The superheroine leotard
In case you're wondering, yes, that's Sue Storm from some early-to-mid 90s Fantastic Four issue. Apparently, that costume didn't last terribly long either, and for once, I think I'm glad. Not that I wouldn't mind seeing Sue Storm running around the Marvel Universe in a leotard, but that particular costume is just a little TOO silly.

I often wonder what girls think of costumes like this. I mean, I know women are going to have varied opinions on things anyway, (just as much as men, obviously), but when it comes to the aesthetics of sexuality, I often wonder how these things register with people who, shall I say, aren't wired the same way I am. Does a girl look at a superhuman pin-up girl and think she looks cool? Does she merely put up with it to appreciate the story? Is it a source of annoyance?

...I know; all of the above. Diversity of thought. Gotcha.

After all, I see some sexified men, and it's the same thing. Some are cool-looking, some are rather silly, and then some are just off-putting. But that's okay. I believe sexism is a two-way road.

I look at characters like Black Canary, Ms. Marvel, Jesse Quick, Wonder Woman, and Caitlin Fairchild, and I think they all look reasonably cool. There's more to the showing of skin. Their costumes actually have a bit of style.

Especially Fairchild's old costume (not lately, obviously). The style and colors of Fairchild's costume are very arresting, because it was more than just a swimsuit. Fairchild is the basis of my theory that zippers, buttons, snaps, and buckles are sexy. (I think it has something to do with implied access.) And admittedly, it's a theory I don't necessarily practice myself.

Strangely enough, the one part of Fairchild's costume I always kind of thought was coolest was her footwear. She didn't have the standard superhero boots. They were more like industrial stength gym shoes. They even have killer treads. I don't think I had ever seen treads on superhero boots before. And since, the only other character I can think of who does is Jesse Quick.

And really, why had nobody else thought of that before? Why the fuck were these stupid comic artists always trying to put heels on the boots? Why was THAT more important than practical athletic shoes?

Err... I better shut up about practical wear, before someone calls me on the irony of female characters wearing skimpy uniforms.

The thing is, I like it when it's more than just a skimpy outfit. In fact, my basis for altering Dasien's costume in the upcoming Crossoverlord was that she was basically walking around in a one-piece, and I thought I could do better. Of course, Al Schreoder is fighting me the entire way. (He's such a fan.)

But I kind of screwed myself, too, because I wanted Das' new costume to be a bit more industrial, with the buttons and buckles, and all that jazz. But in application, I realized that having an organic suit kind of defeated that. Oops.

Oh well. Maybe the next costume will have it. ...and it will ALWAYS be a leotard.