What does a French Superhero look like?

[Enforcer84]

Okay, in the MEGS mailing list, has been debating this, do you think America is the only country in the world where the super powered champions dress in skin tight, colorful, costumes?

Would a Spanish hero dress in red spandex with a gold cape? How bout Germany, Great Brittian, France, Russia, Japan, China...Anyone wanna weigh in here?

[Kevin Scrivner]

Hmmm. Wish we could get nationals like Kwangakid from the Philippines to comment.

A Spanish hero with a bullfighting theme might wear tight pants, an oversized jacket, and carry his cape separately. Ole'!

French heroes with a swashbuckling theme might wear doublet and hose and a cloak. On the other hand, a French hero might make an avant garde fashion statement, especially if he's one of these modern technological types.

At least one Japanese superhero, Super Giant, wears white Flash Gordon-ish tights and a hood with a little Plexiglas fin on top. Very 1930s sci fi. Ultraman sports a slick metallic bodysuit, sort of an art deco robotic look.

[Acroyear]

Japan's superheroes are typically aliens or cyborgs. Do a search on Ultraman and Kamen Rider for example.

Also, you can see samples in American (poorly done) imports. Power Rangers, Cyber Samurai Squad (whatever that was... originally Gridman), Virtual Troopers (I think it was Metalder in Japan). Etc.

I see no reason why the french would dress all that different, to be honest, than the "norm" for supers in your world (let alone anyone else). I would imagine a place like China empahsises less individuality and might insist on uniforms (but I also see them as pulling them all into gov't service of some kind).

[Superskrull]

Well, I only know of one off the top of my head. That's the undeniably French character known as Superdupont.

Sebastien Andrivet wrote him up in DC Heroes format on his website. http://www.writeups.org

Great site, BTW.

[Klytus]

Nobody remembers the Crimson Fox from Justice Leauge International? Skin-tight costume with the exception of a hood-like cowl. And even without the costume, she was still a fox! Oh la la!
She also took advantage of stereotypes and hammed up her genuine French accent to make it sound like she was an American movie-star doing a bad French accent.

[Yamo]

Like a smelly man in a bright costume surrendering to the nearest supervillian? ;)

[Storn]

In RDU, there is Fleur De Lis. Savate and investigative expert. She is illustrated by me in Watchers of the Dragon. I know that this will come as a suprise, but fleur de lis's play a big part in her costume design.

I was just working on a french superhero, using the colors of their flag (red, white, blue...sound familiar anyone?), but in equal proportions at diagonals across the body. I dropped the project, because the character morphed into Geist, the Austrian superhero that is my new character.

Germans are easy... having such a rich visual language. Their eagle is much different than an american eagle. The iconography of Nazi germany still invokes emotion...and of course is probably stayed far away from by heroes of Germany. Same with the russians, that red star is a powerful symbol. 30s poster art is a great resourse.

I suggest looking up a country in google. Do some research. Find out the coat of arms, look at the biggest city or the most defining landscape. A dutch hero named Dyke (go ahead, laugh, but we have one in RDU) brings forth all kinds of unintended associations. But an earth elemental named Levy who is Dutch might not get those giggles.

Just some thoughts off the top of my head....

[Lord Liaden]

The colorful skintights are a product of American comic-book culture, and American culture has become almost ubiquitous around the world. In a world in which such a tradition of superheroes was real, I would expect many countries to dress their supers in something resembling those outfits, although local influences would doubtless manifest to some extent, reflecting iconography, history, esthetics and folklore.

I doubt that there would be many major departures from the American norm in the industrialized West. Countries that emphasize collective conformity over individuality, like Japan or China, would probably favor a uniform look for their supers' outfits, at least as part of a team (such as the aforementioned Power Rangers and Ultraman examples). OTOH, most of the Islamic countries retain strong restrictions on extensive display of the body; no-one as high profile as a superhero could get away with skintights without powerful social censure, or even arrest in some cases.

[MisterVimes]

Why don't you go right to the source?
Here are two links to pages about French Superheros from French comics.
Cool French Comics (http://www.coolfrenchcomics.com/) and French Superheroes (http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/french.htm)

[steriaca]

I'm thinking of creating a french martial artest/underworld assasion, who is a master of Savate, and wears bladed boots. I like the name "Red Feat", but what would that be in french? His costume is all black, except for his red boots and blood covered blades.

[winterhawk]

Originally posted by Yamo
Like a smelly man in a bright costume surrendering to the nearest supervillian? ;)

Darn, beat me to it...I would also add chain smoking.

[wcw43921]

Originally posted by MisterVimes
Why don't you go right to the source?
Here are two links to pages about French Superheros from French comics.
Cool French Comics (http://www.coolfrenchcomics.com/) and French Superheroes (http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/french.htm)


Merci Beaucoup, Monsieur Vimes.

Some nifty info there--I was especially impressed by the number of villains who were the title characters of comic series, and were opposed by "ordinary" humans, as per Fu Manchu and Dracula. I wonder if anyone's ever ran a campaign around this premise?

[Mightybec]

Originally posted by Yamo
Like a smelly man in a bright costume surrendering to the nearest supervillian? ;)

How about an annoying mime? Or a Jerry Lewis impersonator?

Mightybec

[Karma]

How about speedoes and nothing else. That's what the Bronzed Aussie 'Life-Guard' would wear.
The problem is, like the US, we don't have a national dress (unless you include Aboriginal body painting, and how many US citizens would consider Amerindian Warpaint the national dress?), so skintight spandex is always a possibility (hell our athletes wear it and kick the world collective ass at the Olympics, why not our Supers?).

[ZootSoot]

As Storn has pointed out in another context, the skin-tight spandex dress is a convention artists adopted in comics to simplify the task of drawing. Real supers (ie game supers whose origins have nothing to do with comic book art conventions) just would not wear this stuff (or very rarely wear it) as it just isn't practical, and that includes Americans.

[Enforcer84]

Originally posted by ZootSoot
As Storn has pointed out in another context, the skin-tight spandex dress is a convention artists adopted in comics to simplify the task of drawing. Real supers (ie game supers whose origins have nothing to do with comic book art conventions) just would not wear this stuff (or very rarely wear it) as it just isn't practical, and that includes Americans.

But its such a part of the superhero genre for Superheroes to have the "union suits". That's the thing, the debate that has been going on in the list (far too polite to be "raging") the idea held by those members of the list from England and France is that their heroes wouldn't wear masks, wouldn't dress in bright costumes, and so on. The idea being that only Americans are so inclined(implying that the traditional superheroic costumes are some how beneath them). Then there are Americans who disagree. I was wondering where the Herophiles fell.

I mean, the first French character I rember seeing was Batroc the Leaper and I am sure France hasn't forgiven us for him.

[gewing]

While I can see the union suits being fashionable, I really like pockets! Body armor is good too.

It has been a while since I played in a 4-color camaign, I may have trouble going back.

[Thirdbase]

Open FREd to page 100, erase the helmet, unless he is from Normandy.:D

[Mutant for Hire]

Originally posted by Enforcer84
But its such a part of the superhero genre for Superheroes to have the "union suits". That's the thing, the debate that has been going on in the list (far too polite to be "raging") the idea held by those members of the list from England and France is that their heroes wouldn't wear masks, wouldn't dress in bright costumes, and so on. The idea being that only Americans are so inclined(implying that the traditional superheroic costumes are some how beneath them). Then there are Americans who disagree. I was wondering where the Herophiles fell.

Look at the X-Men movie. Realistically, even American superheroes wouldn't wear the masks and the brightly colored skin-tight costumes either.

In general I feel that more realistically speaking, all superheroes would wear some sort of paramilitary uniform or some outfit traditionally associated with fighting such as the traditional outfits martial artists have worn. Or even just regular clothes.

[altamaros]

Originally posted by steriaca
I'm thinking of creating a french martial artest/underworld assasion, who is a master of Savate, and wears bladed boots. I like the name "Red Feat", but what would that be in french? His costume is all black, except for his red boots and blood covered blades.

well, tell me exactly what means "red feat" and i will give you a translation (i'm french). i understand what is a feat and the colour red but i don't see if "red feat" has another (slang ? )signification in english.


I mean, the first French character I rember seeing was Batroc the Leaper and I am sure France hasn't forgiven us for him.

there is so many things we cannot forgive to each other :D
(like letting Ronald Mc Donald run loose in innocent, unprotected foreign countries)


But whatever: i do agree with Storn about skintights : it's a convention of the genre. The last character complaining about spandex i remember is Jenny Sparks in Wildstorm's Authority.

For european supers as a whole, I would just say that they would more likely join government( or corporation or organisation .. )-sponsored teams. In Europe, the "personal justice" (or initiative ) feeling as a whole is much weaker than in U.S. so supers would be less prone to act by themselves without sanction and would more likely seek official support; although some vigilantes like Fleur de Lys (origin linked to extreme prejudice to a person) are likely like anywhere else.

[Dynamo]

Originally posted by altamaros
For european supers as a whole, I would just say that they would more likely join government( or corporation or organisation .. )-sponsored teams. In Europe, the "personal justice" (or initiative ) feeling as a whole is much weaker than in U.S. so supers would be less prone to act by themselves without sanction and would more likely seek official support; although some vigilantes like Fleur de Lys (origin linked to extreme prejudice to a person) are likely like anywhere else. This is a very useful piece of information that I had not previously considered. Thanks.

Now I don't have to feel bad that I've come up with only one independent European super for my Champions campaign: La Vitesse, Parisian speedster and well-traveled socialite.

[Dynamo]

Originally posted by altamaros
well, tell me exactly what means "red feat" and i will give you a translation (i'm french). i understand what is a feat and the colour red but i don't see if "red feat" has another (slang ? )signification in english.Red Feat also contains a play on words, feat being a homonym for feet, which are red due to the blood on the blades as well as wearing red boots. Unfortunately, puns rarely translate well.

[altamaros]

Originally posted by Dynamo
Red Feat also contains a play on words, feat being a homonym for feet, which are red due to the blood on the blades as well as wearing red boots. Unfortunately, puns rarely translate well.

and it doesn't :
(the) red feet : (les) pieds rouges
(the) red feat : (l')exploit rouge

sorry.

Daniel

[KawangaKid]

The Philippines is strongly influenced by both American and Japanese comics & animation. Even the old pulp serials were emulated here.

However, since we also have local action heroes with big guts (One example was our Former President Joseph Estrada)... there's also a tendency to have some heroes wear 'normal clothing'.

[Syberdwarf2]

Originally posted by altamaros
and it doesn't :
(the) red feet : (les) pieds rouges
(the) red feat : (l')exploit rouge

sorry.

Daniel

Personally, I think L'exploit Rouge works the best. As a superhero, he'll be performing incerdible feats, the morality of which will often be tainted by the blood of his enemies. The pun still works, but you really have to look at the deeper meaning (as most Americans have oft complained about French films)

[death tribble]

I disagree with a couple of points people have been making.

Europeans would wear masks for the same reason everyone else does. Protecting Secret Identity and family unless you have Public ID. In our campaign the Voidwalker and the Unicron were aliens and thus had Public ID. But the rest of the team had cowls and masks. Like the Flame, The Avenger, Avenger 2, Arachneida, Dr Density etc.

Very few had open faces. The Magician did. But he had Public ID and everyone knew him as the Magician. Mindstorm did as well but she was an egoist.

The team was also Government backed but was set up by the team and Pappademetriou Industries. Working with the Government could be, shall we say fraught ?

[ZootSoot]

Originally posted by Enforcer84
But its such a part of the superhero genre for Superheroes to have the "union suits". That's the thing, the debate that has been going on in the list (far too polite to be "raging") the idea held by those members of the list from England and France is that their heroes wouldn't wear masks, wouldn't dress in bright costumes, and so on. The idea being that only Americans are so inclined(implying that the traditional superheroic costumes are some how beneath them). Then there are Americans who disagree. I was wondering where the Herophiles fell.

I mean, the first French character I rember seeing was Batroc the Leaper and I am sure France hasn't forgiven us for him.

If you are doing it because it is "genre" then obviously foreign supers should do it to.

[Klytus]

Skin-tight costumes are not only easy to draw, they are easy to move in & easy to conceal in a small place when you need to change clothes in a hurry. As a Ren-Faire geek who wears tights (and who has the legs for it), I know that they are comfortable and much easier to deal with than pants. Though I do confess that the lack of pockets is a pain. Uniforms and large outfits may look good, but having clothes that do not get in the way when you're in a fight is a must.

The one part of the comic convention I find wholy unreaslistic is the wearing the costume underneath street clothes. Unless you're Superman, wearing long-underwear under your suit all day long is simply too hot to endure. Never mind the fact that unless your costume is the fabric equivilant of a bathing suit (like Liberty:the American Girl) anybody standing less than 5' away from you will notice that you've got "extra padding" under your clothes.. especially if you have a cape under there, too! Never mind how impossible it is to hide a non-white costume beneath a white shirt.

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Enforcer84
But its such a part of the superhero genre for Superheroes to have the "union suits". That's the thing, the debate that has been going on in the list (far too polite to be "raging") the idea held by those members of the list from England and France is that their heroes wouldn't wear masks, wouldn't dress in bright costumes, and so on. The idea being that only Americans are so inclined(implying that the traditional superheroic costumes are some how beneath them). Then there are Americans who disagree. I was wondering where the Herophiles fell.



Well, not to offend those players from other nations, but if you have America as having the majority of super heroes, and the FIRST Super heroes... the US supers might set the standard. Other heroes of other nations might wear masks because that's the fashion and it would be embarrassing to be outdone by the yanks.

Again, that depends on a universe's "history" a lot.

[steriaca]

Originally posted by Syberdwarf2
Personally, I think L'exploit Rouge works the best. As a superhero, he'll be performing incerdible feats, the morality of which will often be tainted by the blood of his enemies. The pun still works, but you really have to look at the deeper meaning (as most Americans have oft complained about French films)

Acualy, he is an assasion, and I mispeled Feet. Still, if you like the name, go with it. I'm going with Pieds Rouges for my martial arts assasion.

[Dynamo]

Originally posted by steriaca
Acualy, he is an assasion, and I mispeled Feet. Still, if you like the name, go with it. I'm going with Pieds Rouges for my martial arts assasion. So much for my feat/feet double-meaning theory. :rolleyes:

[Thirdbase]

Originally posted by Dynamo
So much for my feat/feet double-meaning theory. :rolleyes:

I thought it made sense.:confused:

[Agent Escafarc]

Originally posted by Yamo
Like a smelly man in a bright costume surrendering to the nearest supervillian? ;)

His main superpower would be:

Stretching 1";0 End(+1/2),Persistent(+1/2),Inherent(+1/4);Always Direct(-1/4),Cannot Do Damage(-1/2),No Velocity Damage(-1/4),Limited Body Parts-Arms(-1/4),Only to stretch straight over head(-1/2),Non-Combat Stretching Only(-1/2):Active Points:11 Real Cost: 3
:rolleyes:

[Agent Escafarc]

And this is the best name for a french hero:
The Cheese-eating Surender Monkey (I believe first uttered on the Simpsons):D

[Karma]

My characters have worn:
Karma (Australian, super thief and part time Viglilante): A chamelion costume, although when she was 'playing hero' she wore a black and white 'spandex suit' "cause it was traditional".

Switchblade: Civvies, always. Then again he didn't have a secret I.D.

So really. If we're talking about what heroes would really wear if they weren't being drawn by comic book artists then probably what they fely most cofortable in/what was trendy at the time/something which showed their alligence to some cause, i.e. what most people do. ASctaully it would be so much easier not to have a 'set costume' except perhaps a mask, that way you put on the mask (or not) and people know who you are. 'Costume canhes are so muchj easier' and it could lead to 'fashion mags running 'Best dressed superhero' comps (like they do with other famous people), which 'only one costume' worlds lack.

[Willpower]

I would say not completely, but for the most part Supers from other countries take some association from American supers. Comic books, at least, Superhero comic books is pretty fairly an American idea, that spread out, so it only makes sense, that supers in other countries would draw inspiration from and modify American outfits. Though, American supers costumes have varied dramatically from their first incarnations? Anyone remember the first Superhero? Its not who you might think. Some think Superman, though the Shadow and a few others were out in Radio format and such before him, though they aren't always considered superheroes for some reason. The first was actually Popeye. He was the first comic character to do genuinely superhuman tasks. His first was to tear apart a jail cell with his bare hands, and the second, I believe was to survive a gunshot at point blank range to the chest and be pretty much fine soon after.

[rayoman]

And here I was being good by avoiding something similar to Yamo.


Originally posted by Yamo
Like a smelly man in a bright costume surrendering to the nearest supervillian? ;)

[KawangaKid]

I saw this thread after being disturbed by an 'old' movie that I saw on TV. I just realized that many of our public officials are actually former movie stars or TV personalities (newscasters, radio folk, etc.).

It's not too far-fetched that a Filipino Super could eventually run for office and win. Especially since some of our current officials espouse Vigilanteism in their movies (more Punisher-like justice than Batman).

[Vondy]

A Prositute

[gewing]

A CHEF- Perhaps even the "Bunmaster" jEnergy projector based on different kinds of bread...

How about the daughter or grand daughter of COrporal LeBeau... She can really do all the things HOgan convinced the Germans her father could do. mentalist, minor Gadgeteer, chef, ---If grand-daughter, could have a whole team of his descendants. :)

Ok, WHo spiked my Ginger ale?