Superman Redux

The recent redesigning of Superman (along with the other core DC Comics characters) naturally led me to consider how I would approach the job.

The traditional superhero costume, as exemplified by Superman, has followed a circus sensibility; Superman's outfit was inspired by the kinds of costumes worn by aerialists and strongmen. I happen to think that the best way to keep the traditional feel of the superhero costume in a modern context is to embrace a more athletic sensibility. Consider the costumes being worn by olympic athletes, and even professional wrestlers: they look very much like superhero costumes. Thus, sleekness and functionality would be my primary design criteria.

In the case of Superman, I wanted him to look a bit more streamlined. The super-power that tends to be most immediately identified with Superman is his ability to fly; hence, his costume should seem aerodynamic. The main change I made in this regard was to his cape. Rather than being tucked into the neckline of his shirt and gathered at the shoulders, it's fastened around the neck at the base of the collar and rests along his collarbone, hanging straight down behind him. This produces a sleek triangular shape which would provide a dramatic frame for his figure as he soars through the air.

The other changes are mostly cosmetic. I gave his belt buckle and boot tops the same shape as his chest emblem to provide a recurring design element. Since I did away with the red trunks, I made his belt red to compensate (besides, the blue belt loops didn't look quite right against a yellow belt).

This is my second attempt at coloring a piece with GIMP. It was easier going than the first attempt, since I found a simpler method for keeping the color separate from the linework (create a new layer set to "multiply" mode, and do the colors on that). I still hate GIMP, but slightly less now. Slightly.


Superman © DC Comics.