20 Of The Best Comics Superhero Costumes

Punk Storm (Image via Marvel)

11. Punk Storm

Now, this one is going to be a controversial pick. First of all, Storm is one of the most beloved characters in the X-Men lineup, and probably in the larger Marvel lineup, too. We’ve all seen Storm, be it on the comics page, a cartoon show, or on the big screen.

This means that we’ve also seen her in a vast array of outfits. As played by Halle Berry in the X-Men films, she was most often seen in either civilian clothes or the utilitarian black team suit designed for the movie. In the comics, you’ll most likely see her in a more eye-catching outfit. Usually, that means some variation on a black bodysuit, headpiece, and a cape attached at her wrists. Of course, you can’t forget her striking white hair.

Then there’s punk Storm.

Writer Chris Claremont and artist Paul Smith, who engineered the change, had mixed feelings about this version. In fact, Smith called the new look “a bad joke gone too far”. According to Smith:

"I did a number of portraits…. As a JOKE, I included a shot of her as Mr. T. You know, the kind of shot where they HAVE to go the other way. Weezie [X-Men editor Louise Simonson]’s response? “They’re going to hang us whichever way we go. Let’s commit the murder.”"

In the comics, all of Storm’s fellow X-Men are pretty shocked, too. She sports a white mohawk and struts around in black leather, sans cape. Kitty Pryde takes it especially hard and runs away crying. Harsh, girl.

But, honestly? I love it. Maybe it’s just because I’m a sucker for the punk aesthetic. Maybe it’s just because some characters need a big change to their look sometimes. Yes, it’s gimmicky, but you sure won’t forget punk Storm. She wouldn’t let you.