Over the years the X-Man known as Rogue has seen many changes to her powers, costume, and even personality. Those are interesting in their own right, but today the focus is squarely on the many looks she’s adopted over the years, each of which has its own cadre of fans.
Videos by ComicBook.com
The character left quite the impression on the Avengers in her first appearance (1981’s Avengers Annual #10), and ever since she’s been a stalwart of the X-Men universe. Granted she started out on the wrong side of things, but hey, it doesn’t matter where yous tart, only where you finish. Fortune cookie psychology aside, Rogue appeals to fans because of her unyielding charisma, her southern charm, and an intriguing powerset that comes with its own struggles. She can fly, lift a tank, and punch through a wall, but being cut off from physical contact with others has always been a fly in the ointment, and that struggle is an essential part of the character.
During that time she’s co-opted more than a few costumes, each one helping to define the character’s outlook at the time. The eighties was full of edginess and almost rock star qualities, while the nineties elicited a more casual and flirty tone. In recent years the costume has toyed with numerous designs, but most of them center around the green and white color scheme. Hit the next slide to see ComicBook.com’s favorites and see if your favorite costume made the list!
Rogue can currently be seen in Marvel’s Uncanny Avengers title and you can view the official description for the most recent issue below.
Uncanny Avengers #22 is written by Gerry Duggan with art by Pepe Larraz and a cover by David Marquez. You can view the official description for the issue below.
The Unity Squad has been playing a cat-and-mouse game with Red Skull — but it all ends here! Not everyone will finish on their feet… The final fate of Charles Xavier’s telepathic brain is revealed! Rogue does some soul searching in an unlikely place, and we present our craziest final splash page ever.
Uncanny Avengers #22 is in comic shops now.
MORE COMICS: Marvel’s Juggernaut Gets A New Look In X-Men Blue #1 / DC And Marvel Are Drinking And Drawing For Charity / X-Men Gold Artist Officially Terminated By Marvel
Rogue 1980’s
Rogue went through a multitude of looks in the eighties, all of which riffed on the green and black theme. Two of these costumes are incredibly indicative of the time period, as there was no time like the eighties for off the shoulder tops and one piece outfits that looked straight off the set of an Olivia Newton-John music video.
Despite it being a product of the era, there is still something rather delightful about this costume. It fits the character’s personality, which at this time had a bit of an edge to it. There was just a hint of rocker to it all, and because of that it’s managed to become a fan favorite after all these years.
Rogue Messiah Complex
Rogue would later adopt a more regal looking outfit, which came around during the Messiah Complex storyline and stuck around for a bit afterward. It stuck with the same green and white color scheme but came with a long cloak that stemmed from a white collar. She would often pull a hood over as well, giving her the look of her namesake, something you might see in a D&D campaign.
It was one of the best updates to the character’s wardrobe in some time, and made her appear in charge at all times.
Rogue Age of X
The X-Men are no stranger to alternate realities and dimensions, and more than a few of these designs have become staples on top fan lists. That includes Marvel’s Age of X, which set the remnants of mutantkind in a losing battle against humankind as they defended their last bastion of hope, Fortress X.
In that universe Rogue was known as The Reaper, as she would take the memories of mutants before they died, acting as living catalog of those mutants no longer on earth. The costume was appropriately a bit darker in theme, with mostly black encompassing the outfit with sections of bright green. She also wore a cloak, and could also cover her head with a hood. It’s one of the sleeker updates to the character, and even though she eventually returned to normal, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if this costume resurfaced down the line.
Rogue 1990’s
The X-Men were at the height of their popularity in the 1990’s, thanks to a soaring comics line with numerous titles in production as well as the beloved animated series. Rogue was one of the breakout stars during this time, and this costume is arguably the one most will remember her in.
The green and yellow outfit with the bomber-esque jacket fit her carefree and flirty attitude during this time. Paired with her pronounced southern drawl (hey sugah), all of the factors came together perfectly, and if you mention Rogue in a conversation, most will always refer to this version of the character.
Rogue X-Men Legacy
Rogue got another costume tweak in the X-Men legacy era, this time going with something a bit more vintage but with some modern elements. The main costume is a darker green with white accents, which all converge on three X-symbols (shoulders and chest).
The vintage comes in with a long white scarf, giving it an almost bombshell vibe, especially when paired with the arm length gloves. It looks amazing on the page, especially in action sequences. It’s one of the best redesigns she’s received in years, instantly giving off the character’s attitude with one glance.
