It feels like comic book movies are going through a real renaissance right now. After over two decades of comic book films with varying degrees of success, fans everywhere are getting something that they’ve wanted to see in live-action movies for years.
The historyof comic book adaptationsis a complex one. From the superhero serials of the ’40s to the big budget Hollywood films of today, every era has brought something new when bringing iconic comic book characters to life. But as fans look to the future of comic book adaptations, there’s one element that is extremely appreciatedby long-time comic book fans.
Movies are Finally Embracing the Look of Superheroes and Comic Books
Live-Action Superheroes Are Getting the Look and Feel They Deserve
When it comes to adapting superheroes into live-action films, no film franchise has tried harder to keep the spirit of comic books alivethan the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the days of Iron Man and Hulk, early MCU films did their best to have their heroes in costumes that resembled their comic counterparts. And for the most part these costumes did. But as time went on and the franchise grew bigger and bigger, certain trends became more and more noticeablewhen it came to the Avengers and various other heroes' costumes.
…Deadpool & Wolverine, which finally gave Hugh Jackman’s Logan the comic-accurate costume he’d been denied
For every hero that the MCU got right, there were heroes whose costumes seemed a bit off (say, Scarlet Witch or Falcon). A lot of times, the more fantastical elements of their costume design was downplayed in favor of more grounded or realistic approaches. That’s not to say these characters were 100% different from the comic characters they were based on. But there was a difference that was picked up on bycomic fans who noticed how scared Marvel Studios seemed to be at making their heroes look as much like their counterparts as possible.
But the winds began to change in recent years, especially during 2024’s releaseDeadpool & Wolverine, which finally gave Hugh Jackman’s Logan the comic-accurate costume he’d been denied for years (including the mask fans never thought they’d see in a film). And the hype just continued into 2025 when fans got their first look atFantastic Four: First Steps. Whilethe costumes featured in the trailer weren’t exactly Marvel canon, the overall tone and feel of their design was embraced by comic book fansexcited to see a film utterly embracing a more lighthearted aesthetic.
Even When Dealing with Characters like The X-Men or Superman
There have been hundreds of films, serials, television shows, and other live-action properties that have adapted comic book characters into live-action entertainment. Back in the ’70s, the Richard DonnerSupermanfilm went as faithfully as possible when bringing the Man of Steel to the screen. But by the timeBatmanhit the theaters in the late ’80s, his brighter colors were downplayed for an intimidating and realistic all-black affair. But what really showcased major Hollywood movies reticence to adapt comic book character’s costumeswas the 2000 movieX-Men, which had its character save the day in simple black leather suits.
To the dismay of comic book fans, the concept of more ‘realistic’ takes on costume design became a trend among superhero movies. Not every character suffered it (Spider-Man had one of the better costumes of this period, in fact). But many movies opted to modify these costumes and make them look more ‘serious’. Captain America, for example, lost his classic scaled armor look in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And rather than making him look anything like his comic counterpart,Hawkeye’s onscreen appearance was modeled after his Ultimate counterpart instead of his 616 one.
Again, it’s not that these heroes lookednothinglike the heroes they were playing. But many costumes in the past decade or so were altered to the point where it became a joke among comic fans due to how over-designed these outfits were. Granted, film is a different medium than comics and simple doesn’t always mean better. Butas time went on and the Marvel Cinematic Universe began to lose steam, fans started to become more and more critical of the more grounded takeson a world that should, by definition, be super.
The Best Parts of Comics Have Always Been More Unconventional
Comic Fans Know These Stories Need to Feel and Look Fun and Engaging
What fans have seen inDeadpool & Wolverineand the first glimpses ofFantastic Four: First Stepsisn’t just contained to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. James Gunn’s upcomingSupermanmovie has given the Man of Steel something he hasn’t worn onscreen since 2006: His trunks! While the red briefs remain a point of contention among a contingent of movie-watchers,many fans are happy to see the more silly elements of Superman’s lore brought to the silver screen(just look at the reception Krypto got).
The truth is that the landscape of superhero films is shifting and studios are realizing something comic book fans have known forever: The more lighthearted aesthetics are what makes these things so damn fun. Granted, there’s room for more elevated and serious stories, as not all comics or even superhero stories are silly. But a lot of them lean into the fun and sense of wonder, and their costumes should reflect that. Is it going to be everyone’s cup of tea? Certainly not,but it’s something that comic fans more than anyone else will appreciate.
The truth is that the landscape of superhero films is shifting…
Superhero movies wouldn’t be the blockbuster hits they were without the comics they were based on. And as any comic book fan could attest, these stories aren’t always grounded. Oftentimes they’re bold, colorful, and they take risks, especially with the costumes. Admittedly, it doesn’t always pay off, but when it does, it makes for a story that’ll please anyone with an open mind. While it remains to be seen what the future holds for all comic book movies, it looks like an era geared more towards comic book fans is finally beginning.
