AJ
The Curious Case of Superman’s Moto
By Adrean Viaud
Introduction
Ever since the release of [James Gunn’s Superman suit reveal]
, the public has been buzzing about one thing: Superman’s new outfit.
Namely — the creases in the armor, here and there.
Growing up, we’ve all seen the many incarnations of the muscle suit, showcasing Superman’s physique.
The emphasis was always placed on branding the man, not necessarily highlighting his capabilities.
Can you even tell he shoots lasers from his eyes? (Looking at you, Christopher Reeve.)
On top of the exposed underwear, another critical aspect of the costume is its playful defiance of DC’s often dark and brooding atmosphere.
Bright colors, soft lines, and loose definition gave Superman the friendliest — or perhaps the sexiest — look.
Should Superman model for Calvin Klein?
After all, when else should a grown man run around in his underoos in public? Either in a fight or on a soundstage, right?
Establishing the Baseline: Superman Is Fun, Strong, Sexy?
Superman’s brand is clear:
- Likable.
- Strong.
- Sexy?
But what does that have to do with his new outfit?
DC Comics, 2011: A New Look for a New Era
In 2011, DC Comics rebooted their iconic characters to refresh and repurpose them for modern audiences.
Superman’s suit got a tech-heavy upgrade — one that emphasized alien functionality and modernist minimalism.
New Features:
- Standing collar: Regal, professional.
- Extra stitching and paneling: Mobile, possibly alien tailoring.
- No trunks: More militaristic, less playful.
Superman wasn’t smiling anymore.
He was serious. Maybe even… militant?
Sidebar:
Last time the trunks disappeared, Superman started “murking” people (Zack Snyder’s black suit Superman, anyone?).
Rethinking the Suit: Is Fun, Sexy, and Functional Possible?
If Superman is supposed to be fun, likable, and sexy, what kind of clothing could do this while staying functional?
Better yet — what are James Gunn and his crew trying to show us?
I started digging.
American Alien: Superman’s Human Side
[Insert Image: Superman: American Alien Cover]
In 2016, DC published Superman: American Alien by Max Landis (Chronicle) and artist Nick Dragotta.
Seven stories. Seven versions of Clark Kent — showcasing a full emotional range: kind-hearted, angry, funny, brutal. Yet always, deeply American.
Key Thought:
What if God was one of us?
At one point, Clark dons an alternate costume that’s part superhero suit, part functional flight gear.
It clicked.
[Insert Image: Early Clark Kent flight suit sketches]
Space suits have:
- Emblems
- Branding
- Functionality
It all made sense — but something was still missing.
“Ground Control to Major Tom…”
“My circuit’s dead… is something wrong?”
