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Whether the changes were permanent or temporary, these are the superhero redesigns that helped elevate the characters’ popularity to new heights.
10) Batman’s Blue and Grey Costume
Batman has gone through many costume changes over 80+ years of publication, but the suit he wore from the 1940s to the mid-1990s is his longest-running and most well-known version. When the Dark Knight was initially introduced, his costume was primarily black and dark grey. However, just a few issues later, the bat suit was given a new color scheme of blue and grey. The new suit also introduced Batman’s iconic spikes on his gloves. And in 1964, another feature was added to the suit that made it even more iconic: a yellow oval around the bat symbol. While Batman may now have returned to the black aesthetic, we can never forget about the memorable blue and grey costume that lasted through both the Silver and Bronze Ages.
9) Nightwing’s Black and Blue Costume
When Dick Grayson decided to give up the Robin mantle and strike out on his own as the hero Nightwing, his original costume was pretty silly. The suit made him look like a disco dancer, with its V-neck, oversized popped collar, and gold accents. Dick eventually abandoned the eyesore and switched it out for a form-fitting black bodysuit with a memorable blue V-shaped bird symbol. As a hero who stalks the alleys of Gotham with the stealth of a ninja, this suit was far more practical and befitting of his character. Dick also started using his nowemblematic escrima sticks as his primary weapons. A huge success, this new design has now been used for almost 30 years.
8) Black Widow’s Leather Outfit
Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, was introduced in 1964 as a Soviet spy and adversary of Iron Man. However, her original costume certainly wasn’t the best for espionage. Looking like a rip-off of Catwoman’s original costume, Natasha wore a domino mask, a blue leotard, fishnets, and a little blue cape. She also had black hair. Natasha ultimately replaced her blue, mixed look with her commanding, sleek black leather bodysuit and red hair. Along with providing better camouflage and protection against bullets, the new suit came with Natasha’s trademark bracelets, which can fire grappling hooks and electric blasts.
7) Daredevil’s Red Costume
When Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, first arrived on the crime-fighting scene in 1962, his attire did little to strike fear into the hearts of criminals. Matt’s original costume featured a bright yellow vest and pants, which made him resemble a circus performer. The suit also had a singular “D” on his chest. Just two years later, Matt made a new costume that emphasized the “Devil” in Daredevil. The new costume was completely dark crimson, which made him much more intimidating. He also created his now emblematic and stylized “DD” symbol. With this costume, Matt cemented himself as the devil of Hell’s Kitchen.
6) Black Suited Spider-Man
“The Black Costume Saga” is one of the most impactful storylines ever created for Spider-Man, and it has been adapted numerous times across movies, TV shows, and video games. When Peter encountered an alien symbiote during the events of “Secret Wars,” the creature enveloped him, transforming his well-known red and blue outfit into an all-new black and white costume. The alien suit made Peter physically stronger and faster. However, it also made him more violent and angry. Peter eventually realized the corrupting influence the symbiote held over him and managed to tear himself free. Angered and vengeful the symbiote then found its way to Eddie Brock, and the two merged to become one of Spider-Man’s deadliest foes: Venom. Although Peter only had the black suit for a couple of months, it’s still one of the most recognizable costumes the wall-crawler has ever worn.
5) Blue Beast
Hank McCoy, aka Beast, was a founding member of the X-Men, but also struggled the most with his mutant attributes. When Hank was introduced in 1962, he appeared to be a regular man, but with enlarged hands and feet, which allowed for enhanced strength and agility. Hank’s ape-like limbs made him the victim of ridicule and self-loathing. A decade later, Hank was so desperate to cure himself of the mutant X-gene, he used himself as a Guinea pig for an experimental serum. But, instead of eradicating the X-gene, the serum enhanced it. As a result, Hank mutated even further, growing fangs, claws, and grey hair all over his body. Hank continued to mutate until his hair became the iconic blue it is today. Yet, Hank eventually became more able to accept his mutant side and today is one of the X-Men’s most recognizable members.
