic Cyclops costume.
The Cassiday costume is the redesign used in the Joss Whedon's run on Astonishing X-men (and it happens to be my favorite costume for Scott as well, just barely beating out the original outfit)
The Marvel NOW costume is the outfit Scott's wearing in the current run of Marvel comics. That costume being a "better" look for scott is highly debatable, because the scott wearing the NOW outfit is a very different character then the leader of the original X-men and the costume reflects that. TBH, I'm surprised Pod hasn't posted that one here, it'd make for an interesting discussion (HINT HINT)
Quote from: Tomato on September 14, 2013, 02:36:15 AMTBH, I'm surprised Pod hasn't posted that one here, it'd make for an interesting discussion (HINT HINT)
:unsure: But I already picked out the costumes for round 4...aw fine we'll be getting a bonus.
Quote from: Cyber Burn on September 14, 2013, 01:38:01 AM
I try and avoid public disagreements, and I don't know exactly which costumes those are, but there's no way they could be better than the classic Cyclops costume.
Oh dont worry about it, when something is purely subjective like this people are def gonna disagree.
And you're right tomato, Now! cyclops is a very dif guy, and maybe its the fact that I really like the new direction for him that makes me appreciate the suit he has currently.
Round 4 classic Aquaman and (one of) current Iron Man
Classic Aquaman:
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/AquamanClassic_zpsafe18235.jpg~original)
Current Iron Man:
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/IronManNow_zpsd3ac6bc8.jpg~original)
And by request BONUS round: current Cyclops!
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/CyclopsNow_zpsc46a147f.jpg~original)
So here are my thoughts:
Classic Aquaman - 1 (Hate it)
A 1 might be a little harsh, the costume doesn't look bad just really blah, but this is really a costume that just doesn't do much for me. Part of it is that it looks too much like normal clothes, like a orange shirt and green pants. I have a tendency to dislike a costume that looks like clothes. Another issue is that it's very generic, the only Aquaman unique element is the the belt buckle (the newer versions of the buckle are much cooler). I think if Aquaman had had a more interesting costume his rep would have been better over the years.
Current Iron Man - 5 (Love it)
Basically this is the Extremis suit with the red swapped for black. The Extremis suit is my favorite Iron Man suit and this one is just continued awesome. It's sleek, modern, and the colour scheme looks great. Every time I see this suit I smile.
Bonus points it reminds me of Mainframe (http://marvel.wikia.com/Mainframe_(Earth-982)).
Current Cyclops - 5 (Love it)
I debated giving this a 4, and I have a feeling a decade from now I'm going to look back and say "it was alright", but today every time I see it I get excited. When I first saw this design as drawn by Joe Quesada I hated it. The colours clashed, it was over designed, and awkward looking. Once Chris Bachalo (probably my favorite artist) got his hands on it I loved it. Now I see it and think that looks sleek and unique, and it's also very relevant to the current version of Cyclops. The current Scott is a broken character, a fallen X-Men and hero with malfunctioning powers who is trying to redeem himself from his disastrous actions. A very changed Scott deserves a changed costume.
Interestingly these are the first extremes I've given in my ratings, but two were borderline (I really do love that Iron Man though). I'm generally a pretty neutral kind of person, it's rare that I really hate things, so I don't think you'll see too many 5/Love and especially not many 1/Hate from me.
Classic Aquaman-5
Perfect design and Aquaman's classic outfit. I think the modern one tweaks it just a bit, but there was nothing wrong with it.
Ironman- 2
Yeah... no. Black and Gold? That's not Ironman. The design is OK, but it needs the red instead of the black. As Pod pointed out, the black makes him look like Mainframe.
NOW Cyclops- 4
I like it. As I've said, it's a huge departure from the classic costume, but it very much suits the character since AvsX.
Classic Aquaman - 3
Never really had a big problem with it. Hated it when the gloves were yellow though. The modern takes on it are pretty good too.
Current Iron Man - 2
Black, gold, with red glowing dots. Ugly! Horrible colour combination. Disliked it the moment I saw it. So not Iron Man.
Bonus - 1
Racer X? X-Man? Crosseye? Who is this dude? Someone needs to tell him his costume sucks. Maybe he can pull a better design from one of his many pouches.
C6, seriously, must we have the pouch debate AGAIN?
But no, in all seriousness, you have to read the stories leading up to this costume change to understand it. When Marvel first showed that costume, I was about ready to storm the company and kill all their families. However, after reading the comics themselves, I love it, because the Cyclops in that costume is, for all intents and purposes, a villain. He killed Professor X (he was basically dark phoenix at the time, but even so), and is currently going around calling for mutants to revolt against the human race. This is the Archangel version of Cyclops costumes, only a lot sleeker.
Aquaman - 2
Very blah look to be honest, I'd rate more modern takes on it much higher.
Current Iron Man - 2
Not bad per say but the black is such a massive departure from his normal scheme.
Bonus - 4
One of those costumes that make more sense within a context. When you know what Cyclops place in the mutant world is u appreciate this much more.
Okay, obviously a few of you are crazy. Aquaman's classic costume is pure, distilled awesomeness. :P
Seriously, though, I am very surprised at some of the criticisms leveled against the classic orange and green, especially Pod's. Haha, it strikes me as very odd that anyone would call Aquaman's costume BORING! Most criticisms of his duds that I've heard usually fall on the other end of the spectrum. I don't know too many folks who run around in orange chain/scalemail, nor green tights with fins. It's pretty unique, in my opinion, which leads me to my rating.
Aquaman - 4.5:
This is one of the most iconic costumes in comics, along with most of the JLA. These costumes are aesthetically perfect, and they are also just about utterly unique. The only things that come close to most of them are those looks which were, in fact, copied FROM the League's own styles. Aquaman's classic orange and green is bold, it's striking, and it is unique, even among the stand-outs of the League. I don't think it's as perfect as Batman, Superman, and Flash, who have really flawless costumes, but it's not far off. Aquaman doesn't have a cape, he's wearing chainmail, and he's got fins. Also, he's got blonde hair, among a predominance of black or brown headed heroes, which helps add to the singular nature of his appearance. I agree that the more modern versions of this costume manage to streamline it a bit, mostly just by eliminating the trunks, which aren't aesthetically necessary with Aquaman's green-on-green colorscheme, as opposed to Batman or Superman. There are also some little flourishes that the modern costume has which are nice, but despite that, this classic costume is excellent and stands the test of time. I do agree with C in one thing, though. The yellow gloves always looked awful.
Iron Man - 3:
This is a fine specialized armor for Iron Man, a neat alternate look to be pulled out on special occasions, but it's really a bit too big of a departure from his classic color-scheme to be his default look. I think it has good potential as something else, though.
Modern Cyclops - 1:
It's not very Cyclops-y, and the mask makes zero sense, really. Is he a literal cyclops now, with one eye in the middle of his forehead? If not...well, like I said, the mask makes no sense. It looks like a moderately interesting design for a super-villain, which is, I guess, what Cyclops is these days? I don't know what's going on in modern Marvel, nor do I much care to find out. It's boring other than the mask, and the mask is stupid.
I understand context plays a big part in how we feel about these things, so there may be story elements that explain the departures in the latter two costumes, but for me, there is only the thing itself.
Quote from: BentonGrey on September 14, 2013, 05:26:26 PM
Okay, obviously a few of you are crazy. Aquaman's classic costume is pure, distilled awesomeness. :P
Seriously, though, I am very surprised at some of the criticisms leveled against the classic orange and green, especially Pod's. Haha, it strikes me as very odd that anyone would call Aquaman's costume BORING! Most criticisms of his duds that I've heard usually fall on the other end of the spectrum. I don't know too many folks who run around in orange chain/scalemail, nor green tights with fins. It's pretty unique, in my opinion, which leads me to my rating.
Aquaman - 4.5:
This is one of the most iconic costumes in comics, along with most of the JLA. These costumes are aesthetically perfect, and they are also just about utterly unique. The only things that come close to most of them are those looks which were, in fact, copied FROM the League's own styles. Aquaman's classic orange and green is bold, it's striking, and it is unique, even among the stand-outs of the League. I don't think it's as perfect as Batman, Superman, and Flash, who have really flawless costumes, but it's not far off. Aquaman doesn't have a cape, he's wearing chainmail, and he's got fins. Also, he's got blonde hair, among a predominance of black or brown headed heroes, which helps add to the singular nature of his appearance. I agree that the more modern versions of this costume manage to streamline it a bit, mostly just by eliminating the trunks, which aren't aesthetically necessary with Aquaman's green-on-green colorscheme, as opposed to Batman or Superman. There are also some little flourishes that the modern costume has which are nice, but despite that, this classic costume is excellent and stands the test of time. I do agree with C in one thing, though. The yellow gloves always looked awful.
Yeah, I'm with Benton. You people are obviously crazy, I don't see how Pod can see that as just something someone would wear. Who puts on orange chain mail in the morning?
Quote from: BentonGrey on September 14, 2013, 05:26:26 PM
Modern Cyclops - 1:
It's not very Cyclops-y, and the mask makes zero sense, really. Is he a literal cyclops now, with one eye in the middle of his forehead? If not...well, like I said, the mask makes no sense. It looks like a moderately interesting design for a super-villain, which is, I guess, what Cyclops is these days? I don't know what's going on in modern Marvel, nor do I much care to find out. It's boring other than the mask, and the mask is stupid.
I understand context plays a big part in how we feel about these things, so there may be story elements that explain the departures in the latter two costumes, but for me, there is only the thing itself.
*shrug* I can understand where you're coming from, but I've actually just started reading X-men again after years of being disgusted with it (everything from M-day up to AvsX frustrated the heck out of me) and I will say... the recent X-men books have been REALLY good. The flagship book, All New X-men, is literally about the original 5 X-men and their reaction to the craziness of modern books. I think you'd get a kick out of it, tbh. Even the transformation of Cyclops from hero to "villain" has been handled very well, specifically in a 5 issue AvsX followup called "AvsX: Consequences"
Quote from: BentonGrey on September 14, 2013, 05:26:26 PM
I understand context plays a big part in how we feel about these things, so there may be story elements that explain the departures in the latter two costumes, but for me, there is only the thing itself.
I think context in rating a costume is a tricky thing.
On one hand I think a costume rating works best with zero context. Like if you took a person who knew nothing but the basics of a character (Aquaman, aquatic superhero with strength) and showed them a series of costumes one after another and asked them to rate them, I think that would give you a pretty pure response on how they feel about each costume.
But on the other hand context can really sell a costume (or even not sell a costume). Take Benton's comments about Aquaman as a unique aesthetic among the league. If you don't think about that aspect then you're only rating on his own or against all superheroes generally. And sure it's still a unique colour, but then it's just one in a sea of thousands of costumes. When it's one of seven in properly contrasting colours so it can really stand out. And there are numerous characters who've gone through a specific story stretch where a new look is very appropriate for them and that should be taken into account.
Ultimately with this thread I'm just asking how you feel right now. How you come to that rating is up to you.
Quote from: Tomato on September 14, 2013, 05:46:04 PM
Yeah, I'm with Benton. You people are obviously crazy, I don't see how Pod can see that as just something someone would wear. Who puts on orange chain mail in the morning?
With the costume looks like clothes thing, it's not the specific elements, it's just the general element. Usually when a costume has a strong division at the waist creating a shirt/pants break, and the costume is generally simple looking it makes me think of clothes and that just seems odd on a spandex wearing hero to me. I'm sure there's some exceptions that I'm okay with but guys like Aquaman, Jay Garrick, Doc Samson, their costumes are ones I'm usually not big on.
And while I'll agree that the specific colours Aquaman wears are pretty unique, I just don't feel he's doing anything interesting with those colours.
I will admit that rating Aquaman was a bit hard because when I see a picture by Ivan Reis he looks magnificent, but everyone looks excellent by Reis, and lots of artists can draw a costume and make that piece of art look great. I try to rate the design generally.
Quote from: Tomato on September 14, 2013, 05:46:04 PM
Even the transformation of Cyclops from hero to "villain" has been handled very well, specifically in a 5 issue AvsX followup called "AvsX: Consequences"
This is a conversation for another thread but I'm really not ready to call Cyclops a villain yet. Maybe a "villain" but he still acts like a guy who's trying to help people, and I'm not sure where he's going with his revolution rhetoric yet. And I still hold the corruption of power and the Dark Phoenix responsible for most of his actions in AvX. To be honest he feels like a character who is "in progress" with his true direction still being written.
He's calling for mutants to rise up against their human dictators and is training new mutants, mainly kids, to fight a war that hasn't even really started yet. It might be a bit more complex than that (so far the places he's attacked have kinda deserved it) but I would put Cyclops in the villain column as much as I would Magneto or White Queen back when their motivations were just as gray. I'm not saying I don't sympathize with his point of view, but the X-men are supposed to fight AGAINST bigotry. That is the core moral message of the X-men, and Cyclops is clearly going against that by attacking ONLY humans.
My biggest issue with Scott's new look is that it's missing the coolest part of his old looks. The visor. It's just not Cyclops without. Also the red lines on the body running against the lines of the X on his head is just very odd to me.
Here's a quick and dirty redesign of what I would fix.
Now keeping the X visor...I angled all the lines to echo that pattern. I removed some redundant lines as well. Unnecessary real world tack-ons like the pouch belt, wrist doodad, and seams are gone. Also, full black base with zero highlights...like Havoc's classic costume. I always loved that effect. I find this a much sleeker and more importantly easier to draw "evil" Cyclops.
(http://s6.postimg.org/bghk65lu5/Evil_Scott.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/bghk65lu5/)
Looks pretty good C6.
Round 5 featuring classic Hawkeye and New 52 Wonder Woman.
Classic Hawkeye:
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/HawkeyeClassic_zps930d7b4f.gif)
Modern Wonder Woman:
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/WonderWomanNew52_zps02635116.jpg)
Hawkeye Classic - 3
I've always been two minds of Hawkeye. On one hand he always looks fun, but on the other hand what is his costume? Why purple? Why a loincloth? Why the pointed mask? It's always been a costume that I look at and go "huh?". I think it's also that it's got a medieval vibe, and I've never been big on anachronistic costumes. That said the look does work for his swashbuckling ways. So ultimately it's okay, but hardly my favorite.
Wonder Woman - 2
This new costume is pretty close to her classic costume in the basic design, and I've never been big on that costume. Not sure exactly why. Maybe it looks like an incomplete outfit with the open arms and legs. Maybe too many colours on too little surface. Maybe it's that anachronistic thing I mentioned above. Not really certain, but I'm not really a Wonder Woman fan anyway.
As for this costume specifically Jim Lee drew it differently at the beginning of JLA but I think DC has settled into the design I've shown. I think I might like this design best of all the Wonder Woman costume variations I've seen. The silver looks much nicer than the gold, and as long as you don't have Jim Lee over doing the line work the rest is okay.
Hawkeye - 3
I think Hawkeye's costume makes a bit more sense when you look at his background (former carnival worker) but I still consider his classic design either a 3 or 4 depending on which variation an artist is using. I think this version of the design in particular is a bit weak, as it's a bit too busy in places. If I had to pick a favorite look, it'd be the costume he wears in EMH.
Wonder Woman - 3
I agree with pod on this one... this design is ok, and I think I'm happier with it overall then with the original WW costume (though I agree that it looks better when the artist underplays the excessive linework) but I'm disappointed that DC decided last minute to remove her pants. That was the one thing I actually liked about Lee's pre-N52 design, and it looked great in the initial solicitations.
Hawkeye Classic - 5
Ah...Hawkeye as he should be! Actually this is my 2nd favorite look for him. His costume changed slightly during an old 4 part minis-series that I really liked. Basically the same as this but his arms are covered and the blue is much darker. He also wore it during the launch of the West Coast Avengers. Sadly Marvel has completely ruined his look over the years. His current design is his worst yet. So boring.
Wonder Woman - 3
Too close to to her original that making the change was pretty much pointless. Of course it's filled with needless Nu52 add-ons like the choker, the arm band, and the busy line work on her bustier. I really don't like the boots matching her trunks either. It just looks wrong compared to her classic look.
Hawkeye - 3
Tbh there is nothing really wrong with this costume. Its just not my thing I guess. I can see what they were going with but still not a huge fan. I prefer the version C6 mentioned.
Wonder Woman - 3
I'm not a huge fan of her original outfit either, it would get the same grade, because there are just a few differences between the two. They should have kept the pants methinks.
Hawkeye: 4
While not the best costume ever designed, I have always had a soft spot for it. But then again, Hawkeye has always been one of my favorite Marvel characters, so I may be a bit biased.
Quote from: Courtnall6 on October 18, 2013, 03:18:15 PM
Hawkeye Classic - 5
Ah...Hawkeye as he should be! Actually this is my 2nd favorite look for him. His costume changed slightly during an old 4 part minis-series that I really liked. Basically the same as this but his arms are covered and the blue is much darker. He also wore it during the launch of the West Coast Avengers. Sadly Marvel has completely ruined his look over the years. His current design is his worst yet. So boring.
If Marvel has screwed Hawkeye up, then I am very glad that I don't buy comics anymore.
Wonder Woman: 2
And I think that is being very generous. While I don't really mind the choker, the over use of all the Nu52 lines does really kill the rest of the costume.
Quote from: Courtnall6 on October 18, 2013, 03:18:15 PM
His current design is his worst yet.
I was just rereading this, you do remember his terrible 90s costumes right? Or the one he wore after he stopped being Goliah? Ol' Clint has had a few stinkers for sure.
the one he's wearing in the comics is basically his movie one. I'd give that a 2(it works in the movies because he's a shield agent, not a carnival worker who has spent most of his time wearing a loud purple outfit), but I agree with Pod... worst is an overstatement.
Quotebut I agree with Pod... worst is an overstatement.
Dragging comicbook Hawkeye down to the movie's S.H.I.E.L.D Agent Bow Man level...that's why it's the worst one yet.
C6, your whole argument here just reeks of Modern comics hate... Despite Cyclops and Hawkeye's costumes having opposite problems, both are instantly the worst thing ever because they're new and different from what you know. You are seriously making the argument that, because you don't like how Hawkeye was portrayed in the movie, it is instantly the worst costume ever, of all time. Yes, it is a boring, useless costume that I'm sure will go away when the movie hype winds down (Anyone remember when Mystique and Toad got changed to look like their movie counterparts? Didn't think so) but its issues are that it's just a touch too simple, and doesn't really fit the character. I'd put it at a 1.5/2, but certainly not the worst thing EVAR.
By comparison, here are some of the costumes he has worn (http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2006/06/18/top-five-worst-hawkeye-costumes/) (and, unlike the writer of the article, I Include the Ultimates costume/s... they're stupid, un-hawkeye, and are ridiculously over designed. THEY might well be the worst Hawkeye designs, not this boring ensemble (http://i.imgur.com/RANeODc.png).
To be fair, a lot of us have a special place in our hearts for the Marvel characters before they got the corporate makeover. I remember the horror of the first armored and bearded Thor, the redesign of Captain America's costume the ended up spawning USAgent (that costume actually grew on me later...after the shock wore off), the Silver Centurion Iron Man armor (still hate it), and the symbiote Spider Man (not a bad costume, just not right for Spidey IMO). Change occurred slower before that time. Our heroes were immediately recognizable and didn't change costume every time a new artist took over a title. So, as corny as a blue and purple costume may look now, it reminds some of us of a simpler time. I agree with C6...the WCA Hawkeye costume was the best one. The costume in question, however, score: 2
As for Wonder Woman: I like the basic elements of the New52 costume, just not all of the unnecessary line work. Score: 4
It's been a bit since the last costume rating. Sorry about that, never seemed to sit down and prepare one. I'd like to do them more regularly in 2014.
Today I'm going to break up the format a bit for an all Marvel edition. In the ongoing comic All-New X-Men by Brian Bendis the original five X-Men (Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Angel, and Iceman) travelled from the past when they were still teens to the present and are now dealing with troubles of modern Marvel. Recently the group got new costumes (which are absolutely on my skinning list) and I'd like to rate them.
Original X-Men Costumes
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/OrigX-Men_1_zps27c38f7e.jpg)
Current All-New X-Men costumes
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/OrigX-Men_2_zps3c7c9412.jpg)
BONUS: X-Men First Class costumes
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/podmark/OrigX-Men_3_zps66ffab8f.jpg)
My ratings...
Original - 4
This was tricky because they're costumes that really seem to depend on the artist. The original X-Men costumes with Jack Kirby they look really baggy and goofy and I'm not a fan, but other artists make them look pretty good without really changing the design at all. So I'm going with "Like them" or 4.
All New - 3
I was waiting for the new costumes to debut, they were first supposed to appear much earlier in All-New X-Men but they pushed them back. I really want to like them but...I don't. They look more like fancy space outfits than superhero outfits with random differences between each person. I don't hate them and I could see myself really growing to like them over time so for for now they get a "Meh" or 3. Ask me again a year from now, especially after more artists have drawn them, and they might be a 2 or a 4.
First Class - 4
I like these. Nothing special but a nice update on the classic looks.
First Class was a comic from about five or so years ago that was jammed into existing continuity. Kinda like Untold Tales.
Also I wanted a better picture but it was tough finding a good group shot to match the other costumes. As always I encourage you to look up more images and not base it just on the picture I chose.
Original- 4. I agree with Pod on this, the kirby ones were kinda bulky, but it doesn't take much to clean them up and make them look good again in All new X-men.
New-2. I'm not a fan. These things are goofy, over designed, and the color coding to each X-man is tacky. I'd have preferred the Graduation uniforms or something, honestly.
First Class-1. I hate these costumes... First class is supposed to take place during the Kirby years, it seems like such an unnecessary change, especially since all new X-men proved the original uniforms can look just fine in a modern book.
Original-4
I like these a lot, but I am always a sucker for the classics. I agree that it did depend on the artist of how cool they looked but even the "baggy" Kirby costumes were appropriate for the times. Classic "team" look.
New-2
Don't completely hate them but I don't like them either. They don't look like the X- Men to me. The color coding is silly. Reminds me of Voltron characters, or something.
First Class-4
Nice update to the original. Not much different, so I gave it the same rating.
First a short rant...
What the [bleep] is up with these floating belt buckles???? This "Let's slap an insignia in the middle of the abdomen AND DON'T ATTACH IT TO ANYTHING" esthetic drives me bonkers. It's just dumb. These especially look like some kind of valve so you can inflate them.
Original - 4
Simple but works very well. Acts as both an identity-hider (which I believe was the original intention) and unifies the team nicely. Yellow/Bluish-Black are nice contrast and overall nice line. Trunks on both men and women could use a touch more tailoring just for visual line purposes, but overall, a very successful design.
New - 3.5
I actually like these. The color-coding doesn't bother me (though I'd switch Cyclops and Angel). Visual line is nice and while detailed, I don't think it's overly so. However, I had to dock points for the aforementioned floating belt buckle (which could be fixed by using an ACTUAL BELT). Less "uniform" than the one above, but still obviously a team.
First Class- 1.5
What is up with the notch in the pectoral region of the yellow band? If this were 3D, I'd think it was a mapping error due to polygonal distortion. The angular shoulder overlap looks like it could easily be a pain to draw consistently and would probably work much better visually if rounded instead. The floating belt buckle is now an insignia that just looks slapped on there like some kind of afterthought ("Oh with the yellow, people are going to think we're the Y-Men, let's put an X on there somewhere!"). Overall, it's not enough of an update of the classic design to make a difference IMO. Jean's uniform is also less "uniform" than the rest of the uniforms and that just feels odd to me since there are virtually no variations among the male characters. (Sidenote: is that supposed to be Beast in the middle? Where did all his bulk go?) Overall, feels very half-assed.
Addendum: Ah Bobby, never change. :D
In the (sort of) defense of the belt thing... in the cartoons and most comics, those insignia act as communication devices... so they serve a purpose, but I agree that there's no reason for there to not be belts.
The ones on the first class ones though? no. It's just stupid.
I could probably track down an image but the First Class costumes originally had the X logo on the chest. I would imagine they moved it down to belt to echo the original looks.
Dang it, Glitch Girl! The "floating buckles" didn't bother me until you made a big deal out of them. Now they just look idiotic to me. :banghead:
@Helix
One of us! One of us! :D
Resistance is futile. Sadly, now I'm trying to figure it all out, though. Tomato pointed out that the disks have been used as communication devices in the past; putting a communication device halfway between your navel and your nether regions, however, makes no sense ...unless you're crazy bendy. Perhaps there is some kind of internal/built-in beltish type of thing. I don't know. I just know it bugs me.
I really like this thread, nice to see it going again.
Original Xmen - 4
As long as they are not drawn baggy these can look really cool.
New - 2.5
I really don't like them. Floating belt buckle is silly (for some reason they remind me of old "Action Man" figures)
First class - 1
This is horrible. I hate the belt buckle on the all new suits but this takes to a whole new level. They were going for a sleeker version of the originals apparently but they did a lousy job with it.
I've been meaning to post here for a while, but I kept forgetting.
Original- 5: I have always liked these, even the baggy versions, they're just classic, but the cleaned up style is definitely an improvement.
New-2: I actually don't mind the actual design, even the floating buckles, but this just doesn't seem like the X-Men to me. I think that the costumes would work for newer/original characters.
First Class-3: I don't love the costumes, but I don't hate them either. Again, I think that these costumes would work for a different set of characters, but they don't work for the original group.
So, I missed one. Whoops! I rather thought that I had posted on both of these, but unless the board ate my posts, I guess I just imagined it. Anyway, allow me to catch up.
Classic Hawkeye: 4
I really like Hawkeye's classic look. It's really unique, really fitting for his personality, and it really fits the eclectic nature of the Avengers. I do rather like it when it's drawn a bit differently, though, as well as the look C6 described:
http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/13/134088/2683436-hawkeye_marvel_comics_01.jpg
So, it's not perfect, and I do actually prefer some of the later tweaks to it. Still, this is a classic costume does a great job of expressing the character's central concepts.
New 52 Wonder Woman: 2
My problem with this costume doesn't have much to do with this version in particular, but with the basic concept of WW's usual costume aesthetics. I think this might be a slight improvement over the classic version, as I rather like the more armored look to he bodice, and while you can't deny that the art in that image in particular is quite nice, I don't care for the bare-legged look. As I've been saying for years, I much MUCH prefer an armored version that has elements that nod to her Hellenic origins (pretty much precisely the opposite of Pod, I suppose). This makes a lot more sense, aesthetically and narratively, to me:
http://aintnohothouseflower.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/wonder_woman_new_frontier_.jpg
The armored skirt and armored bodice both feel like something that an ancient utopian society might create. That's always been my biggest problem with Wonder Woman. Her costume just doesn't make sense for her origins. The costume itself is fine, but it just didn't fit who she was supposed to be.
Original X-Men: 4
These costumes are pretty solid, and they fit who and what these kids were in the beginning, but there are little things that the newer version improved (Jean's mask, for one).
Current X-Men: 1
What is this, manga? "Teenage Mutant Happy Danger Fun Team, GO!" Seriously, these guys remind me of the Power Rangers, or more accurately, of Atomic Robo's Power Ranger's pastiche:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss242/explanoite/teamfive.jpg
They aren't TERRIBLE on their own merits, but they are terrible for the X-Men. It would fit a Buck Rogers-esq sci-fi setting better.
X-Men First Class: 4
This is mostly a nice update, just smoothing out the rough bits, streamlining things, but keeping very close to the original aesthetic. The floating belt buckles are a stupid problem, though. While I don't love these the way I love the classic and iconic costumes of, say, the JLA, these are pretty nice overall. At least this gives Jean a better mask.
Like Benton, I missed this one.
I like Hawkeye's original costume, but, then again, I grew up with it. The same can be said of Wonder Woman's and The X-Men's original costumes.
I do want to point out that Aquaman's shirt isn't really orange: it's gold.
No daglob, it isn't. Both his current and most depictions of his classic outfit (note I said "classic" rather than "original") have the shirt colored differently than the belt and trident, both of which are clearly intended to be gold. Depictions of Aquaman wearing a gold shirt (Such as with Alex Ross) are very rare, and never look quite right. Aquaman's costume looks best when it's a metalic orange... Compare the decos on the rightmost figures here (http://thefwoosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/aquamen.jpg) and here (http://www.itsalltrue.net/reviews/dcimages/2010/wm1.JPG).
I only partially dissagree. It does look better metallic orange. I think the original concept was for golden scales, but the coloring capabilities of the day did not allow for that.
However, gold was usually yellow, so maybe I'm wrong anway.
But Gold in The Metal Men was orange, so...