Character Styles

As I play Batman: Arkham City, I've beaten the story mode twice now and am aiming for 100%. But, I am dabbling in the challenge modes, where you can play as either Batman or Catwoman, with any of the "skins" that are available. Currently with my Catwoman DLC came Batman: The Animated Series and The Long Halloween style Catwomen. I like this a lot, as although I really enjoy the "current" look of Selina Kyle, it is The Long Halloween and Michelle Pfeiffer's costume that are my favorite Catwoman styles.

This made me think of other characters in the comic book world, how they have evolved or changed looks, and which of these I like the most. Sometimes it is hard to pick just one, as at times a costume in a comic book just looks silly on the big screen in live action, and visa versa with the details of a live action costume are just too much to have to draw into every frame of a comic book. And then at times it is simply just a matter of which artist is preferred to draw the character as some have very unique pencilling styles that make them look a bit different both in good ways or bad.

Batman

The Dark Knight (2008-Movie). Of all the film versions of Batman, this suit covers both style and substance. Looking great, but unlike previous versions, this one allowed movement which opens up Batman’s repertoire of fighting skills.

Comic Book wise although I will always love the blue on gray with the yellow and black emblem, as is was what the bat was wearing when I came into the comic book universe. However, now I prefer the black on gray, with the black emblem across the chest but the next sentence makes the blue on gray okay if presented. As for artists, I never had one for Batman before, however now it is preferred to have Adam Kubert or Jim Lee behind the pencils.

Catwoman

This feline fatal has had many many looks through out the years, and some I like just for special occassions or as a transitional costume to a newer better one. Michelle Pfeiffer is my all-time favourite version of Catwoman even of the comic books. The black vinyl with white thread marks visible. Didn’t care for Halle’s version, despite how hot she looked, and from what I saw of Anne Hathaway in the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises other then the suit not a fan, the mask looks silly to me, kitty needs more of a cowl than a masquerade  head piece in my opinion.

Comic Book style it is a cross between The Long Halloween version and the updated version (I think was started by Jim Lee) are tied for second. Both of which is available to me in the video game Batman: Arkham City along with the Animated Series suit, which along with the purple and black suit of the 90’s is a tie for third. And classic 1960's Catwomen outfits on television are great at times but miss the cowl that I said I need on my kitty aha

Venom

The movie version in my opinion was just okay, looked more like a black Carnage than Eddie Brock. Not picking, just compared to all the other characters that were displayed in the trilogy, who were very close resemblance to the comic book versions. Comic Books, I guess I have to go with which artists rendition I prefer the most as like many others, haven’t changed that much really other than who is pencilling the title showcasing Venom. I have to go with Todd MacFarlane, who is Venom’s creator (one of two actually), He doesn’t look too much different than Spidey, other than being in black form and a lot bulkier. The tongue for me is optional, like it sometimes, sometimes I don't.

Superman

From what I have seen from The Man Of Steel, I am liking the suit more than the ones of the past. I know a lot of purists will only ever want the tights, with the red undies of course, but Christopher Reeves was a rarity, having the build and acting ability to pull off being Superman. I did also like the suit in Superman Returns.

In the comic books, The Black Suit from when he returned from the grave is my tops, but as for the classic blue and red look, I am going with the new relaunched version. No red undies, which is what I like the most about it. Yes, it takes away from little kids playing dress up at home pulling the tighty whiteys over blue pants, but it also takes away one of the things that is laughed at in comic books by outsiders, along with tights, among other things like Batman and Robin (which is now changed too). We’ll see how long this look lasts though, as new artists take the helm, etc.

The Joker

I loved Jack Nicholson’s Joker in Batman (1989) and I liked that Cesar Romero refused to shave the moustache, but Heath Ledger’s version of Mr. J is where it is at for me. It is also why my favourite comic book version is the one portrayed in the graphic novel Joker. Common link is the Glasgow Smile. In my head I can definitely see it worked into what is known as The Joker’s origin.

Runner-up would have to be neither Jack nor Cesar nor another comic book version, but that of The Joker presented in both Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City video games. Not including the Titan Joker or the deathly looking Mr. J in Arkham City, those I am not too fond of. I also liked how the Clown Prince Of Crime was looking near and after the relaunch of DC Comics titles, but I could do without the bullet hole scar right between the eyes.

The Punisher

Out of all three renditions presented on film, The Punisher of my choice is from The Punisher: War Zone. The look was spot on, especially with Ray Steveson in the lead role. The opening action scene was how The Punisher should be portrayed slicing, dicing, neck breaking and shooting the hell out of people. Although I understood the psychological aspect of the popsicle in The Punisher (2004), it was still cheesy for my tastes.

As for comic book wise, I am not really a reader, only having read a few issues in my life time, but I would have to say keep it combat ready with a decent skull on the chest, or simply follow The Punisher: War Zone and that look.

Wolverine

I have to admit, when I heard who was playing Wolverine in the X-Men movie back in 2000, I was “Who the *censored* is Hugh Jackman?”. But, as the films have shown, especially in X-Men Origins: Wolverine where he jacked up to really look the part to even making a cameo appearance in X-Men: First Class showing how much he really loves the role that pretty much made him in some peoples eyes. As for the comic books, my time in the X-Men Universe there were two options, Blue and Yellow or Brown and Yellow. So, of those my preference is the Blue and Yellow, preferably without the mask at times, I like his hair style for some reason ahaha And of course I am pro adamantium laced skeleton, I only enjoyed a few frames from various issues with just the bone claws.