Batman Beyond the Basic
Everyone loves The iconic Batman costume in grey and black with accents of yellow; similar to the one found in vintage comic books and the old-school television series starring Adam West. But, for the sake of variety, who says all of the caped crusaders costumes have to look exactly the same. Superheroes come in every shape, size and personality, that’s why if you search around hard enough you can find (or make) a rainbow array of suits to suit your inner, colorful crime fighter.
Believe it or not, a Batman costume in pink is actually based on an old “Detective Comics” edition, where Batman tells his sidekick Robin that he must wear a different color uniform every day. While Batman says he’s wearing red, we all know its Technicolor pink! Moms of little girl Batman fans can whip of a costume (see picture) with a pink leotard and tights to turn her princess into a boom-pow-punch action star. If you’re not crafty, you can also pick up all-pink batman uniforms and even dresses detailed with metallic silver fabric at an online costume shop.
In a later edition, Batman literally goes wild wearing a black-and-white Zebra stripes after being zapped by a weird power giving machine. You can create this look yourself by duct-taping white stripes onto black leggings (or running tights) and a black top. Add with the standard black cape and eye mask and you’ll be all set to chase down the bad guy. Or, you can put your own twist on this animal-print inspired Batman costume – go with tiger stripes, leopard spots or a giraffe pattern instead!
Superhero Costumes on Auction Block
Today there are 1,000 plus superhero mementos going on the auction block in Indianapolis, IN. As a result of the American Superheroes Museum closing, items are being sold to the highest bidder. Some close to the action say that the museum (which was only open for about a year) is thought to have the second largest collection of Superman stuff in the world such as comic books, toys and costumes. Actually, some of the most important pieces of the collection include the Superman costumes worn by actors George Reeves and Christopher Reeve along with a replica of the Batmobile.
Everyone from normal Joes to the folks at Ripley’s will be bidding on these great collectable pieces of comic book history. The biggest problem we see with buying a Superman costume or Batman costume actually used on a movie set is that you wouldn’t actually want to wear it and therefore lessen the value. Think of how awful you’d feel if you dressed up in a movie costume from filming and then spilled your beer all over it. On other collectable sites, we've seen Christopher Reeve Superman costumes listed for sale at $75,000!
A great solution is to add a Halloween costume or two to your superhero wardrobe. You don’t have to have an original to look like a crime-fighting, justice-seeking guy. Superman, Batman and other superhero costumes are easy to find and quite affordable for any budget. Sized to fit everyone from babies and toddlers through regular and plus-sized adults, you can even find superhero pet costumes for dogs --- and cooperative cats. Wearing a superhero costume is a choice that is not going to go out of style like some of the trendy costumes that come and go – you might just be wearing your Halloween costume long enough that it becomes a museum-worthy relic!
Fly High in Justice League Costumes
Superheroes, they’re everywhere – if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! With Marvel’s “The Avengers” scheduled for release in 2011, it brings back rumors of the “is-it or isn’t it” happening of a Justice League movie. Not too long back, DC Comics was into the production of their superhero movie, “Justice League: Mortal.” Rumor has it that the movie, to have been directed by George Miller, was already over $200 million in expenses before the axe on the project dropped while filming in Australia. Ouch. Surfing around on the internet, it seems like it may be gearing back up for 2013.
Regardless of when a Justice League movie will be made, fans will be lining up to see the world’s most famous group of good guys (and girl). Featured in comic books, cartoons and movies, this team of crime-fighters has evolved over time, with new characters coming and going. But, for the most part, the main members of the Justice League (and the ones most likely to be in the upcoming flick) are Superman, Batman, The Flash Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter.
Halloween and children’s birthday parties are sure to be infused with plenty of superhero costumes, party merchandise and toys thanks to the renewed interest in superheroes of both Marvel and DC Comic persuasion. Dress up as the “Man of Steel” in a Superman or as the “Caped Cruisader” in a Batman costume and head out to save the day – or, better yet, head of the casting agent’s office and see if you can land one of the roles!
Really, you can’t go wrong wearing a superhero costume. Head-to-toe Spandex is sure to get you noticed wherever you go and may even gain you the nod into that exclusive club you’ve wanted to hang out at! Other great places for superhero costumes is to meet up with all the other fanboys and fangirls at the nearest comic convention – or host your own superhero shindig and make wearing a Justice League costume part of the deal! Bam – Pow – Shazamm!
Spidey Saves the Day
Holy Halloween costumes, Batman! A Bangkok, Thailand fireman recently came to the rescue of an eight-year-old boy dressed in his trusty superhero costume. Inflicted with autism, the young boy climbed out onto a three-story window ledge after being unsettled in the first day of his special needs school. Crying and visibly upset, teachers tried to unsuccessfully coax the child to come back in; however, the fire station ultimately had to be called.
When the firemen arrived on the scene, they were gearing up to save the child with their traditional methods including air cushions and safety harnesses. But, an off-the-cuff comment about comic books by the child’s mother made rescuer, Somchai Yoosabai, think of a better plan – a plan that any little boy would love. Yoosabai ran faster than a speeding bullet back the fire station and grabbed is Spiderman costume out of his locker. Arriving back at the unfolding situation, now dressed as a beloved superhero, the ingenious firefighter climbed out onto the ledge himself. With a happy ending, the awe-struck kid willingly walked back along the ledge and into the waiting safe arms of his rescuer.
A great story, but everyone always asks why the firefighter had a Spiderman costume stowed away at work. Apparently he likes to wear the Halloween costume to liven up fire drills during his many fire-safety visits to schools. When entertaining and educating the kids in his Spiderman costume, Yoosabai also liked to wear a costume of Japanese television character, Ultraman. Who knew that a comic-book inspired outfits could save a real life by building a bond of trust and safety?!
If you work with children, consider picking out a Superhero costume that suits your own personality or alter ego. We know that superheroes make some of the best Halloween costumes, but wearing a superhero costume is also a great way to make children feel more safe and relaxed in uncomfortable situations, not just when hanging out on a ledge. Just make sure that you pick a “good-guy” superhero that isn’t scary at all, you’d hate for your selection to backfire and make a little one scared or upset. Batman, Robin, Spiderman, Captain America and Wonder Woman all make perfect save-the-day selections for almost any occasion.
Chuy’s Kid’s Giving to Kids Parade – Austin, Texas
Chuy’s is the iconic Tex-Mex restaurant in my home town where everyone goes to get their weekly fix of kitschy décor, margaritas and enchiladas. This dining establishment spreads holiday cheer each year with it’s “Kid’s Giving to Kid’s Parade” that supports the Operation Blue Santa Program. Operation Blue Santa is a charity arm of the Austin Police Department that provides holiday meals and presents to more than 3,500 needy families per year. Typically held in downtown Austin on Thanksgiving weekend, this always anticipated event draws thousands of families who come to watch the elaborate parade floats, hear the festive marching bands, and gawk at the inflatable character balloons. Everyone is invited to bring a new toy to donate to underprivileged children when Santa’s sleigh rolls by.
Anyone who’s ever been to one of the Chuy’s locations knows the joint loves to love Elvis. The velvet paintings of the King of Rock and Roll are always a high note in the restaurant as are the many Elvis-inspired dishes like the yummy potato-chip crusted chicken. So, it wouldn’t be an honest-to-goodness Chuy’s holiday parade without the legend himself showing up on the back of a big-finned convertible! Don’t get all shook up, there is no mistaking the man in his white Thunderbird Elvis costume, gold rimmed glasses and mutton-chop side burns.
Actually, you’ll find plenty of folks dressed up in Elvis costumes and almost everything else you can imagine (as well as some costumes you never could have imagined until you see them!). The city’s motto is, after all, “Keep Austin Weird”! Volunteers dressed up in reindeer antlers or in holiday elf costumes help with crowd control and keep the spectators entertained. We’ve even seen parade participants wearing every type costume you can image, not just holiday costumes such as Christmas trees, candy canes and Victorian Carolers. Happy parade marchers also wear many outfits considered Halloween costumes such as Spiderman costumes, Batman Costumes, Curious George Costumes, Bob the Builder costumes and more! And, why not? The event caters to the kids and reminds them of their favorite playtime toys!
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