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It's kind of funny the things you think about when you're out reading message boards. While I was reading through some posts from people about Igor Kordey's blindsided firing (and being appalled at how many people seemed to be reveling in it), I saw that some folks were talking about the "change" that is supposed to be happening with the wardrobe of the characters in X-titles in the near future. Since I really don't keep up on the X-corner of Marvel I decided to go look up some information and saw the cover to Astonishing X-Men #1. In all honesty, I don't get the gripes of those who are opposed.
I looked over a few of the arguments and tried to make sense of them. Not always an easy task. Now, some folks are just giving their opinions on the matter, which is great. Some people like the flashy colors and some people prefer a more simplistic look. What really makes me laugh is when people try to backup their opinions against the more classic superhero style of clothing with "reasoning."
Here are a few of the "reasons" that really gave me a bit of a laugh:
They aren't functional in the real world.
I find this reason to be amusing because the person appeared to be pretty set on the idea that the costumes in the X-Men movies were "functional." Well, if you've ever checked out some of the documentaries on the first film being made you can easily see that the costumes are NOT functional, at least not easily. You hear the actors gripe a bit about how the costumes fit, and you even get to see some of them struggling (and falling) just to take an elevated step. Functional? I think not.
This is not to say that spandex is necessarily going to be more functional than being clad in leather (or something similar in texture) from head to toe, far from it. Each could have its merits. However, if I was thinking that I needed to be highly mobile and had "powers" that were going to give me a level of protection I think I'd probably go with the spandex. Of course, we're all thankful that I don't have any kind of powers because that really decreases the chance of me being clad in spandex.
People don't wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes.
Ah, the ever faithful fallback of those who don't like the classic costume styles, and those who like to make fun of the comic genre. I don't know how many times I've heard this over the years. Do they have a point? Yes. Then again, comics aren't real. So, imagine if you were someone who lived in a "real" comic world. Would you really tell these guys (and ladies) that are wearing spandex (brightly colored no less) that they can't wear their underwear on the outside of their clothes? These people are saving the world, or trying to destroy it, and you're going to attempt to tell them where their underwear is supposed to be?
Listen, if Captain America, Superman, or Batman really wants to cover a layer of spandex with a more loosely fitting layer of clothing that just happens to be similar to underwear, that's fine with me. I don't need to see anyone's "super junk" being on display. Also, how serious could you take a hero if when they were walking away from you they had a nice dark line on their rump from the ass-sweat they built up while saving the world? Really, is that the time to chuckle at something like that? No, but you know you'd do it.
The costumes aren't realistic.
OK, so unless many characters in comics are involved in speed skating just before (or after) we see them in the pages of the books then this point is pretty valid. That or they're into some kind of weird fetish lifestyle and they keep getting interrupted. Just don't tell hardcore rightwing Christians that hate comics that theory because they're likely to believe it.
The main problem I have with this argument is that you see people in the real world dressed up in some pretty freaky ways. Plus, if you think about it they tend to hang out in groups that dress in a similar manner too. So, is it -really- that far off from reality?
If you haven't guessed by now I don't really worry too much about how the heroes in comics are dressed. As long as they're fighting the good fight I'm fine. Spidey had to wear a bag on his head once, Firestorm has (or had) puffy sleeves, and the Martial Manhunter looks like he walks around with suspenders that keep his underwear up (imagine if he didn't have the cape on). Sometimes the situation is what determines what is worn, sometimes a level of functionality, but usually it just comes down to the artist's interpretation of what they're told (what a concept). If you're reading stories about people with powers fighting battles on galactic and global scales and you're SERIOUSLY frustrated with what they're wearing, please seek professional help.
What you sometimes see in comics are costumes created by artists for the medium of comic books. Change to the medium of movies or television and sometimes you have to change the costumes, which is just how it works. It doesn't necessarily have to do with costumes not being creatable in the "real world" (and we do have CGI folks).
I hate to repeat myself so often, but this again comes down to a simple concept regarding comics. If you really don't like something, don't buy it. Wait for a change that catches your attention and then check things out. Or, you could come to terms with the fact that change is constant. That is a fact that exists in both the pages of comics and the real world. That is exactly why I sometimes push thorough stories (like Rabb's current Green Lantern run). May I gripe? Sure, I have an opinion. However, I won't ever expect all of you to agree and I'm really not going to take the time to generate "facts" of why my opinion is right. Facts are facts and opinions are opinions, learn the difference. Of course, if you do want to "argue" your opinions have some fun with it and don't get too serious.
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