The Top Costume for Halloween 2012: Superhero Costumes
After the slew of superhero movies that were released this year–“The Avengers”, “Batman: The Dark Knight Rises”, and “The Amazing Spiderman” to name a few– I can almost guarantee that superhero costumes are going to be the go-to idea for Halloween.
Let’s Hear it for the Boy
I don’t know about you, but everytime I see an old-school Robin (Batman’s trusty sidekick) costume, I just cringe. Maybe it’s because I am not a die hard fan, or maybe you have to be some sort of comic book (I know, I know, graphic novel is more politically correct.) purist, but the Robin getup was in desperate need of an update.
Just look at this guy! It's embarrassing!
Thank goodness for the latest versions of Robin’s look, which came from the ” Batman and Robin” and “Batman Forever” movies and its costume designers Robert Turturice and Ingrid Ferrin, and their new, less-wimpy, inspired look for Robin. (Thank you, thank you, thank you…)
Neo Robin=Costume Awesomeness
Now that there are much better options to choose from when looking for a Batman costume, I can sleep a little easier at night knowing there aren’t hordes of young men out there committing social suicide by dressing up like old-school Robin.
(A semi tongue-in-cheek note to Parents: I don’t care how cool you thought the older version of the costume design of Batman and Robin was, good parents don’t let their kids go out in public like that.)
On the other hand, this girl pulls old-school Robin off quite nicely. Photo by Dean Trippe.
Why Should Boys Do All the Saving?
DIY Spidergirl
Another awesome costume trend this year is mixing it up in terms of gender. The creative minds of the past few years have been a boon in terms of female heroines. Batman’s Catwoman, the “The Hunger Games” Katniss, Hermione Granger from “Harry Potter” and “Coraline.” No, I did not include Bella Swan on that list. She isn’t a hero…she was suicidal and married a vampire, which doesn’t fit the classic definition of a hero. Ok, soapbox put aside.
R2D2...viola "R2 tutu." You go girl!
Something I think is a tiny bit heroic? I’ve also seen a ton of little girls and young women, impatient with waiting for the girl-version of their favorite superhero, adapt classic heroes to their gender.
Check out these pics of a DIY Spidergirl (above), who just added a red tutu to a pair of Spidey jammies. And for a femme R2D2(right), add a bodice, cute thigh-high socks and viola a “R2 tutu.”
Thankfully the big costume stores have noticed the need for girl-powered superheros, and the hot new costumes for 2012 reflect that. One of my favorite quotes from the Spiderman series has always been, “With great power comes great responsibility.” And in light of the new offerings for girls and women, the folks behind the latest and greatest costume offerings are taking their ability to fictionally empower kiddos with superhero costumes for everyone.
Spidergirl
Just for Costume Inspirational Fun: “Batman The Dark Knight Rises: Movie Trailer
Emma Rae Curtis is a costume, dressing-up, makeup and accessories expert. She mainly writes about fun Halloween party, craft, and costume ideas, but she especially loves writing about all things costume and dress-up related.
