"Costume defines the superhero, disguising and distinguishing them from his or her civilian alter-ego. Instantly recognizable, the often garish garb includes insignias which are frequently appropriated and distorted throughout the world in a variety of media. This book provides the first interdisciplinary analysis of the superhero costume and investigates wide-ranging issues such as identity, otherness, ritual dress and disguise. Analysis focuses on the implications of wearing superhero costume, exploring interpretations of the costumed hero and the extent to which the costume defines his or her role. Using examples across various media (comic books, film, and television) with case studies including The X-Men, Watchmen, real-life superheroes such as Phoenix Jones and Pussy Riot and audience activities such as cosplay, The Superhero Costume presents new perspectives on the increasingly popular genre. A lively and thorough account of superhero fashions throughout history, The Superhero Costume will be essential reading for undergraduate students of fashion, visual culture, popular culture and cultural studies"--