Riddle me this Batman, why is it that superheroes--apart from times when they are enjoying their secret identity--are always in full costume? It just doesn't make sense. Superman in his fortress of solitude: Think remote place, ice crystal walls, top-flight security... why doesn't he just walk around in some cords and a sweater? Why the spandex and cape? Or in the Halls of Justice--or whatever the Superfriends' HQ is called--why do you call each other by your first names, but dress to the nines in your unis? Don't tell me it's because you're "at work"--no one can get into your offices and you all know who's who in real life. Plus, you're fast enough to change in an emergency: think Flash, Superman, Green Lantern... and then install a couple of batpoles for the others. Maybe then you can wear something a bit more realistic. Business casual at the very least.
But here's the kicker: I checked out a few graphic novels over Christmas break--it had been awhile and I was inspired by an interview I saw with best-selling author Brad Meltzer who actually writes comics as well. In one of the books, Fantastic Four, they are battling a villain named Diablo. First, it's odd enough that Diablo would be in full costume at his super secret lair when he has no plans to go out... but second, and most surpising, there are a few panels where a normal guy is fitfully dreaming only to wake and sit up on the edge of his bed. Then in the next frame, he reaches behind his head and UNZIPS his head, the loose skin costume of a normal guy falling to the floor to reveal Diablo! In full costume! Saying something about how comfortable he just was! The guy was wearing a mansuit for pajamas! With his full Diablo-I'm-named-after-the-devil-so-I-have-hornish-points-on-my-head costume on!
See, I told you superheroes (and their foes) were silly.
It's called WILLFUL SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF - which, believe me, we needed some of our college audiences to do - especially with "The Birds" - no offense to Jeff.
Posted by: Wendy Melchior | January 09, 2009 at 02:36 PM