I somehow feel your PC-ness regarding Supergirl's skirt is a bit forced.

It bugs me that we never once got a panty shot from Supergirl in the DCAU.

My thoughts on Supergirl... seeing as how Superman was invented by a Canadian, and I have no idea if Supergirl was as well, but up here in Canuckistan, the 'legal' age *is* 16. Maybe that has something to do with it?

You know, I've heard it said that a good measure of a Marvel comics character is the size and complexity of the character's head.

Perhaps Stryfe up there is trying to bootstrap himself up...or he requires an elaborate radiator system to keep his head fluids from boiling over.

Re: Red Sonja - perhaps those are the only parts of her that are vulnerable?

I do remember reading somewhere that Red Sonja had an "Achilles nipple."

Great list, but you forgot Nightwing's original costume--the glittery, colorful, V-neck suit. It looked like something the disco era coughed up into the DC universe, what John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever would've looked like if it were a superhero movie.

The main image of Cyclone on Wikipedia indicates that no, she indeed does not wear underwear under that skirt: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dd/Maxinehunkel2.jpg

On a completely unrelated note, I have a new favorite superhero.

Very surprised Vartox didn't appear here, especially after his recent appearance in Supergirl

I've never heard of "Codpiece", but it seems like hes intentionally stupid....I actually think its funny it its meant to be a parody. What comic is he from?

I'd find out on my own but I'd rather not google the word "codpiece".

http://www.somethingawful.com/d/fashion-swat/comic-swat.php?page=12

My favorite comment about the X-Force cover is "Oh, those are pouches?! I thought they were wearing ballet skirts."

Uh what about WITCHBLADE... Armor that barely covers ANYTHING. huh ? She beats Red Sonja by a MILE.

feel the might of my JUNKCANNON!!!

now if you'll excuse me, i need to roll up into a ball and cry like a baby waaaaaay over there

I would disagree with about 60% of this list. For instance, Rogue? Impractical because her costume doesn't cover her face? I don't buy it. Jericho . . . impractical because it looks like a renaissance fari costume? The Safari jacket impractical on Wonder Man?

I'm not saying that these aren't bad costumes (except for Rogue, I like that one), but not impractical.

I felt like a part of me died when I saw the JUNKCANNON. WHOSE RESPONSIBLE THIS?!

I hate hearing this crap about Supergirl's panties.

It's not like she was flying around with a fucking thong on.

She had a cheerleader style outfit so I'd assume she'd have cheerleader style blue bloomers under there, which, though shaped like panties, ARE NOT PANTIES.

Cheerleaders to kicks, flips, aerial maneuvers in those outfits and no one is saying "panty shot!" even if every one might still be looking up their skirt, lol.

Codpiece?
OK, see, you're making that one up. Trying to put one over on us. I'm on to you. You almost had me there, tho.
Codpiece...*snicker*

Codpiece? Seriously?

wow.

Ah, Rob Liefeld... the man who adores pointless and extraneous pouches but can't draw feet (and a lot of other things).

Reminds me of that ProgressiveBoink article from a few years back. http://progressiveboink.com/archive/robliefeld.html

Rogue is the only one i disagree with because 1- I fucking love Rogue and 2-That's an awesome costume. It would be on the list if it had a mask, not without.

Codpiece is fucking hysterical and I will not hear another word about it. I mean, shit, Watchmen says that any superhero who dresses up in spandex, leather, or rubber and beats up a bunch of guys obviously has some sort of sexual hangup. This just takes it a step further.

Fortunately, Razorback met his end in Time Bandits. Don't ever pick a fight with Sean Connery!

Good list, though I'd disagree with including Red Sonja as she isn't technically a superhero. If the list were 16 Incredibly Impractical Comic Book Character Costumes, okay...

Besides...

a) her outfit is technically scalemail - not chainmail.
b) it's no more ridiculous than Conan running around the frozen tundra in nothing but a fur loincloth.

OK, Codpiece I can agree with. And blame for Rob Liefield and his crap for Cable and Stryfe.

But some of them were cool. I like Rogue, Red Sonya, Catwoman, SuperGirl and Dazzler. How can you not like Dazzler and her deep cleavage?

For all it's worth, I'm surprised Black Widow, Spider Woman and Hellcat weren't in this lineup. Or how about Rhino and Vulture?

Kind of a lame article for me.

rogue i would have to also disagree for her costume works to keep her powers from always stealing some ones life force or powers. as for super girl the wrtiers were proably trying to keep her tied to todays girls fashions though this list proves that comic artists are not fashion experts. plus suergirls short skirt got dc editors so mad they degreed no more. for her . besides surprised wonder woman did not make the list. as for penance think some one at marvel was trying to fullfill their new warrior sand m fantasy.

Jay's hat has always bothered me. Even as cool as those little head lightning bolts that Barry, Wally, and Bart sport, they should have ripped off and flung into pedestrian's heart by now.

I have to argue in favor of Stryfe's costume. He was always the "man behind the curtain" so big heavy armor is fine since it is intended for intimidation rather than mobility. If that wasn't reason enough, his powers are telepathy and telekinesis, neither of which are hindered by movement. If anything, protecting his body is the smartest thing he could do. As for the spikes, what are telekinetics always missing? Sharp objects. He's got all of his bases covered.

Codpiece was above and beyond number one on this list. Not only did his weapon mean everyone would be attacking his crotch, but think about the recoil every time he fired that junk cannon.

After seeing him in the number two spot, the reason for Super Girl taking the top spot was unimpressive. Maybe if she was an eight year old, the case would be a lot more convincing...but she's sixteen and has super strength. What if some sick man tries to rape her? Well, then he's in for an ass-kicking and time in jail, and I sure don't care if her short skirt means one less rapist is out on the streets.

She's legal in the Uk as well, lol.
Anyway, great list, gotta love chainmail bikinis. I'm getting one this Summer.....

Codpiece and Cyclone should have their own team-up comic!

Arghh! The POUCHES!

Dazzler's costume may have been risque in the 70s, but, shit, a girl wearing that to a club these days would be the most conservative dresser in the room.

Didn't we have this list two weeks ago... oh, wait, that was a list about character revamps that turned out to just be whining about the costumes.

Safari jackets are light weight. They aren't parkas. You won't sweat to death or have restricted movement while wearing one.
Why is it that Batman is the only character that doesn't get picked on for his pouches? Utility pouches are the definition of practicality. They just aren't fashionable. Why would you go into an unknown supervillain situation without someplace to hold your communicator, flashlight, first aid kit, swiss army knife, change, lockpicks, gun, ammo, vehicle remote control, gasmask, villain restraints, etc? And if you have the foresight to have a utility belt in your costume, you will make a point of memorizing which items atre in which pouches. Don't perpetrate the myth that only Batman knows how to use a utility belt. That rich bastard already has enough of an ego.

At least Supergirl and Cyclone don't look like they are wearing nothing but body paint, as seems to be the norm for most super heroines.

The Flash's hat actually came in handy against Eclipso. Jay used it to focus sunlight into a solar ray, which severely burned Eclipso.

Jericho doesn't wear that outfit anymore. Plus, his eyes (the focus for his powers) were gouged out, so now he's mute AND blind! *insert trumpet wah-wah sound here*

Yes, Codpiece was real. To add to his humiliation, he was beaten by a transexual (M to F) hooker who got "her" powers by sleeping with a radioactive creature that was both male and female! (No, not Dr. Frank-n-furter)

As for Penance, there are eye-slots for him to see through, but the artist apparently forgot to draw them. Plus, his outfit has been modified and the spikes have been removed.

Supergirl's costume was designed by Ma Kent. Just let that sink into your brain for a while.

Seems to me that some of those scanty costumes that these hot superheroines wear would serve as a huge distraction when battling a super villain.

Just a few comments on an excellent piece of scholarly analysis:

Wonder Man: I must respectfully disagree with your assessment. Safari jackets, when tailored properly, do not restrict movement. Remember they are mostly worn by guys who need to avoid tiger claws and rhino horns when their rifle misfires. And I always thought Wonder Man had the best superhero costume ever. Imagine, the only superhero costume with POCKETS! What a novel concept.

Stryfe: I compliment you on your self-control on this one, and avoiding the obvious cheap laugh, but seriously, how could you give a withering assessment of this guy's fashion sense without mentioning THE HUGE METAL CROTCH PROTECTOR. Does Stryfe live in mortal fear of groin kicks, or is he overcompensating for something? What really amazing is that he's only wearing the list's SECOND most ridiculous posing pouch.

Red Sonja: My theory: closet masochist, with perhaps a touch of exhibitionism thrown in for good measure.

ChimpZealot: "Supergirl's costume was designed by Ma Kent."

Well, Ma Kent swings both ways. Not a lot of people know that.

Just gonna but in and say that's a smoking jacket, not a safari jacket.

Geee...from the reaction to Cyclone, Red Sonja and SuperGirl I thought this was written by a woman

I see absolutely nothing wrong with 8, 3, or 1.

And I WISH that today's comic book author's would grow the balls to create a character like Codpiece.

No idea how he keeps the hat on but Jay Garrick has used it as a weapon, though when he throws it on purpose he doesn't decapitate people. Comes from the decades of practise as a superhero and superspeed meaning even if he takes his time it still only takes a split-second for him to aim and throw it. :)

This list is for the most impractical costumes, not for the ugliest, most worthy of outrage, etc. If I were a female hero, it would be highly impractical to fly around in a skirt, underwear on display, or for me to try to kick someone's ass while battling painful chainmail rash.

And yes, it's also completely gross to sexualize a 16-year-old, even if she's fictional and pretty. Rob is awesome for noting that.

Whats wrong with seeing Supergirls panties? Seigel and Shuster would have wanted to see Supergirls panties....besides,shes way older than 16. She was in hyper-sleep for how many years? Technically,shes older than Supes. Also,Kryptonian girls mature way faster than earth girls....I'm sure the kryptonian age of consent is much younger than here on earth. Plus,she has super-powers....if she didnt want guys looking up her skirt,she could just fry them with her heat-vision or snap their necks....right?

Its ok to have messed up shit like codpiece but not in "normal" un parody comics.
he shouldnt have anything that fires projectiles right in Front of his junk.
Its degrading to super heroes to be shot by something that was between a guys legs.
Supergirl is probably wearing a cheerleader skirt that has the built in underwear.
Shes legal age in canada so its ok for us to look at her

Codpiece could be charged with sexual assault when he fought a female super hero

When I saw this list before the jump my first thought was DAZZLER!!!
So glad she's on here. It makes my outburst of "DAZZLER!!!" explainable and NOT make me seem crazy.

I find it quite sad that you are always preaching about Supergirl's panties on Topless robot. What is the problem? You seem offended by her panties showing. Do you prefer boys? I mean seriously. What guy complains that hot as hell Supergirl's panties are showing.....good god man! I bet you and the guys at the gay bath house have debates on the subject.

Dude. You're overcompensating.

Ok, First off I have to say. Supergirl's upskirts are an unavoidable problem she would have in REAl life yes. However, The artists are not drawing her spread eagle in the air, while holding up her skirt. Usually when the angle calls for her panties to be in view, like she's been thrown into a wall, her skirt modestly moves it's self into place it seems. I do agree that it's better now with the shorts under the skirt. However no one has mentioned Mary Marvel has the same problem and she's only seventeen.

As for completely useless and impractical Superhero costumes. How did the Phantom lady get left off the list. If any villain picks her up by her costume she's gonna get a heck of a wedgie.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1HeEKH3p41c/SYBYVxh8EvI/AAAAAAAAAzI/vFclrVEOwQ4/s400/Phantom_Lady__colored_by_SuperMichaelMan.jpg
Not to mention Deathstroke killed pretty easy without any armor.

Codpiece... CODPIECE?!?!? Are you fucking kidding me?!?!?

I'd say Penance is more of a goth icon really. Cutting has always been more of a goth thing anyways, some shit about the pain making them feel more alive or something.

The emo kid is more likely to just sit and write about how sad he is in the journal he's always carting around or write a song about he ex girlfriend of 3 years on his acoustic guitar while wearing some shitty old sweater he probably found in his grandpa's closet.

Just clearing up what seems to me to be a pretty common misconception.

It scares me how many Canadians think 16 years old is legal age.. it's only the legal age for people under 18.. Adults still have to abide by that 18 year old instantly an adult rule.

Great list!

Re: Red Sonja, her costume is even more funny when you take into account that her being brutally raped was her motivation to become a warrior.

I guess nobody's heard of Vampirella......

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampirella

What? No Jubilee? Why would someone from the Sunshine State wear a giant yellow rain slicker as her costume?

Chainmail Bikini: at one of my first scifi conventions, just as I arrived, I saw a gal wearing a chainmail bikini get out of a van. Now, while she may not have been of Red Sonja proportions, she wore it very well. With nothing underneath. I could tell because pubic hair kept poking through the bottom. I also have to wonder how she got it so form fitting without repeatedly trying it on; I have to assume she didn't try it on before because, if she had, she'd have known to wear some padding. By the time she got to the hotel entrance, she was walking bent-over and there was blood dripping from the top. I saw her several times later at the con, but never in the chain mail. Chain mail was meant to block piercing weapons and was worn over padding and/or leather.

Supergirl has been suffering this decade, I remember her outfit from JL the animated series, it looked like she barrowed the skirt from one of the Saior Moon cast.

Actually Jays hat is fairly practical. He has used it on several occasions. Also if it did fly off, hes the damned flash, a .00002 second detour and its back on his head.
I remember once, he flung the hat at break neck speeds and then struck it with a punch the speed of light to produce a sonic-concussion wave that could have made Hellen Keller deaf.

Supergirl was 16 when she arrived, it's been close to two years inside the DCU already. Maybe three.

The problem with Flash's hat is not that it might fall off so much as it is extremely difficult to conceal while in civilian mode. "Oh hi, Jay! Say, that's a nice bowl of fruit you're carrying around today. Much nicer than that turtle sculpture you had last week. By the way, what the hell is wrong with you anyway?"

To my surprise Squirrel Girl is not on the list.

Excellent list! The writing definitely made me laugh.

As for Rogue: why doesn't she cover her face? It's so we can see her face. After all, no other female hero covers her face... except Catwoman, who's also on the list. Hmm...

As for Red Sonja: I think there's a law of some sort that says all fantasy characters must be dressed in impractical armor and wield huge swords.

As for Supergirl, technically speaking, she's over 50 years old since she first appeared in a 1958 comic book.
However, the argument can be made that she's *supposed* to be a 16 year old. But it's hard to agree on a standard body shape if so many artists are drawing her: sometimes she looks 16 and sometimes she looks 26.
I agree with the poster comparing Supergirl's outfit to a regular cheerleader: the outfit is simply a leotard with a skirt. Would the outfit get the same reaction if it was a leotard without a skirt?

Actually Supergirl isn't 16, she's older then Superman, but due to suspended animation she still looks like a teenager. She still may sometimes act like a teenager, but she has said herself that she wasn't always "asleep," and a lot of that comes from not living in a real world.

In any case, she was labeled as "17" by Green Lantern in second issue of Brave and the Bold, and she recently celebrated her birthday in her own title. As she matures and grows, she is probably more 18 or 19 physically.

I don't get why people knock her costume. She wears just as much, if not more than Wonder Woman (not to mention her other self, Kara Zor-L/ Power Girl), but it's just fine for Diana to be wearing that.

Even if it's drawn more like actual armor than the bikini of old, she's not Kryptonian invulnerable, and we see her get cuts upon gashes, so why isn't that in this list?

Kara is a mature enough young woman to exude both innocence and sex appeal, as she always has since she lost the pig tails of Linda Lee almost half a century ago and graduated into Linda Lee Danvers. DC does recognize that there are limits, and the 8th Grade incarnation of Supergirl wore tights under the skirt.

A coworker of mine, a young woman herself, once commented that "super girls can do anything a super man can, AND twirl around on high heels. If you're invulnerable and look as good as that, you'll wear whatever you want to."

In any case, despite not celebrating the 50th anniversary of Kara's last year, rumor has it that in the upcoming 50th issue, Kara will have a new costume, and less skin showing. May the Quakers rejoice!

As for the impracticality of a skirt, no female super hero is going to just hover in a position for someone to see anything unless they'd want that. Flying would be at a speed where the normal human eye isn't going to register ...

Besides, Kara basically wears a skirt as decoration over shorts or smaller. No one complains that Wonder Woman ISN'T wearing a skirt to offer more privacy, or the fact that unless Superman is wearing a lead jock strap, his stuff would be visible for the lustful eye. (Remember when people were trying to point out a bulge in Brandon Routh's uniform?)

In any event, even if it wasn't practical, I'd say that wearing a giant boar's head probably beats out issues with a skirt, lol.

Seriously, people want to comment on Codpiece and no one has mentioned on Doctor Manhattan's "costume?"

I don't see what is impractical about Dr. Manhattan's costume, or lack thereof. He is a being of energy with infinite powers who is not bound by the laws of human-based physics. How would any costume he would wear be impractical at all?

On the same note, I don't see what is impractical about a girl who is more powerful than a locomotive and faster than a speeding bullet wearing a short skirt. "Impractical" implies that it interferes with whatever function it is supposed to perform. The potential of being leered at for a fraction of a second by bystanders 100 meters below her has no effect on her crime-fighting abilities. If anything, it is more practical because she can distract criminals with her nubile figure (a tactic Power Girl openly admits to).

And don't lay the ephebophile argument on me either. Thanks to Smallville, I associate Supergirl with Laura Vanderhoort, and if anyone would like to ridicule me for finding her attractive, please, go ahead.

If you're going to make the argument of skimpy costume = impractical, don't go after Supergirl. At the very least, go after someone like Vampirella or Emma Frost, whose costumes could not realistically remain costumes without a generous helping of superglue.