12 Best Redesigns Of Superhero Costumes
Talk about dressing for success...
It used to be a recurring motif in Avengers comics that the Wasp never wore the same crime-fighting outfit twice. But after decades of stories and hundreds of artists, it's hard to find a single superhero who hasn't engaged in some drastic costume redesigns over the years.
Some costume changes are absolutely iconic, whether as part of an ongoing storyline or simply as a way to freshen up, revitalize, or repurpose an established character. Whether it's a wholesome revamp of a company line like Marvel's Ultimates series or DC's New 52, or simply a single character getting an update, no comic book character stays the same forever, for better or for worse.
The more controversial changes - like Storm's mohawk makeover in X-Men or a bearded Aquaman replacing his lost hand with a harpoon - have fans and detractors alike, while some alterations, like Iron Man's leap from dull grey to red and yellow, are universally praised as a step up.
Both Marvel and DC are be strange, inconsistent patchwork quilts of retcons, re-launches, and gimmick changes. But sometimes, they absolutely nail a change for the better, be it a course correction or a brand-new direction for a character we thought we knew.
12. Spider-Man
Let's get this one out of the way first, because it's obvious.
Spidey's original blue-and-red crimefighting costume will forever be a classic, but the black suit was the perfect next step in the character's evolution. No longer a kid playing at superheroics, the black suit Spider-Man was battle-tested against serious foes, even taking to the stars to represent the good guys.
The black suit represented a Spider-Man who was evolving, taking on adult challenges, and yes, occasionally dabbling in darkness (and looked badass while he did so).
As the black suit saga continued and the suit's true intentions revealed, the true mettle of Spider-Man came to light. He resisted the temptation of power and violence, rejecting the suit's gifts and proving himself a hero.
As a consequence, he made a dangerous enemy by doing so, as the suit bonded to Eddie Brock and Venom was born. Spider-Man survived one crucible, and would soon endure another.