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!
Running Crazy at New York City Marathon
Now that the 2010 New York Marathon was run nearly a month ago, it’s amazing what I remember. Looking back I can recall that the male victor, Ethiopian Gebre Gebremariam, crossed the first finish line of his marathon career a winner by running 2:08:14. But what sticks out more than this amazing feat is the thousands and thousands of everyday runners that are out on the course, slogging away and trying to make it fun.
Who needs the physical and mental stress of being an elite runner? Many of these recreational runners didn’t seem to mind that they finished hours behind the leaders. Some everyday athletes even seemed to turn in the 26.2 mile run into a sort of costume party adding festive accessories to their running attire or even donning all-out costumes. The costumes seem to be not only a diversion, but a source of motivation for extrovert types who seem to thrive on having the spectators lining the side of the road cheer out to them and yell comments about their costumes.
One of the staples of running costumes seems to be the tutu. Once a skirt for graceful ballerinas, this frothy and feminine garment seems to be a hit with both women and men! Not only is a tutu easy to slip on over your running shoes and shimmy up to your waist, it comes in practically any color that you want. Another popular costume for running a marathon in is the superhero costume. This makes total sense, since you’ll need some extreme powers to make it to the finish line. Superman costumes and Wonder Woman costumes are everywhere – it’s just funny when you see a superhero walking because he or she has run out of steam.
A great costume for a crowd, it makes sense that a Where’s Waldo costume would be found amongst the 45,000 people that are running their way through this premier event. This kitschy character is always wearing a red and white striped shirt, blue pants, a red hat and black horned rimmed spectacles. The crowd can make a game out of seeing who can spot the crazy runner guy in this men’s costume first.
There are other costumes out on the New York roads that are even crazier such as Kangaroo Mascots, rhinos, moose, rock stars, mermaids and more. It’s amazing anyone can even jog around the corner in a Halloween costume like these, let along through every borough of New York City! While a professional runner trying to win the prize purse might not want to show up in a costume, we think everyone else should. This is America and anything goes!
Good Greenness – The Green Lantern
Actor Ryan Reynolds appeared at Comic-con 2010 in late July to generate buzz about the upcoming Warner Bros. superhero flick, “Green Lantern” expected in 2011. Armed with the proverbial power ring, the beau-hunk actor was on hand during the studio’s presentation of the film and charmingly answered fan questions. Reports even say that he recited the Green Lantern’s legendary oath for a young boy in the audience – “In brightest day and darkest night, no evil shall escape my sight.”
One thing that superhero fans were up in arms about, however, was the mysterious lack of presence of the suit. “Where is it, we want to see it,” the crowd demanded. I mean, if Ryan’s out promoting his superhero movie, shouldn’t he be suited up in the proverbial Spandex? Sit down for this; apparently the suit was fashioned entirely from CGI, so he never actually wore the suit for filming. Another non-traditional element of the Green Lantern costume is that it does not feature the signature white gloves that were part of the crime-fighters ensemble in the comics and cartoons. Actually, Reynolds admitted he thinks the white gloves were “lame” but reassured the convention-goers that “the fanboys and the people new to the character are going to love it (the Green Lantern costume).”
Of course, if you are interested in a Green Lantern superhero costume, you’re not going to be able to rely on computer-generated images – you’re going to have to suit up the old-fashioned way. The retro comic book look features a black skin-tight suit with green boot covers and a green-muscled chest feature with the Green Lantern logo in the center. The great thing about having these built-in, padded muscles is that you don’t have to hit the gym to look ripped. A green eye mask also helps partially cover your face so that you can head out in disguise.
Another necessary element for any Green Lantern costume, Hollywood or Halloween bound, is the power ring. This ring has magical capabilities and has been described as "the most powerful weapon in the universe." The power ring can translate language, split atoms, be summoned from a distance – whatever the wearer wills to happen, the ring will execute or create. The only limitation of the Green Lantern’s ring is that it has to be recharged by flame from his personal battery, the Lantern. Good thing the Green Lantern costume version works of regular, store-bought batteries!
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!
Marvel-ous Superheroes
With the recent release of Iron Man 2, fans are chomping at the bits to satisfy their appetites for superhero-based movies. Marvel Studios, the power-house responsible for some of our favorite comic book-inspired protagonists, has plans to roll out a several more films in this genre – maybe not faster than a speeding bullet, but coming in the next several years to a theater near you. The characters from these future movies would all make a great choice in your next Halloween costume.
Thor (May 2011) According to mythology, this Norse god of thunder wields a magic hammer and ride through the heavens in his chariot wreaking havoc on earth. You’ll feel anything but mortal in a Thor costume featuring built-in, padded muscles and bun-hugging tights. Long flowing blonde locks and a Viking helmet will complete the epic look.
Captain America (July 2011) This red-white-and-blue superhero has always taken a tough stance against the unpatriotic bad guys. Soon movie-goers can see him use his super-serum strength with insurgents in a made-for-the-big-screen adaptation of this popular marvel comic. The signature bright blue Captain America costume features a star on the chest and bright red boots along with a patriotic shield used to deflect any attack against democracy and freedom.
The Avengers (May 2012) In a multi-hero format, this upcoming film brings together a coalition of Marvel heroes including Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk, the Black Widow and Nick Fury from the SHEILD initiative. Get your group of Avengers to assemble in their varied uniforms of spandex and flowing capes and campout overnight to be the first in line for this flick!
Iron Man 3 – Still in the talking stages with movie execs, there could possibly be a third Iron Man in the franchise some in the future. Whether you prefer the comic-book inspired yellow and red Iron Man costume or are a more modern-day Tony Stark in a metallic red and gold Iron Man suit, you’ll still be a force to be reckoned with either of these fierce Halloween costumes.
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