This was a topic of discussion the other night. We were watching the new Daredevil TV show and I was complaining about the fact that regular clothes with a bit of fabric tied over his face does not a super hero costume make.
In the Spiderman movies not only does Peter Parker find time to teach himself how to sling around buildings he somehow also manages to figure out how to mold and make an entire latex/spandex suit…overnight.
At least in Superman (Dean Cain version) we knew that his S was on his baby blanket and that his mum helped sew him an outfit. So from a sewing knowledge/skills point of view that all works. Plus they made this natty montage too.
https://youtu.be/wehGfglnzyA
Thor comes from a planet where he is a ruler so I’m sure he has an entire armory contingent to make his leather and metal armour so he doesn’t need to make his own.
Bruce Banner/The Hulk seems to just wear his regular clothes but why do his pants increase when he changes but don’t shrink back down when he returns to being Bruce Banner?
Is Alfred the Butler really an amazing latex tailor in his spare time to create and maintain Batman’s outfits?
But all these others how do they do it? and if learning amazing technical sewing virtually overnight comes with being a superhero then is there a secret stash of fabric in the batcave?
Oanh
These are important questions. I do hope it inspires someone to do a PhD.
Also, what about Irma from the Incredibles? My understanding was she made everyone’s outfits (and I love the cape controversy).
Susan Goodwin
I need to check out the Incredibles again!
MaciNic
No cape for you!! Love her.
lsaspacey
Edna Mode, couturier to super heroes! Loved her!
Vanessa
Flipping awesome post.
Best superhero costume montage eva! Also, extra points for the inappropriate comment from mum about where people will be looking; AND THEN the unnecessary zoom past the ‘super crotch’!
LOLOL 🙂
Susan Goodwin
Seriously who doesn’t love a good montage, I was laughing so much when I found this clip.
Claire
Sorry, this might be a duplicate – write once, post twice?
For everything you need to know about super hero costumes, watch ‘The Incredibles’ and see how Edna Mode (voiced by Brad Bird – who knew?) does it. One thing to remember, ‘NO CAPES daaahhhlink.’
Susan Goodwin
Brad Bird voices everyone? well it seems that way.
I need to check out more of her sewing action, I’ve not seen it enough to recall it properly.
Rose in SV
They hire Edna Mode to make their outfits (http://pixar.wikia.com/Edna_Mode ) She has a wealth of experience (see here : http://youtu.be/M68ndaZSKa8 )
Susan Goodwin
I’m so hoping that video turns up in the comments properly because it’s awesome! thank you!
Lou Sewcial Warrior
Daredevil”s costume does get better, I promise. Brilliant series and helps you forget the drivel that was Ben affleck as daredevil.
Susan Goodwin
Ugh the Ben Affleck one was torture, so very bad.
I’ve not finished the season of Daredevil yet, so far am liking it but really wish they’d give the lighting director a budget so he can buy a lightbulb, it’s too dark for my liking. Looking forward to a better suit though!
Yaba
Well, the lightning may be part of the intention in the production, as he is blind, the direction could aim to make it difficult to see what happens (as trying to inmerse us in matt’s point of view)
It is a risky approach, as it limits the understanding audience; at least that is what I think, as I studied audiovisual production.
So far, I like it 🙂
Jodie
OH MY GOD this has been on my mind all weekend. I saw the avengers last night and I’ve never really watched any superhero movies before. Apparently becoming a superhero automatically entitles you to some fancy schmancy costume whipped up in no time off screen and you come back looking out of this world. My mind boggles that they can do this when their skillz are never shown to include pattern drafting and exquisite sewing. I also take issue with the capes in the latest avengers movie. I shit you not that two superheroes in the same scene have long capes on, one that is stationary and the other that’s blowing in some non existent breeze. How do the laws of nature not apply to the fabrics they wear? I will believe them if they show themselves to have super human abilities to lift buses and whatnot but when two fabrics are not rustling in the same breeze like nature intended then I’ve got nothing. I’m out.
Reana Louise
Just keep watching Daredevil – the costume comes! It’s a part of the story 🙂 My favourite super hero (or rather, villain? kinda?) is Michelle Pfeiffer’s transition into cat woman! Fabulous!