The Red Skull's Costume

[Engage]

I just wanted to point out something I love about the classic Red Skull design. He had it all going on in the head region, but it takes serious guts to just go out wearing what appears to be a sweatshirt. Especially when you see the sort of costumes the Allies were wearing at the time. I always loved the contrast between the fully costumed Captain America and the sweatsuit wearing Red Skull. Even if it was an evil Nazi sweatsuit.

In summary, villains often wear costumes are over designed. Really good characters only need a sweatshirt to do their evil.

[BigDuke]

The original creators certainly would not want the villain to be as flashy as the hero, so they would make his outfit less than exciting if they can.

Another theory is that in an environment of uniformity, the one the breaks the rules stands out even more. So in a world of brightly colored spandex wearing guys, the bad guy in the boring jumpsuit kind of stands out. (If you see a business meeting with 20 guys in suits and one guy in a golf shirt, who is the boss?)

Besides, that Red Skull affect really says it all. He is menacing in a jumpsuit or a business suit. To tart him up in a costume would degrade him to the level of the rest of the day to day supervillians.

[Nutcase65]

But I did read somewhere Bendis was going to have him start showing up in the occasional tu-tu

[balok]

Some villains work best in very understated attire. Doctor Doom, for example, could certainly have flashy primary color armor like, say, Iron Man - but he doesn't need it. That simple grey armor and green cape, unchanged for decades, tells you everything you need to know.

[Nutcase65]

remember when the Red skull had that gold body armor? It just wasn't him.

I fully agree with that statement Balok just made pointing out the stability in the more subdued bad guy costume.

To take it a step further, many of the flashier bad guys get trounced most of the time.

[Tone-Loc]

I always though that Skull's green jumpsuit with the big red swastika on it, was just horrible. How could a man of such self-importance were something that was a.) just utilitarian and simple an b.) does nothing to denote his station (or perceived station) in life. Meh.

Black leather, a business suit, or his old SS uniform are the only ways I envision the Red Skull.

[Nutcase65]

I always liked him in the gree bathrobe. The little old Red Skull sorta moping along, and then one of his lackeys try to help him and gets a big slap for his efforts.

Yup, I love Old man skull in his bathrobe.

[uberwolf]

I liked him in his SS uniform. Made him look x-tra evil.

[Alchemist-X]

His face is all the costume he's ever needed. Red Skull's evil in a business suit, Red Skull's evil in a bathrobe, Red Skull would look especially evil dressed like a priest. Bathing Suit, Plenty Evil if slightly ridiculous.

And Like American Avenger points out, SS uniform is extra evil.

[redstatecap]

Have to say I always liked him better in his black SS uniform.

RSC