The past decade of comics rightfully gets a lot of flack for the most boring superhero costumes ever, and Huntress’ downgrade especially makes me want to scratch my eyeballs out. Let’s recap.
Both Helena Wayne and Helena Bertinelli’s OG looks are very much products of the time: Skimpy and purple, while Helena Wayne has elements (the mask and cape) that evoke her Bat heritage.
Then in the 90s she got perhaps her best costume, which was loaded with religious inspiration and symbolism because her Catholicism was a really important part of her character. So much of her identity and internal conflict are revealed in this costume.
Then in the 2000s she got this costume, which is unnecessarily skimpy (also, if male artists could learn how to draw women, that would be great. Thanks.) and got better when that was fixed. It’s fun, it’s absolutely iconic, and it’s still got symbolism. The white lines evoke cross imagery (same with her earrings), and the juxtaposition of light and dark says a lot about her identity and struggles, much like the prior one. The pointy mask is my favorite ever, and the aesthetic again ties her to the Bats.
New 52 and Rebirth committed innumerable sins against me, including this. It keeps the color pallet and some of the aesthetic with none of the symbolism. I want her pointy mask and big cape back.
Same with this one. It’s recognizably the same character with a similar aesthetic, but it’s basically just leggings and a crop top. WHERE is the … everything?
And this. THIS. Bonus points for the iconic mask, but seriously, what is this? It’s a black bodysuit with some purple on it. None of her logos or any of the previous religious or personal symbolism are present in any way. It’s the most boring thing I’ve ever seen. I hate it.
So anyway. Fun and meaningful superhero costumes again, please!! I am begging!
