[ddarko]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boy Blunder

I'm in agreement on the Spider-Woman costume, both in comics and in action figure form.

The old costume, while iconic and classic, also carries a definite 'created in the 70s' aesthetic that kills its appeal to me. I don't know how to explain it beyond that, because there's a lot of costumes from that era that are arguably 'timeless,' but something about Jessica's outfit just hasn't aged as well as the rest. The updated look, while sharing some similar aesthetic choices with other modern costume updates (such as the Batgirl of Burnside costume, which has been pointed out ad nauseam), feels sleek, comfortable, and unencumbered, which is definitely a plus in a superhero design, and is still easy to recognize, with the mask-like sunglasses design and the emblem boldly emblazoned on the front. She looks like she's a hands-on crime fighter, rather than the older costume, which emphasized a more hands-off feel.

And as an action figure, it just feels better than the previous one. I never actually bought the Thanos-wave Jessica Drew, because on top of me not liking the costume, the figure just didn't make itself a standout. Like lordbest said, it was another bodypaint-looking spandex bodystocking. And while I have a love for those, I need more variety for my superheroes, and this design helps set her apart, what with having more individual new pieces and a very nice paint job, with a very impressive face sculpt. And she doesn't come with those wonky oversized hands! (they're my one complaint about the A-Force Lady Loki figure, too)

Also, the new Jessica looks great next to Riders Widow and Onslaught Mockingbird.

I think what your are missing, along with those who compare this costume to modern Batgirl, is that the only reason why Batgirl still looks 'ok' is because she has a cape and a cowl!

If you were to take that away, give her a pair of shades and a purple jacket, she would look like a cheap cosplayer!

So objectively, even the modern costume of Batgirl is a downgrade from what she had in the Gal Simone run right before her transition to Burnside. Her older costume conveyed what we come to expect when we say "superhero costume".

Perhaps the issue has to do with the modern mindset of always wanting something novel! In that sense, the new Batgirl costume or Spiderwoman costume do get high marks. BUT, objectively as a costume that screams superhero, the modern costumes are bad designs!