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Home > DC Comics > Superman’s New Costume Sparks Controversy And Confusion

Superman’s New Costume Sparks Controversy And Confusion

By: Scott Johnson on June 14, 2011

In : DC Comics, Superman
- 51 Comments

Well, Superman really just can’t catch a break these days. First, everyone was upset over Superman threatening to renounce his U.S. citizenship, and now everyone is in a tizzy over the Man of Steel making some wardrobe changes. Yes, DC Comics has revealed the new look for Superman, and as would be expected when someone alters the look of a classic character, there has been an enormous outcry from fans and media.

The confusing thing is that DC Comics has actually revealed three different looks for Superman in the new DC Universe, and many in the media are incorrectly identifying which look goes with which comic. The first look came as part of the new Justice League. In the Justice League #1 cover image, Superman is sporting an altered “S” logo, a higher v-neck collar, and no familiar red trunks. However, he appears to still be wearing his yellow belt, and most of the rest of his costume that is visible appears unchanged.

The Superman that appears on the cover of the re-launched Action Comics #1 sports a much different look. Action Comics #1 is telling the story of Superman as he first emerges to the world, so it would make sense that his costume would look less refined. And by less refined, we mean that he’s wearing lumberjack boots and jeans with patches on the knees. The familiar “S” logo looks the same on the t-shirt that is the upper half of his costume, but Supes’ cape appears to have shrunk in the dryer.

The third look of the new Superman appears on the cover of Superman #1. The new Superman comic book is described as the new status quo of the Man of Steel, so it likely represents the ongoing look of Superman, but no one knows for sure. The high collar and the missing red trunks from the Justice League cover are the same, but the “S” logo appears to have changed slightly again. Also, Superman’s costume appears to have gotten some armor plating. Superman’s boots have a metallic robot look, and armor lines can be seen on the legs and arms of his costume.

Some Superman fans have reacted positively to some of the Superman costume changes, pointing out that it was about time for him to lose the red Underoos. Other fans are outraged over the armor on his uniform, pointing out that an invulnerable man doesn’t need armor. Even though it’s likely a temporary look, the lumberjack Superman look seems to be generating the most discussion with fans labeling Superman as a hillbilly or redneck. In regards to the lumberjack Superman, a reader on Comicbook.com left the comment, “This is a stupid idea. Why change something that has become an american icon into this rather normal looking guy in a t-shirt, jeans, and combat boots.”

So what are your thoughts? Do you like v-neck Superman, armor Superman, or redneck Superman the best? Or do you think Superman should not change his costume at all?

Comments

Dangerblurbs

The first one with the V-neck is okay. I don’t know if it should be permanent, but not having underoos outside his pants is a bit refreshing in terms of costumes. (Why do we need to emphasize the crotch?) Maybe the jeans and t-shirt one will make sense in context, but the armor one just looks really really stupid. The only thing I can think of is that it’s lead and protects him from Kryptonite… which would be even more stupid because then he would be pretty much invincible, and boring, and his head is still showing.
Speedracer92001

i like the way his costume was for superman 1977 version the best.
Josephcrabb

don’t like it, superman should keep the red shorts. They are trying too hard to mix things up. DC could really screw this one up.
B4006167

I love everything about his jeans and t-shirt look. The character aspires to reflect the best in humanity while adopting its customs and ways. Nothing says, “I love the people of Earth” like wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and muddy boots. He’s not the sort of person who needs to dress all flashy to get noticed: he’s all-powerful. I mean really, who does he have to impress by wearing spandex?
Johnny_maher

I don’t like it at all. Superman should have his red trunks. If they feel the need to change his costume the least they could do is give us one ongoing book with the original Superman costume. Why does DC put me through this every few years? I won’t be buying any Superman titles any more until his real costume with red trunks is back.
Zanriel

I’ve been collecting Superman comics fot at least the past 25 years, but this is NOT Superman to me. Until they fix it, I’m done. If DC wants any mote of my business, they either need to put out a “retro” Superman series for the loyal fans like me, or revert back to the True version of Superman we all grew up with and love. I’m grief stricken over this.
Julieteacher2002

You don’t tug on Superman’s cape! You don’t shorten it either!
No more messing with Supes!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1314373615 Mason Comstock

every one who is pissed about the missing underpant is stupid just because we’ve been looking at that for 70 plus years doesnt mean it cant change and a couple thousand peiople stop buying comics, it really isnt going to hurt them to much.
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TheComrade

I honestly don’t mind the idea that Superman started out with a costume that looked less polished than the modern incarnation. I mean, Clark Kent grew up as a farmer and the first few times he found himself helping people with his powers, it would make sense for him to use what he had as a costume (such as work boots and tattered work jeans). Being a mid-western son from a small town, I honestly doubt that a Kansas farmer’s first idea for a costume that he will be seen wearing in public is going to involve spandex pants, bright red nearly knee-high boots and a six foot long cape.

I do believe that there is something innately wrong with the look in the Superman ongoing title. There is just very little about the armored look that makes sense with his power set or his personality. Furthermore, the extra lines really distract the eye from what should be the focus of the costume, the “S”.

Also, is it just me, or does the costume from Justice League seem reminiscent of a proposed Superman update that was published in Wizard magazine a few years back?

http://www.bamkapow.com/ul/4353-superman.jpg
Monel2017

I hate the changes. The high collar looks silly and vaguely militaristic. Its not “Superman” at all but rather looks more inline with a Green Lantern. As has been pointed out the idea of armor on an indestructable man is ridiculous.

It seems to me that DC went looking for a problem to solve…again. I heard no clamering for a Superman makeover among the fans. The traditional costume has become an accepted convention and was no sillier than the idea a man can disquise himself by putting on a pair of glasses. As long as the stories are compelling readers accept the conventions and enjoy the tale.

Here’s hoping the changes don’t last.
Spartan8791

The first costume looks decent to me not great, the rest are horrible. Who ever did these designs should be fired. Honestly, can you not come up with a better concept? I could design a cooler more modern Superman suit in seconds and still keep the basic concept of what made the costume iconic.

Anyone who says “it’s about time he lost the red undies” is not a true fan in my opinion and just wants their comic book characters to look as generic as the rest. His suit is a defining aspect of the character, it’s been through slight changes over the years but nothing this dramatic and ridiculous.

The only reason I could see for such changes are if this is set in a different universe/reality, or they are completely changing who Superman is. We’ve seen the first already, but the second shouldn’t even be given a second thought.

What were they thinking?
H Sama

there’s a reason Superman’s costume has remained largely the same for 70+ years. Superman is an icon for hope and freedom the world over. don’t destroy a classic in the name of publicity.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Thomas-Plummer/100000149760526 Thomas Plummer

Actually, yeah it will. Most books only have a few thousand readers in comics today. if a thousand people reallys stop buying the book, it’ll probably go under. Heck, if even a few hundred stop buying the book, they’ll make some radical change to draw people in.
Rewindcomix

the old costume is fine….in the v neck costume the cape is sewn on? i could see the sense in the old costume with regard to where there cape goes…but how does that fit into this new high neck costume?

The action comics costume is a bit….strange…i understand that in the early part of supermans life his costume would have changes as its a work in progress….but the t-shit and cape makes him look like its more of superboy with a red towel……

the last costume…yeah lose the armor lines…. its making supes look like he needs protection from something….makes him look like a notch lower than batman…..all that power and still need armor? leave that for bats whose a human.
http://www.facebook.com/Xane.Thrife JaTee’ LadyLoving Thomas

I actually love the new costume change. It makes Superman seem much more of a character of his own, rather than someone’s bulletproof plushie. I don’t see what the problem is though. I liked the old costume, but it doesn’t hurt to see a change. Also, has anyone thought that maybe the outfit is changing due to the storyline? Either way, his new costume(s) don’t look bad at all. They make him look cooler.
David Stewart

A v-neck is something altogether different.
These are MANDARIN collars.
You wouldn’t want to be accused of having the fashion design (un)sense of Jim Lee, would you?
David Stewart

As far as the armour goes, the new Justice League suits are all some sort of power Suits like on Tron or Iron Man! Guess DC has noticed what movies made money!.
Here’s the Flash suit: http://assets.dccomics.com/media/blogs/dcu/2011-06-17/Prentation_Flash_FG-03.jpg At first you might think that all that “crackle” is just the speed force, but you can see that the Patterns on the suit are exactly mirrored on both right and left sides of the Flash – Some of those electrics are inherent to the suit.
Here is the Lantern suit: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VFtcguGne-M/Tfud-izE6aI/AAAAAAAABxU/u7CpLErew_Y/s1600/greenlanternconversead.JPG The bottom middle one has energy zapping through it. Well that is kinda like the movie so maybe not scary . . . .
. . . . But how about the Batman!? http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgk7s6dRKng/TgEDxUt5EDI/AAAAAAAABxg/aE81_jlkpHs/s1600/batmanconversead2011.JPG Why does he need electric lights inside his suit???? WTF is this?
DC has jumped the shark.
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Siahs Girl

Seventy-three years and he is one of the most recognized characters on the planet. Seventy-three years and he has worn the red and yellow shield, blue tights, red boots, red cape, and red trunks. Seventy-three years and he’s getting an “Extreme Makeover: Superhero Edition”. Seventy-three years and they’re going to throw away everything that has stood the test of time. I suppose it’s the American Way to always want the newest, the upgrade, the trendy. But not with Supes. Leave him as he is: an icon, a classic, a hero for all seasons.
Rizlatattoo

Quite simply…sh*t!
Rizlatattoo

Awful, awful, awful…..DC are only rebooting the entire universe so that they will own 100% of the film rights to any NEW interpretation of any characters. They’ve seen the relative success of Marvel Studios and now chasing their tales to get Justice League out so they have a hope of riding on The Avengers success.

Sorry, but this doesn’t work at all. I don’t buy it that his first costume would have the emblem and jeans…surely he’d just have typical farmhand outfit OR a full on superhero suit?

Lazy DC…very, very lazy.
Bubbaraythomas

Quick! Name one STILL-POPULAR character design by Jim Lee! Stumped? You should be. Why did they let the designer of the widely trounced Wonder Woman costume redesign the DCU? Lee is stuck in the late ’80s with rolled-up-sleeved-bomber-jackets, high collars, & shoulder pads–ala Dorothy from Golden Girls. The dude can draw. He can’t design. They’re different artistic veins. One he excels at. The other? He sucks donkey d***, to put it mildly.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jason-Freston/552304558 Jason Freston

Though I’m not fond of the armor look, I love the Action Comic costume and and I think the JL one is a total non-issue. I’m also completely happy that they’re attempting to something different. Icon or not, the guy needs to change his clothes sometime.
Lex Luthor69

Superman is the oldest and most popular American icon. He is a symbol and standard for innocence, justice and truth. He is what we all wish we could be. There should be no change to something that doesn’t need it. If it’s not broken don’t fix it! He is the greatest superhero for a reason. Let him be.
dg

Are you people stupid? that isnt Superman! whats next? Wonder Woman in overalls? I wont buy any of that junk!
Mlongoh

Like the JLA costume best, but also like the idea of starting out simple on the cover of Action Comics. Change is good.
Validus09

Jeans and workboots? I wonder if this is the look Superman will have in the movies, I mean think of the endorsements…Levi jeans, so and so boots, shirt, hey what about rings and a watch eh…

And Supes could pull his pants halfway down to his butt, showing his underwear. Think of what undies company might pay to be Superman’s official underwear…

I wonder if there is a cape company out there anywhere…
Fromthedarkmatter

I might be on my own with this, but I personally thought that The Eradicator’s costume from “The Reign Of Supermen” storyline was pretty cool. I think that if they are going to redo the costume, that they should celebrate the best elements to come out of the late 20th century. I think the “S” should be the red on black that Alex Ross created (inspired by the cartoons). I think that if the color scheme is done right, there isn’t a need for the underwear. Different contrasts of blue will break up the uniform a bit. Remove the armor. As for the boots, I think people really need to go back to the beginning and look at the original concept designs for Superman (from 1933). You will see that the red strapped boot look was his original design, and this is simply an evolution of something that is over 70 years old. I honestly think that most of these changes are due to the lawsuit that is ongoing with the Schuster and Seigel family. What that means for our heroes, is unknown. Because they are mostly suing over his origin, the name “Kent”, “The Daily Planet”, as well as additional pieces of his origin and commonly known life, expect change. This might also mean that perhaps the armor plated appearance is now needed for him to be as super “or close to as super” as we remember. Also remember, there will be spill over from Flashpoint (notice how Cyborg is now a prominent member of the JLA in promotional ads). Let’s just see what happens before we all complain.
BAK55

Oh, wow, isn’t this wonderful to change the costme? While we’re at it, let’s have Superman just kill the gurs that give him trouble.

Dumbest thng I’ve ever seen.
Fromthedarkmatter

Technically Superman has murdered before. He killed Doomsday, but everyone remembers that. In Justice League Classified, it is alluded to, that he actually exposed Zod and his gang to Kryptonite. Not to mention the countless people who died in Metropolis while he was fighting Doomsday. Why stop there, Metallo, Parasite,Brainiac, etc etc. I do not agree with the costume change personally. It didn’t really work back in 97, but I don’t think it will fail as much now that a “Superman Forever” issue will have to be released, vaguely explaining the return to the old. No matter how you slice or dice it, this is in response to the Seigel and Schuster family lawsuit.
Edomet2002

I dont like the cape with the new outfit could do with out it and the jeans dont look good unfold the legs ive been a long time superman fan
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001736408665 Kayleen Bessert

I don’t care how they change his costume, but please NO OUTSIDE UNDERWEAR.
Charlie

To people that are complaining about his Action Comics look, DC already said that this look would be temporary and that he will change his look soon enough. As for the tiny cape, bare in mind that this could be his blanket he was wrapped in when sent to earth, and he is just using that.
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Chi Che Soong

Okay, DC. Thanks. I am glad you have reprints available in novel form of the classic age of your heroes. I want my Justice League back. . . I’m not buying anything new. Guess I do have a lot of issues that I didn’t buy as a child of Action and Superman, so I can buy those from E-bay. Done with you until you stop these silly re-designs and reboots of the classic heroes.
the truth

I don’t like the boots. The belt’s alright, but the boots are rubbish. I think though, that Superman’s costume has long been in need of an overhaul. Hardly any of the Marvel characters wear their underwear over their trousers!
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Matthewzelah

This is the same thing Marvel tried to do in the ’90s when they rebooted all their biggest heroes after Onslaught. It didn’t work out then, and it won’t work now. Mark my words, the iconic superman that everyone knows and loves will be back; we just have to be patient while the fanboy writers and editors at DC stroke their egos and try to put their personal stamp on an idea that is older and bigger than they are.
Milad

I love pants and work boots as the mark 1 costume. He doesn’t have to dress like a circus strongman to be superman…it’s not 1938 anymore people! The armor looks bad and only makes sense if superman is not invulnerable at the beginning of this relaunch. Maybe that’s why he’s wearing turtlenecks, to prevent super colds!
Thothakhronos

I kinda understand where they are coming from with the armor. He may be invulnerable, but cloth isn’t. It wouldn’t make sense for him to be fighting and getting shot at, but his cloth suit doesnt rip. I could easily see the armored look being a suit hidden in the fortress of solitude or something. I have always wondered when reading comics why his suit was never damaged or ripped even though he was getting brutally beaten or shot.
Wilburright

u guys r acting like this is the worst costume evr … its ok the armour looks a little like iron man..but dc cant stay old they have to start fresh every few years…would u like it if superman was still hopping from rooftop to rooftop saying things like up,up an away?
Ochiazam

I think you are one thats stupid. have you even bought the comic .
Ochiazam

Gice DC a chance. would you for God sake
Ochiazam

Red trunks? , what kind of super hero wears red trunks. It looks cool in the comics and cartoon but not in a movie. that why most people do not take superman .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ&ob=av3e SupermanFan38

Yes, I too want an ongoing series with the ORIGINAL Superman costume. I don’t like this darnfangled pentagon S logo.
Jewweldus

I honestly think the new custume is to dull and children who admire superman are attacted by the bright colours will not enjoy this new look. there should be more colour introduced. why the need for a change in the custume, is it because spiderman is changing the custume. I still like the old custume.
Jeweldus

can we please maintain the old superman custume? this new look is just not like superman. we love to see the bright colours of red,blue and yellow not this rustic look. kids and even adults love the blue blur.
Jewweldus

can we please maintain the old superman custume? this new look is just not like superman. we love to see the bright colours of red,blue and yellow not this rustic look. kids and even adults love the blue blur.
Jeweldus

can we please maintain the old superman custume? this new look is just not like superman. we love to see the bright colours of red,blue and yellow not this rustic look. kids and even adults love the blue blur.
Superconfused

Although my sense of nostalgia is confused, “Action Comics” relaunch is probably my biggest peeve of the three; it too greatly resembles the Young Justice variation of Superboy, and the cape is far too short. I have mixed feelings about the “Superman #1″ variation because I like the armor inserts, but it honestly feels a little Batty. And personally, I like what I have seen of “Justice League #1″, but I’d like to get a full shot of the costume before I judge it.
Darren Christopher

Superman wears red trunks. He always has. Admittedly, the silver screen does make it a little corny, but the directors were at least trying.
Biff Reckins

IIIT SSSSSUUUUUUUUCCCCCCKKKKKKSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
Eelex_f

like the new superman, i think it’s an evolution of the costume and character and symbols can change and be reestablished.
http://www.facebook.com/ted.burke Ted Burke

I like the new Superman uniform, and I am glad they got rid of the red underwear. There was something about the old uniform that made Superman look more like a professional wrestler than a super hero.
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