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Post by chadwilliam on Jun 26, 2020 20:32:34 GMT -5
Not sure how practical most costumes with a mask really are. This splash from Batman Adventures #9 drives the problem home I think.  |
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Post by codystarbuck on Jun 26, 2020 20:44:43 GMT -5
The text pages in Watchmen were the first place where I recall someone verbalizing a costume rationale that focused on practicality. It was in the segment about the original Night Owl, Hollis Mason (from his memoir) about how he selected his costume elements. The chain mail gave some protection against knives, while the basic cloth gave freedom of movement (though chain mail is heavy). The domino mask allowed better peripheral vision and he remarks about someone getting two fingers into it, which made him switch to using spirit gum to hold it in place, instead of ties. Only problem is that sweat would loosen it.
He remarks about Comedian nearly getting slashed in his old costume, which led to the leather one. The BDSM mask wouldn't be very practical though, for peripheral vision or breathing.
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Post by foxley on Jun 26, 2020 21:01:19 GMT -5
Green Arrow. Any of his outfits befit a bowman. The Neal Adams upgrade added arm protectors which made sense. Then Mike Grell's more Robin Hooded attire for a city hunter in the shadows made much sense as well. The hood never made sense to me--cuts off peripheral vision and makes it hard to turn your head fast and still see what's behind you.
While Grell was going for a deliberate Robin Hood vibe with the costume redesign, Dinah does note in story that the hood is a very practical element in Seattle where it rains a lot. |
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Post by Prince Hal on Jun 26, 2020 23:08:15 GMT -5
Deadman's costume is rather pointless, don't you think? I mean, I understand it was what he was wearing when he was killed, but I don't think very many people take a change of clothes into the afterlife. But, I suppose he needs one just to keep his book out of the "adult section". No one really cares to see a naked ghost walking around...
Likewise The Spectre, who has no pants but holds his cloak discreetly throughout Kingdom Come. Not a good place for the Spectre to use his index finger. |
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Post by dbutler69 on Jun 27, 2020 14:37:00 GMT -5
The original Sandman's costume, with the gas mask and gas gun, makes sense. And he has pockets! Plus, it's kinda spooky looking. Of course, the cape is an aforementioned issue, and the hat would probably be falling off all the time...  |
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Post by rberman on Jun 29, 2020 17:58:30 GMT -5
Snake Eyes' ninja suit never made sense, anymore than it does for actual ninjas, who didn't wear things like that. The masks inhibit vision and his visor makes it even worse. Black isn't that stealthy at night, compared to olive green. That whole idea of ninjas in the black outfits comes from kabuki theater, where anything "invisible" appears draped in black, including "unseen assassins." Real ninja were just spies, wearing everyday clothing. We should ask this guy, who is getting his PhD in ninja. www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3090830/japans-first-ninja-studies-graduate-tried-live-real-ninja |
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Post by Roquefort Raider on Jun 29, 2020 18:20:16 GMT -5
Likewise The Spectre, who has no pants but holds his cloak discreetly throughout Kingdom Come.Not a good place for the Spectre to use his index finger. For Cerebus fans out there : "Yo' diddlin' yo'self under there agin, aren't you, son?" "It... comforts me". |
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