With the recent debates over Thor and Green Lanterns movie costumes, here is a small list of CBM costumes do’s and don’ts….
DO: Listen to the fans. Take time to compare and contrast. The most consistent iterations throughout the years are usually a good stepping stone. Pay close attention to which one the fans like most. After all, it’s the hardcore fans that eat, sleep and breathe this material. We all know that studios read sites like this one, why they sometimes neglect the advice is beyond me. The studio heads spend money on new houses, cars and boats. Our money goes to comics, we kind of know what we’re talking about….the last two sentences just depressed me….
DON’T: Stray too far from the source material. While with certain characters it makes sense to make tweaks, going too far can cause confusion if not outright rage. Batman Begins/The Dark Knight makes sense, an armored costume for a vigilante who doesn’t have superpowers. That is easily understood, along with the costume being black not blue and gray. Deadpool….mixed mutant powers look.. cringe. Cat..wo..man (I refuse to spell that in the correct way). What male (and some select female) CBM fans wouldn’t want to see a female crime fighter (or thief) roam the city in next to nothing? The only problem here is that it makes no sense, beyond that, the costume was downright atrocious, no need for further explanation.
DO: Explain the changes. If there has to be a change made to the costume (that’s not subtle) then let the audience know why. Example: (sorry Batman Begins and TDK have so many good examples)
Batman Begins:
“Nomex survival suit for advanced infantry. Kevlar biweave, reinforced joints”.
Bruce Wayne: [about the prototype Batsuit] Tear resistant?
Lucius Fox: This sucker will stop a knife.
Bruce Wayne: Bulletproof?
Lucius Fox: Anything but a straight shot.
Bruce Wayne: Why didn't they put it into production?
Lucius Fox: Bean counters didn't think a soldier's life was worth 300 grand. So what's your interest in it, Mr. Wayne?
Bruce Wayne: I wanna borrow it. For, uh, spelunking.
Lucius Fox: Spelunking?
Bruce Wayne: Yeah, you know, cave diving.
Lucius Fox: You expecting to run into much gunfire in these caves?
Bruce Wayne: Look, I'd rather Mr. Earle didn't know about me borrowing it...
Lucius Fox: Mr Wayne, the way I see it, all this stuff is yours anyway.
TDK suit change:
Bruce Wayne: I need a new suit.
Lucius Fox: Yeah, three buttons is a little '90's, Mr. Wayne.
Bruce Wayne: I'm not talking fashion, Mr. Fox, so much as function.
[hands him a diagram]
Lucius Fox: You want to be able to turn your head.
Bruce Wayne: Sure would make backing out of the driveway easier.
X-Men:
Wolverine: You actually go outside in these things?
Cyclops: Well, what would you prefer? Yellow spandex? (all quotes from IMDB.com)
Whether it’s funny or serious, explaining the changes can really help the story.
DON’T: This is a pet peeve of mine. If the CBM character wears a mask to protect his or her identity, DON’T keep taking off the mask while the character is in action or in public view just to show off your star more!! They wear masks for a reason and in any good CBM there is enough screen time for the alter ego and the secret idenity. I’m surprised that the studio didn’t have V take off his mask and show Evey what his real face looked like. The secret identity is important.
By the way, I like DC more than Marvel but I love Comic Books, both companies have TONS to offer. I think the Thor costume looks pretty good so far, hopefull he will have his trademark helmet as well. The Green Lantern costume looks just how I hoped it would, right from the comic book with an alien touch..back to the topic at hand….
What are some of YOUR costume Do’s and Don’ts or Pet Peeves??