Gravitron

The way it works is this:
If you start up the game without ever having played before.. they tried to make the costume editor simpler so you wouldn't get swamped with the myriad of options. So your first char you have very limited options on the menus. Once you log in, do the tutorial (and maybe get your first char to 10th level - which is very easy) then you have access to the full menus for any subsequent costumes you create.
 
At that point, any costume that you could buy from their "C-Store" will be available in the editor (there is a check box to see or not see them).
Then you can make costumes in the editor and take a screen shot of it without every loggin in. I do this a lot because i don't "own" all the sets.
 
There are also many pieces you can only get in game through various methods (drops, purchase from Auction House, farm, etc). I have spent quite a bit of in game time buying and unlocking these other pieces but you can make tons of amazing things without that. In addition, in game there are now "auras" that allow your character to look like they have fiery eyes, or exude sparkles etc, which are great for making certain types of looks, but these can only be done in game not in the costume editor.
 
In summary.. I highly recommend downloading the game.. make a char.. and getting them to 10th level to unlock the whole editor. Then make all the amazing costumes you want and never log in again if you like.   I know the ability to create the characters/villains I have envisioned (and written up) adds a huge amount to my games. And certainly a ton to the enjoyment of reffing. Sometimes I design a villain then make the costume.. sometimes it's the other way around.

The way it works is this:
If you start up the game without ever having played before.. they tried to make the costume editor simpler so you wouldn't get swamped with the myriad of options. So your first char you have very limited options on the menus. Once you log in, do the tutorial (and maybe get your first char to 10th level - which is very easy) then you have access to the full menus for any subsequent costumes you create.
 
At that point, any costume that you could buy from their "C-Store" will be available in the editor (there is a check box to see or not see them).
Then you can make costumes in the editor and take a screen shot of it without every loggin in. I do this a lot because i don't "own" all the sets.
 
There are also many pieces you can only get in game through various methods (drops, purchase from Auction House, farm, etc). I have spent quite a bit of in game time buying and unlocking these other pieces but you can make tons of amazing things without that. In addition, in game there are now "auras" that allow your character to look like they have fiery eyes, or exude sparkles etc, which are great for making certain types of looks, but these can only be done in game not in the costume editor.
 
In summary.. I highly recommend downloading the game.. make a char.. and getting them to 10th level to unlock the whole editor. Then make all the amazing costumes you want and never log in again if you like.   I know the ability to create the characters/villains I have envisioned (and written up) adds a huge amount to my games. And certainly a ton to the enjoyment of reffing. Sometimes I design a villain then make the costume.. sometimes it's the other way around.

Ever since I discovered the Champions Online costume creator I restarted my Champions pen and paper game and started making costumes like crazy. I've become somewhat of an expert so here are some of the results:
 
My most popular costume ever: "Iron Chef"
http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/larsb888/IronChef_zps6f218a54.jpg~original
 
My friends say this is one of my best: "Komodo"
http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/larsb888/Komodo2_zps14019293.jpg~original
 
Orignally she was orange and black as the name implies but this costume is prettier.. maybe I'll go back and change colors:
http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/larsb888/Monarch_zpsa4941e4c.jpg~original
 
Nothing like good puns for names:
"Concrete Cowboy"
http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/larsb888/ConcreteCowboy_zpse4315704.jpg~original
 
and "Joan of Arcs"
http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/larsb888/JoanOfArcs_zps5468dce6.jpg~original
 
Most costumes I create never make it to my paper and pencil game.. but this I did for a recent encounter with a Russian National Team..
"Moscow Missle"
http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/larsb888/MoscowMissle_zps51de1b81.jpg~original
 
Your basic armored suit guy:
http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/larsb888/Sovereign_zps8f75a7ec.jpg~original
 
And sometimes you just need something on the dark side:
http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/larsb888/Fallen_zpsd632bc1a.jpg~original
 
Hope you like them!