A New Way to Look at Superheroes

A couple of Green Lanterns have been making headlines lately. Haven’t you noticed? Turn in your Geek Card and pay attention, padawan. Also, get caught up by reading some great The Cool Ship articles here and here.

Image courtesy of DC Comics

In their never-ending attempts to keep up readership and attract new fans, comic book companies are constantly doing SHOCKING (not really) things. They killed Superman in one of the most popular arcs of all time. The death of Captain America made national news. More recently, the outing of  Alan Scott (DC) and Northstar’s nuptials (Marvel) are creating quite the buzz as the industry tries to update itself and attract fans of diversity.

(AN ASIDE: Diversity can be a great thing if the PR is handled correctly. Heavy-handed PR and press can lean toward racism, however. Read our own John Calhoun’s take on that subject.

I read comic books for entertainment. Here’s a confession: I don’t read anything (for fun) that’s too politically minded. I don’t want to be preached at. I don’t want to have someone else’s agenda shoved down my throat.

Comics are a brilliant form of escapism.)

Redesigning the looks of iconic characters is another good way to get people’s attention. The big companies don’t do this all that often, and when they do, general outcries of dismay, anger, and nonchalance rise from the rabble. But, I say a good redesign is GOOD thing!

Image courtesy of Denis Medri and Project: Rooftop

Project: Rooftop does just that.

From their website:

Project: Rooftop is where cartoonists and illustrators bring their costume design skills to task in tribute to the superheroes and villains we’ve grown up with. This site is intended to promote the idea of superhero costume redesigning as a skill, specific to superhero media. We also aim to foster continued interest for these amazing characters and spotlight up-and-coming creators.I love looking at this site! The designs are all over the place. I’ve seen re-imaginings in steampunk and rockabilly garb, too cool for school hipsters, and gender swapping.

Amazing.

Check it out, and tell me what you think in the comments!