It's no secret that female comic book character design has bolstered many over-sexualized, less than practical looks, and Batwoman's costume in Tom King's Batman/Catwoman is proving to be no different. Clay Mann recently shared an up-close and personal look at Helena Wayne's Batwoman costume of the future on his Twitter, and there are a few things that are worth calling out.
Although the design isn't new, having already made its debut in previous issues of DC's time jumping comic, this more detailed look at it shines a new light on both the costume itself, as well as unrealistic expectations of female character design as a whole. In both comics and cinema alike, female superheroes, villains, and crime fighters often end up in hyper-sexualized and impractical outfits with little to no armament. Never has there been a woman who has thought "I might end up having to chase down some criminals tonight, I think I'll go with a sensible pair of three-inch heels," and yet that's the norm.
From a fishnet-clad Black Canary to Emma Frost's seemingly endless collection of unbreakable high heels, and just a general overwhelming amount of half-naked martial artists and crime fighters; the world of superhero costumes for the female sex has seen a pattern of insensibility that goes back to the Golden Age of comics. Of course, showing off the human physique is a key factor in character design for both sexes in comics and superhero movies alike, but sometimes it becomes the focus rather than the accessory. There is still some undeniable truth behind the concept that "sex sells", and a lot of the time amazing artwork is born from it, but the tides are changing and women want to see their peers kick butt and take names in outfits that are fitting for their characters and abilities: or at least, costumes that make a bit more practical sense in relation to their intended use. Unfortunately, Helena Wayne in Batman/Catwoman just isn't going to make the cut.
She may be shaping up to be a killer Batwoman in this future timeline, but her costume lacks practicality. It's comprised of skin-tight, flimsy-looking latex that seems as if it was vacuum sealed onto her body, a virtual lack of pants, and armor that basically only covers her breasts. If readers can see the definitive shape of a character's navel through their costume, then it's just too tight.
This isn't to take away from Mann's incredible artistic capabilities and the phenomenal character design he has done and continues to do. His artwork is undoubtedly detailed and dynamic. Unfortunately, he, along with many comic book artists and film costume designers, have fallen victim to patterns of a bygone era. But it's time to listen to the pleas of the masses. Yes, there's absolutely nothing wrong with feeling confident and showing some skin, but no woman in her right mind is going to wear a strapless costume that defies the laws of physics to go fight her enemies (looking at you Emma Frost in the New X-Men), or a skin-tight costume that would take an hour just to squeeze into and provides little to no protection.
Wonder Woman and her Amazon sisters deserve the armor of true warriors, both in the films and the comics; and Batwoman deserves the same level of technologically practical and protective gear that her dad does in Batman/Catwoman. Women everywhere will just have to hope for the glorious day when they see someone, like Catwoman for example, dawning a hoodie, some leggings, a utility belt, and a pair of black sneakers. Because in all honesty, if she really wore as much latex as she does in the comics, she would be just about the loudest thief on the planet. Until then, Batwoman and her female comrades will have to continue to prove they can hold their own, even in a pair of heels.
Source: @Clay_Mann_