In DC Comics,Supermanisn’t a hero who changes his costume very often, with his iconic red, blue, and “S”-emblazoned outfit being one of the most recognizable sets of spandex in the entire comic book industry, bar none. In a story from the early 2000s,Superman received a definitive redesign that saw him return tohis Kryptonian roots, a regal look that would have made his parents proud.
More or less keeping the same costumed look since his inception in 1938, the most changed aspect of Superman’s outfit usually comes in the form of his constantly updated “S” logo, with designs that range from Big Blue’s traditional red and yellow emblem to hisKingdom Come-inspired red and black designto his original shield-like sigil and more.
Changing more than just his iconic logo inSuperman: Godfall,Superman’s redesign in this arc gave the Man of Steel a sleek Kryptonian suitthat kept some of the character’s most iconic wardrobe elements while bringing something completely new to the table.
Superman’s Kryptonian Redesign Gave Him a More Regal Look in DC Comics
Superman: Godfall- 2004 (Michael Turner, Joe Kelly, and Talent Caldwell)
Unknowingly trapped in the bottled city of Kandor with his memories of being Earth’s Superman erased from his mind,Superman: Godfalltells the tale of Kal-El as he slowly realizes that his current reality living in a world where Krypton never exploded isn’t exactly what it seems. Riding around on abadassTron-like luminescent bike,Kal-El wears a traditional Kryptonian outfit complete with a red shoulder-mounted cape, form-fitting silver body suit, stylish wardrobe accents that run across his chest, arms, and waist, and finally, a set of heavily armored shinguardsthat further adds to this definitive redesign.
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Reflecting the culture and fashion of Kandor as it’s presented in this story, this new design has a futuristic and streamlined feel to it — something that’s relatively foreign to Superman compared to his usual visual appearance — and acts as a costume that represents Kal-El embracing hisbirthright as a Kryptonianwhile rediscovering himself along the way.Superman’s familiar yet uniqueGodfalldesign takes big swings with its less colorful outfit and more intricate costume details, proving that as long as Superman has his signature “S” somewhere on his person, no design is too out there for the character to pull off.
Superman: GodfallIntroduces a Kal-El Without His Iconic Superhero Outfit
Unfortunately, this suit was a one-and-done design that only lasted for a few pages and on a couple of covers before not being seen again, making this Kryptonian-inspired look one thatshouldhave andcouldhave been a more consistent and important part of Superman’s appearance in the early aughts. Regardless of the minimal impact this outfit had on the character in the long run,Superman’sGodfallredesign is still one worth praising, so here’s hoping DC finds a way to bring it back soon — a feat that should be easy to accomplish, thanks to the company’s ever-expanding multiverse.
Superman: Godfallis available from DC Comics.
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
