A fan’s Robin cosplay has proven that comic book readers are wrong to mock superhero utility belts. Commonly seen as impractical additions to a hero’s costume, the fan-made Robin suit gives the utility belt some dignity.
When superheroes were getting their start in comics, many costumes included a belt. Whether it was a utility belt, or just a belt like Superman’s to seemingly keep his pants up, it quickly became a fashion statement. Many superheroes don’t appear to use what might be in the belt’s pouches, making them seem arbitrary. However, not all heroes have powers, and some don’t need to carry around extra gear.
In a post on Reddit from Infinityspiralphotography, a Robin cosplay seemingly based on the animated Teen Titans iteration shows that fans are wrong to downplay utility belts. The yellow belt’s large pouches don’t shy away from their utility-based purpose. Although many superheroes wear a utility belt as if it’s a rite of passage, they tend to be seen as fashion statements. In contrast, the vigilantes of Gotham City rely on such gear to save the day and chase down villains. The cosplay showcases how a utility belt could theoretically include actual crimefighting equipment, without becoming a hindrance while on patrol.
While some versions of Batman’s costume contain more minimal utility belts meant to resemble armor or technology, there’s nothing wrong with his bulkier alternative. As a manmade vigilante, the Dark Knight needs to rely on his belt for his grappling hook, handcuffs, first aid kit, and other devices. Similarly, Robin has been trained to depend on the confines of his utility belt’s pouches while on patrol. It might seem strange for heroes with various power sets, but the Boy Wonder would have to forgo trendier fashion to be well-equipped on the job.
Despite some fan critiques, and the continued downplay of utility belts for superhero costumes, this fan’s Robin cosplay dignifies such an accessory. In an age when superheroes are often grounded in reality, readers should be able to envision a vigilante’s bulkier utility belt taking the place of a fashion statement. Not all heroes need to maintain a certain sense of cool, especially when it’s a matter of life or death for them to competently defend innocent people, and take down their villains. Infinityspiralphotography’s Robin cosplay has given reason for utility belts to make a comeback.
Source: Reddit