Wonder Man, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the title roleis not your traditional Marvel superhero show. Mainly because the lead character, who does have superpowers, never actually gets to be a superhero. He just plays one in a movie. Nevertheless, the creators found a way to pay homage to the many different costumes that the Wonder Man character has worn in the comics over the years, designed by some of comics’ most iconic artists. Below, we present the major comic book costumes that Wonder Man gave a hat tip to.
The Original Wonder Man Costume (Color Scheme Only) Avengers #9 (1964)
Table of Contents
- 1. The Original Wonder Man Costume (Color Scheme Only) Avengers #9 (1964)
- 2. The West Coast Avengers #12 Costume (1985)
- 3. The Avengers #167 Red Jacket Costume (1977)
- 4. The West Coast Avengers #25 Red and Black Costume (1985)
- 5. The Avengers (Vol.3) #2 “Energy Costume”
- 6. How does the Wonder Man series pay homage too classic Marvel comic costumes?
- 7. How WONDER MAN paid Homage to Years of Marvel Comics Costumes
- 8. Simon Williams: A Costume Evolution Mirroring the Comics
- 9. Beyond Wonder Man: Echoes of Marvel’s Rogues Gallery
- 10. The importance of color Palettes & Symbolism
- 11. Practical Considerations & Modern Production Techniques
The original Wonder Man costume was a red and green ensemble designed by artist Don Heck, and made its debut in 1964’s Avengers #9. It was very short-lived, as poor Simon Williams died in that very issue. But Marvel revived the character about a decade later, and he became an Avenger in earnest from there on out. The red and green color scheme lasted briefly, in a new costume designed by the great George Pérez.
The West Coast Avengers #12 Costume (1985)
That one didn’t last long either, replaced by his red jacket look (see below). But the red/green combo came back in Wonder Man’s new Al Milgrom-designed costume, which he wore while appearing in the West Coast Avengers series. That costume, debuting in 1985’s West Coast Avengers #12, lasted only a few issues before being replaced. However, Marvel Television chose this as the costume the in-universe character of Wonder Man wore on screen back in the ‘80s. It’s pretty much the exact same design, even the bulky yellow jet pack.
The Avengers #167 Red Jacket Costume (1977)
We would designate Simon’s late ‘70s costume as his second most popular. Starting in Avengers #167, he wore a bright red safari jacket over a black turtleneck. Black/blue pants and red boots accompanied this. He wore this outfit for much of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. And it was his costume when he began his career as a Hollywood actor and stuntman. He wore this costume in his first self-titled mini-series as well. The MCU Simon Williams wears a bright red jacket over a black turtleneck at the premiere of the Wonder Man movie. So it’s clearly a tip of the hat to that costume. The sunglasses Simon wore during this era to cover his glowing eyes also feature heavily in the series.
The West Coast Avengers #25 Red and Black Costume (1985)
Probably Wonder Man’s most famous costume is the one he began wearing in the late ‘80s. After the red/green costume “tested poorly with his fanbase,” he started wearing a black and red outfit, with a sleeveless t-shirt to show off his muscles. With some tweaks here and there, this costume has been his default for the better part of forty years now. And it’s the costume that Simon Williams wears in the movie reboot of Wonder Man that he stars in. Although, his version is clearly not spandex. Unfortunately, we barely see him wear it at all in the Wonder Man series. But when we do, he looks absolutely perfect in the suit.
The Avengers (Vol.3) #2 “Energy Costume”
In the final sequence of the series, Simon breaks his buddy Trevor out of prison, and flies off into the sky covered in purple ionic energy. This is a nod to Wonder Man’s “energy form” in the comics. This “look” debuted in the Avengers run by Kurt Busiek and George Pérezstarting in 1998. Sadly, we only see Simon this way from a distance, which seems like a waste. But who knows what the future may bring.
All episodes of Marvel’s Wonder Man are now streaming on Disney+.
How does the Wonder Man series pay homage too classic Marvel comic costumes?
How WONDER MAN paid Homage to Years of Marvel Comics Costumes
The Disney+ series wonder Man isn’t just a new entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe; it’s a love letter to decades of Marvel Comics history, and that’s strikingly evident in its costume design. From Simon Williams’ evolving suits to the nods to classic villain aesthetics, the show’s visual language is steeped in comic book lore. Let’s break down how Wonder Man cleverly references and reimagines iconic Marvel costumes.
Simon Williams: A Costume Evolution Mirroring the Comics
Simon Williams’ journey as Wonder man is visually represented through a series of costumes,each echoing different phases of his comic book counterpart’s attire. The initial, almost accidental, creation of Wonder Man’s powers in the series is reflected in a costume that feels…unfinished. This parallels early depictions in the comics where his powers manifested before a fully realized heroic identity.
* The Golden Age Inspiration: The initial suit,while technologically advanced,draws heavily from the Golden Age of comics. The bold colors and relatively simple design are reminiscent of the original Human Torch and Sub-Mariner costumes – heroes who,like Wonder man,often grappled with their public image.
* The Classic 70s Look: As Simon embraces his role,the costume evolves,incorporating elements of the classic 1970s Wonder Man design. The iconic triangular chest emblem and the overall streamlined aesthetic are instantly recognizable to long-time comic readers.This era saw Wonder Man become a more established Avenger, and the costume reflects that confidence.
* Modern Updates & Tactical Gear: Later iterations in the series introduce more modern tactical elements – reinforced plating, energy conduits, and a generally more practical design. This aligns with the MCU’s tendency to ground superhero costumes in a degree of realism, while still maintaining the core visual identity. The inclusion of these features also nods to the character’s later appearances in comics like Avengers Forever, where he’s depicted with increasingly sophisticated technology.
Beyond Wonder Man: Echoes of Marvel’s Rogues Gallery
The show doesn’t limit its costume homages to the titular hero. Several supporting characters and antagonists feature designs that subtly (and sometimes not-so-subtly) reference classic Marvel villains.
* The Grim Reaper’s Legacy: Erik Williams, Simon’s brother, and the villain known as the Grim Reaper, receives a costume that’s a direct adaptation of his comic book look. The skeletal hood,the flowing cape,and the scythe-inspired weaponry are all faithful to the source material. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about visually establishing the character’s connection to death and his long-standing rivalry with his brother.
* Zapped! and Classic Electro: The design of Zapped! incorporates visual cues from classic Electro costumes. The crackling energy effects and the overall silhouette evoke the villain’s signature look, hinting at a shared power source or a similar origin story.
* The Stark Industries Influence: Several characters, particularly those associated with Stark Industries, sport armor and tech that clearly draw inspiration from Iron Man’s various suits. this isn’t surprising, given the MCU’s established continuity, but it’s a visual reminder of the interconnectedness of the universe.
The importance of color Palettes & Symbolism
Costume design in superhero comics isn’t just about looking cool; it’s about conveying character traits and narrative themes. Wonder man understands this, utilizing color palettes and symbolic elements to enhance storytelling.
* Gold & Purple: Royalty and power: The consistent use of gold and purple in Wonder Man’s costumes isn’t accidental. These colors are traditionally associated with royalty, power, and ambition – all qualities that define Simon Williams.
* Red as a Warning: The use of red, particularly in the costumes of antagonists, serves as a visual warning. It signifies danger, aggression, and a willingness to cross moral boundaries.
* Geometric Shapes & Emblems: The triangular chest emblem on Wonder Man’s suit isn’t just a design element; it’s a symbol of stability and strength. The show’s designers have carefully chosen geometric shapes and emblems to communicate specific aspects of each character’s personality and motivations.
Practical Considerations & Modern Production Techniques
While the costumes in Wonder man are deeply rooted in comic book history, they’re also designed for practical use on a modern television set.
* Motion Capture & CGI Integration: The show utilizes motion capture technology and CGI to enhance the visual effects of the costumes, particularly when depicting energy blasts and superhuman feats.
* Actor Comfort & Performance: Costume designers worked closely with the actors to ensure that the suits were comfortable and allowed for a full range of movement. This is crucial for delivering believable
