Question: Golden/Silver Age Costumes
By
Agonist_NA,
Posted on: 2012-01-13 15:02 in CoH and CoV General Discussions
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Absolutely.|
Originally Posted by Golden Girl
A major thing would be to have spandex and masks not look like they were painted on - actaully giving them an edge to make it look like they were separate from out bodies would be great.
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Originally Posted by Golden Girl
Another thing would be to have an option for the classic white eyes on the masks, rather than the more realistic eye holes.
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Originally Posted by _Psi_
In my opinion, we're missing a lot of basic options.
Things like textures. A good example are the new CoT tights. They have a really defined texture, but the 'spikes' on it prevent it form being used for tights. If that makes sense. |
Not every hero wears skin painted suits... but that is basically what we have as primary option if going for tights. The last superman, Watchmen, Captain America, spiderman movies.... all give a sense of 'material' to their uniforms.[/QUOTE]
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Originally Posted by _Psi_
And I remember this idea being made by someone awhile ago, but more cape mantles that could be placed into the Shoulders category.
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Originally Posted by Snowzone
The biggest thing I want are face masks that don't look painted on.
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Originally Posted by Premonitions
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Originally Posted by Zombie Man
From looking at the examples in this thread, I have ascertained that "Golden/Silver Age" look means anything ever done in a comic book from 1920 to now, with the exception of the mod, mullet, disco look of the 70's.
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For me, pretty firmly from start of comics to early 70s....
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The problem, of course, being that there are different levels of comic book nerdery and, to the uninformed, the Golden Age and Silver Age are often lumped into the same category when they are in fact hugely different things with their own styles and costume types. A Golden/Silver Age Pack wouldn't work. They'd have to be two different things.
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Originally Posted by Zombie Man
From looking at the examples in this thread, I have ascertained that "Golden/Silver Age" look means anything ever done in a comic book from 1920 to now, with the exception of the mod, mullet, disco look of the 70's.
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Definitely A and C. When I build a classic superhero, I want the quality of it to be comparable to the more recent sets. A few more details and slight textures are what I need.|
Originally Posted by Noble Savage
A) revamped old school/spandex tights similar to the ones we already have (adding a few details like seams but still mostly plain) C) pieces we just haven't made before (e.g. domino mask) |
Really I want to build heroes that would visually fit in with other characters from the era. For inspiration, I would recommend:
Jerry Ordway's art on All Star Squadron.
Dick Dillin's Justice League or early George Perez Avengers and Justice League
And on a related note, I really would like pieces that evoke the feeling of Jack Kirby's "space gods": New Gods, Eternals, and his Thor work. The recent pieces like the Celestial pack do this somewhat, but are more of a modern, highly realistic take (can one say "realistic" about space god wear?)
Mr Energon
Confirmed altimaniac.
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Then you'd be very much incorrect. Golden Age is from the earliest comics of the '30s to the mid '50s, generally recognized as ending with the first "reimagining" of a Golden Age hero. The new version of DC Comics' Flash first appeared in Showcase comics #4, October 1956.|
Originally Posted by Chyll
What I take is that there is clearly no firm definition for silver/golden age for all... which is true of most genres.
For me, pretty firmly from start of comics to early 70s.... |
The Silver Age is generally agreed to have lasted from then until about 1970, when the general message of selfless heroism and confidence started to be replaced by heroes with problems and self-doubt.
Hey Cookie Monster, if "C" is for cookie, what is "N" for?
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And now for my wish list:
Full Masks (cowls): two tone tops and bottoms -- also emblems on foreheads
Hats: No hair, so they can be placed over full head masks
Chest Emblems: Able to be made smaller and relocated to upper corner of chest, such as where a badge sits on a police uniform - similar to the placement already available on jackets -- also able to be layered without having to use the "emblem" option, so we can use the emblem/symbol combination on patterns
Baggy Tops: Sweaters with long sleeves which can be left down or pushed up - Specifically, textured (Irish Aran sweaters) or patterned sweaters
Bandoliers/Harnesses: Ones that actually reach the belt and/or attach TO the belt on the sides, aka Hawkman or Martian Manhunter - The ones now are WAY too high on the sides and look stupid
Belt: wide sash, please -- also, plain belts without segmenting, which have a variety of buckle options...plain round, plain oval, plain rectangle, emblems (same as chest emblems - I would LOVE a Liberty Bell buckle such as Ms. Liberty wears) -- military dress belt (over jackets) with attached baldric (diagonal shoulder strap)
T-shirts: the ability to use patterns such as on tights
Tights: trunks with tights patterns at the same time
Boots: Not just flat across the top - V top, peaked top - stripes across the tops of boots and cuffs of gloves - thin stripes and thick stripes - the thin stripes would look a lot like the tops of the rubber gloves currently available -- short boots, mid shin and ankle boots - both kinds with and without cuffs -- short boots with flared tops (ala classic Robin) -- short boots with curled toes (Arabian Nights style) -- Short boots in different styles for female characters, please...with FLAT soles
Jodhpurs: REAL ones - I was HUGELY PO'd when I bought the Steampunk pack ONLY for the advertised jodhpurs and found what was listed as jodhpurs was actually MODERN, current day equestrian pants and not even Steampunk era at all
Jackets: Along with jodhpurs, uniform jackets with belts that go over them
(I have a Nazi villain who desperately needs both the jacket/belt and the jodhpurs)
Uniform Jacket, belt with baldric, jodhpurs (riding breeches)
That should do it for now. 
Hey Cookie Monster, if "C" is for cookie, what is "N" for?
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Originally Posted by Power_Play
Then you'd be very much incorrect. Golden Age is from the earliest comics of the '30s to the mid '50s, generally recognized as ending with the first "reimagining" of a Golden Age hero. The new version of DC Comics' Flash first appeared in Showcase comics #4, October 1956.
The Silver Age is generally agreed to have lasted from then until about 1970, when the general message of selfless heroism and confidence started to be replaced by heroes with problems and self-doubt. |
No, I'd be... spot on then.
I said Silver/Gold from start (earliest comics of the '30s to the mid '50s) to early 70s (from then until about 1970)...
I meant no apparent definition in the minds of those posting, getting back to Zombie's observation.
City of Heroes was my first MMO, & my favorite computer game.
R.I.P.
Chyll - Bydand - Violynce - Enyrgos - Rylle - Nephryte - Solyd - Fettyr - Hyposhock - Styrling - Beryllos - Rosyc
Horryd - Myriam - Dysquiet - Ghyr
Vanysh - Eldrytch
Inflyct - Mysron - Orphyn - Dysmay - Reapyr - - Wyldeman - Hydeous
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Someone (although I can't find the source) once said the Silver Age lasted until the first fan of the Batman TV show got a job at a major comic publisher. </derail>|
Originally Posted by Power_Play
The Silver Age is generally agreed to have lasted from then until about 1970, when the general message of selfless heroism and confidence started to be replaced by heroes with problems and self-doubt.
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I back most of what Golden Girl and SilverAgeFan have suggested, but to be more specific on the most important items to me:
- Tights that aren't body paint
- White eye masks
- More hat options (with and without hair)
- Stuff with trim (capes, boots, gloves, etc.)
In terms of a general aesthetic, golden age costumes should (in general) look like something someone could have cobbled together in their garage from real world items. This era was an extension of the pulp age, and focused on more on ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
By contrast, silver age costumes should look less home made and more streamlined, perhaps even made from that miraculous new stuff, plastic! What had been just one of many origin types -- Science! -- was now the norm, and in general their composition should reflect the highly polished, jet age style of the future. ("The future of 1963," as seen in McCloud's Zot!.)
The "modern age style," however, is defined by spikes, blades, claws, and pockets with pockets on them. But maybe that's just my age talking...
@Glass Goblin - Writer, brainstormer, storyteller, hero
Though nothing will drive them away
We can beat them, just for one day
We can be heroes, just for one day
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In a slight derail, this was only Liefeld et al's vision of the modern age, really. Grim and gritty comics weren't always accompanied by that ridiculous visual aesthetic.
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Originally Posted by GlassGoblin
The "modern age style," however, is defined by spikes, blades, claws, and pockets with pockets on them. But maybe that's just my age talking...
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All of those exceptions are ironically things I associate with the late silver age of comics, things like The Falcon, Rocket Racer, La Tarantula, etc. There were definitely some one off disco villains of the late 70's, bell bottomed V neck jumpsuits and all!
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Originally Posted by Zombie Man
From looking at the examples in this thread, I have ascertained that "Golden/Silver Age" look means anything ever done in a comic book from 1920 to now, with the exception of the mod, mullet, disco look of the 70's.
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K, then. Silver/Golden means 'of all time' then.|
Originally Posted by SilverAgeFan
All of those exceptions are ironically things I associate with the late silver age of comics, things like The Falcon, Rocket Racer, La Tarantula, etc. There were definitely some one off disco villains of the late 70's, bell bottomed V neck jumpsuits and all!
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It might be helpful to have separate threads for each.
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A lot of golden age comic book designs, look they are made of real materials. Sometimes done in primary colours, but usually they look like 'yeah I could see that actually being worn'.
Brawling Cactus from a distant planet.
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Although that is true for a certain segment of the hero population (Doc Savage and the like) who sported street clothes or similarly "ordinary" outfits with just a few accessories which made them into costumes, there were also a LOT of tights-wearing heroes. Superman's costume was originally modeled on a circus strongman outfit. I would like to see mask, glove, and boot options which match the "Tights Smooth" texture, which can look very Golden Age with just a little attention.|
Originally Posted by GlassGoblin
In terms of a general aesthetic, golden age costumes should (in general) look like something someone could have cobbled together in their garage from real world items. This era was an extension of the pulp age, and focused on more on ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
By contrast, silver age costumes should look less home made and more streamlined, perhaps even made from that miraculous new stuff, plastic! What had been just one of many origin types -- Science! -- was now the norm, and in general their composition should reflect the highly polished, jet age style of the future. ("The future of 1963," as seen in McCloud's Zot!.) |
And let's not forget jet packs/rocket packs. In the Golden Age, it was the Rocketeer. In the Silver Age, it was Adam Strange.
That being said, let me cast another vote for jet packs/rocket packs which are permanent costume pieces, only animating when the power is activated.
Hey Cookie Monster, if "C" is for cookie, what is "N" for?
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Nakkers: I'd be happy with A and C, but minor amounts of B would be alright to an extent. Then again, I'm one of those horrible people who has a difficult time figuring the difference between the ages. Just anything that looks like classic age, without overplaying what the modern age envisions it as (in the current spate of superhero movies), would probably make me happy, considering I'm leaning more and more to what I understand of the Golden/Silver Age to create my concepts.
A lot of the things I'd say were addressed by people already, like fixing the white color on the face and tops-with-skin, (fixing the ability to color the ears on Standard heads so they can match mask patterns), giving hats a no-hair option, more patterns and chest details, more period jackets and pants, decal belts and headbands, tactical harnesses/quivers/permanent-jetpacks/(extra pairs of arms?), etc.
One thing I'd personally like to see are no-cape versions of the high collar pieces (from the former Magic super booster and the Halloween special pack). I'm not sure what precedent there is of this, but one of my characters is making do with a high collar with the short fringe cape for now, which does look good as it is--
Another thing, which might not be here nor there: I'd like to see the "Robotic Arm" category expanded and repurposed. Add things like skin/tights blending into animal fur or lizard scales or rock/crystal (similar to the new Fire/Ice VIP set, yes I'm mentioning it because it's way out of my reach) or becoming invisible (think Rayman?) or whatever. Give us the option to use left arm, right arm, both at once.
Also, specifically for one of my characters, a tire pattern for chest, gloves, legs, and feet. Because Ulterior isn't as good of a replacement. :P
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Age_of_Comic_Books
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Age_of_Comic_Books
Those are the generaly accepted time periods.
Brawling Cactus from a distant planet.
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Agreed. Although, like I said before, the demand isn't for silver or golden age costumes. While those things are more than welcome, the demand is for more superheroic costumes in general.|
Originally Posted by Zombie Man
It might be helpful to have separate threads for each.
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To me that suggests Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, Platinum Age. In addition to the core fundamentals to all ages that this game still doesn't get right.
I went over all this in my last post.
There are so many options that are missing from the game, and it's been a disappointment over the past few years.
Also, please give us more of these types of patterns:
The emblem overlays with the muscles in the tights, which works -very- well. If you could give us a few more options like a skull, or large letters, it would really go a long way.
I've only skimmed this thread, but SilverAgeFan and Xanatos have got the right idea, definitely.
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Looking at Black Venus and Rocketgirl reminds me that I've always wanted bust geometry option for female models that is more like those two costumes. In particular, if you'll excuse the direct description, a single panel of fabric tenting from breast to breast, creating no cleavage or visual separation of the individual breasts.|
Originally Posted by Amendment
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As other suggestions hint at, despite the "underwear on the outside stereotype" of GA costuming, one other signature relative to modern costuming aesthetics: GA costuming is often much more modest.
The suggestions in this thread are all over the map but I guess I'll just add to the confusion by making a suggestion of my own. When creating Silver Age characters in this game, dressed in spandex or any form fitting costume we are locked into using 2 colors for most of our body. Being able to use a 3rd color would really help make superhero costumes more popular in this game. There is one way to add a third color to the female model, but it's limited and requires a cape.
Using the over the shoulder mantle cape, the Celtic 3 chest detail, and either the Diable or V cheat patterns, players are able to get 3 colors on the torso without sacrificing the streamlined look that so many Silver Age icons had.
I'd like to see a capeless over the shoulder mantle, and chest details that not only match the mantle texture but also have a symmetry with existing chest patterns added to a Silver Age pack.
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I already requested a very similar effect - spandex doesn't hug every curve, so we really need an option for less of a gap between our breasts, no matter how high or low the actual neckline is.
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Originally Posted by SilverAgeFan
Looking at Black Venus and Rocketgirl reminds me that I've always wanted bust geometry option for female models that is more like those two costumes. In particular, if you'll excuse the direct description, a single panel of fabric tenting from breast to breast, creating no cleavage or visual separation of the individual breasts.
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@Golden Girl
City of Heroes comics and artwork
Am I the only one amused by 'Black Terror and Tim'?
Brawling Cactus from a distant planet.
Those GA drawings are great. Many of those costumes can be re-created in CoH. What seems to be missing in CoH are:
- Full Briefs. We have the high briefs (tightie whitey cut), but we need full briefs. And Boxer Briefs. And Boxers. And regular shorts.
- Tunics. They can be made as a full jacket, or, they can be faked be giving men a mini-skirt. After all, the wrestler onesies we see above can be faked with briefs and a matching tights top and a belt. Tunics can be faked the same way with a matching top and belt.
- Jodhpurs.
- Sam Brown belts.
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This might not exactly be just Golden/Silver age themed, but one area I've kind of found lacking as far as costumes go are animal/wild themed pieces. To be clear I'm not talking about anthropomorphic pieces like those we received recently. These are costume pieces, such as mask, gloves, boots, shoulders, and chest details that are worn to suggest an animal theme.
Below are some examples thanks to various artist.
There are several Silver Aged heroes and villains inspired by the wild kingdom and while we can already manage some nice animal looks I thought I'd throw out a few ideas to expand upon and to see if I'm not alone.
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Great graphics reference, Amendment. Alex Ross really is the master of drawing Golden and Silver Age superhero design for contemporary sensibilities. For the originals, check out the Public Domain Superheroes Wikia . (Ross's character reference sheet only scratches the surface of the the legion of forgotten superheroes.)|
Originally Posted by Amendment
There are so many options that are missing from the game, and it's been a disappointment over the past few years.
The emblem overlays with the muscles in the tights, which works -very- well. If you could give us a few more options like a skull, or large letters, it would really go a long way. I've only skimmed this thread, but SilverAgeFan and Xanatos have got the right idea, definitely. |
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I think an animal "themed" pack would be amazing. If I remember correctly, there was a fur collar in the costume creator back when CoV was in beta. Things like that can really be useful. Instead of just giving us an animal, give us a man's imitation of an animal.
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Originally Posted by ApeChild
There are several Silver Aged heroes and villains inspired by the wild kingdom and while we can already manage some nice animal looks I thought I'd throw out a few ideas to expand upon and to see if I'm not alone.
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From looking at the examples in this thread, I have ascertained that "Golden/Silver Age" look means anything ever done in a comic book from 1920 to now, with the exception of the mod, mullet, disco look of the 70's.
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