10 DC Comic Costumes That Are Better Than the Movie Versions

The heroes and villains of the DC universe have worn a large number of different costumes throughout the years in both print and film. Many of these outfits have stood out to fans as their favorites, making them iconic in the minds of those who read the comics or watch the movies. Lovers of DC comics will always remember the costume that Christopher Reeve wore as Superman and Joker’s iconic purple suit in the comic books. Fans oftentimes associate their favorite characters with the outfit that they wore, keeping that image in their heads.

Sometimes the costumes used in the films are more iconic than those used in the comic books. However, there have been several times when the suits used in the comics fit the characters in a better way. The print versions of the outfits that readers’ favorite heroes and villains wear can do a better job of following their personalities and powers, and can be a little bit more extravagant since they are drawn. Some of the costumes utilized in the DC movies over the years have failed to hit the mark, letting comic book fans down. There have been times when the comic books did a greater job in the eyes of the reader, giving them better eye candy as they enjoy following the adventures (or misadventures) of their favorite characters.

10) Batgirl

The Batgirl film was never released, but DC fans were given a look at the costume that the character would have worn in the movie. The outfit was similar to what she wears in the 2014 Batgirl series, though it does not look as good. The comic book version looks a little more tactical, something that would actually be useful if the character were to run into action. There are also little flairs seen in the comic book version when compared to the suit seen in the film, such as the way that the utility belt hangs off of Batgirl’s hip. Sometimes it can be the little things that make the difference, as seen with these two Batgirl suits.

9) Enchantress

The Suicide Squad film featured several costumes that had a hard time standing up to the comic book iterations. This includes Enchantress, who received a questionable outfit in the movie. It fits the history that Enchantress has in the film, but does not look as stylish as the green hood and cape that she wears in the comics. The hood and cape give her more of a sorceress vibe, working with the powers that she possesses. The costume helps illustrate the kind of character that she is and the powers that she can utilize.

8) Guy Gardner

In the latest Superman film, all of the members of the Justice Gang wear matching outfits. This includes Guy Gardner, who also has the Green Lantern symbol on his belt and shoulders. While the costumes that the Justice Gang don do look cool, the Green Lantern Corps uniform still looks better on Guy. The suits that all members of the Lanterns wear are sleek and very hard to beat, and Guy’s version with the vest jacket looks good on the character. While the Justice Gang did look cool in Superman, Guy’s outfit still cannot stand up to the Green Lantern outfit, which is a staple for the heroes.

7) Huntress

Helena Rosa Bertinelli, the character who bears the name Huntress, was featured in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). In the film, she wears combat gear with a green cape while wielding a crossbow. However, the film costume does not stand up to the one that Helena wears in Batgirl and the Birds of Prey. The purple, white, and black suit is a good look on the character, and the hood adds a nice touch to the whole ensemble. It does a better job of fitting in with the rest of the Bat Family while keeping some aspects of her past costumes.

6) The Penguin

The Batman movies that were directed by Tim Burton had a certain charm to them. The second one saw Batman go against Catwoman and the Penguin, with the latter being a gross rendition of what you normally see for the character. The Penguin is often seen to be well-dressed and dignified, whereas the film made him much more bird-like. It was entertaining, but the comic book outfits gave the Penguin a smugness that goes along with his personality and the gentlemanly appearance that he wants to portray.

5) Wonder Woman

Gal Gadot looks great in the Wonder Woman suit that she wears in the films. The costume looks sleek on her and features key details such as the tiara that the character wears. Despite this, the Wonder Woman outfit from the Absolute universe fits the character a lot better. It looks more like something that a warrior such as Diana would wear as she rushes into battle. The costume still keeps Wonder Woman staples in it that include the tiara and the two W’s on her breastplate that have been a big part of the character’s outfits since her inception. Both the movie and comic versions of Diana’s suits do well, but the comic book edges out as it fits the character and her fighting nature much better.

4) Harley Quinn

The costume that fans see Harley Quinn wear in Suicide Squad helps show how sexy the character can be. The outfit featured booty shorts, fishnets, and high-heeled boots, and helped her stand out in the movie. However, the costume that she has been wearing in the comics for a while now stands out much better. The outfit stays sexy, as it features a corset and shorts. But the comic book costume features black and red high tops, with Harley often wearing a red and black leather jacket over it. It also features Harley’s red and black color motif, staying true to the original outfit that fans saw her debut in.

3) Catwoman

The Catwoman film starring Halle Berry is one of the worst DC movies ever released. It also featured one of the worst costumes that Catwoman has ever worn. The outfit looked like something that would be worn in the bedroom and was obviously banking on the star’s sex appeal. Catwoman’s latest suits in the comic books look much better on the character, as they are still sleek and sexy while not being too revealing. Selena Kyle’s comic book suits show that she can be seductive without having to bare too much skin.

2) Killer Croc

The costume that Killer Croc wears in the Suicide Squad movie did not make sense. It features a lot of leather and jewelry, and tries to make him look like a hoodlum. However, Joker by Brian Azzarello did a better job at giving Killer Croc a human look while also keeping aspects of his original design. The graphic novel made the villain much more intimidating than the Suicide Squad film, something that would be much scarier to run into in the sewers of Gotham. Killer Croc should be a massive and monstrous character that induces fear into his enemies, not like some teenager trying to join a gang.

1) Joker

The outfit that the Joker was given in the Suicide Squad movie was atrocious. The tattoos and shirtless look did not fit the character well and were a bad attempt at making him edgy. The Joker does not always wear the bright purple suit that comic book fans have known him to wear, which can be seen in Brian Azzarello’s Joker. The graphic novel shows the character wearing a long, leather coat and baggy slacks with loafers. It was a much better example of dressing the Joker in an outfit that is different than what readers expect, and stands above what the Suicide Squad film tried to do.

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