The expansive DC Comics Multiverse is home to an astonishing array of characters, giving fans a glimpse into some of the most compelling and creative costume designs imaginable. From the classic red and blue attire of Superman to contemporary takes like Damian Wayne’s portrayal of Robin, the various outfits of the World’s Greatest Heroes reflect an ever-evolving style landscape.
However, not every superhero costume earns accolades. Indeed, there exist certain DC Comics costume designs that raise eyebrows and leave onlookers questioning the choices made. From peculiar styling decisions associated with Guy Gardner to Wonder Woman’s fashion missteps, not every outfit resonates as positively as Superman’s iconic red trunks.
10 Guy Gardner’s Yellow Ring Era
First Appearance: Guy Gardner: Reborn #3 by Gerard Jones, Joe Staton, Josef Rubenstein, José Marzan Jr., Digital Chameleon, and Albert De Guzman
After surrendering his Green Lantern Power Ring post-conflict with Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner opted for a different kind of energy from Sinestro’s Yellow Power Ring. He reintroduced himself under this new guise as “Guy Gardner,”although his costume shift left much to be desired.
Gone was the classic Green Lantern uniform, replaced instead by a street-inspired ensemble featuring a leather jacket with a prominent ‘G’ and casual jeans. While this look isn’t the absolute worst to emerge from DC Comics, it still disappoints fans who fondly remember Gardner’s unique and memorable original costume.
9 Tim Drake as “Drake”
First Appearance: Young Justice #10 by Brian Michael Bendis, John Timms, Nick Derrington, Dave Stewart, Gabe Eltaeb, and Wes Abbott
Finding himself adrift in the Multiverse along with his Young Justice allies, Tim Drake decided to abandon his Robin title for a new identity, “Drake.”This transition was met with considerable criticism from enthusiasts of the franchise.
Drake’s costume design, characterized by convoluted lines meant to evoke modernity, suffers from an uninspired color palette of dull browns, yellows, and blacks. These shades starkly contrast with the vibrant red and green tones associated with the beloved Robin mantle, leading many to perceive this incarnation as just another generic vigilante rather than celebrating Tim’s legacy.
8 Azrael’s Second Batman Armor
First Appearance: Detective Comics #675 by Chuck Dixon, Graham Nolan, Scott Hanna, Adrienne Roy, and John Costanza
When Jean-Paul Valley took on the mantel of Batman, his initial outfit was a bold, fiercely armored design representative of the ’90s. This drastic transformation characterized himself as a more violent protector of Gotham, complete with extensive padding, enormous shoulder guards, and an abundance of utility pouches.
While some elements, such as an updated Batman symbol, were appreciated, it was Azrael’s later suit that drew concern. The elaborate helmet and built-in weaponry shifted the visual balance toward a mechanical aesthetic which somewhat obscured his identity as Batman.
7 Crimson Fox
First Appearance: Justice League Europe #6 by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, Bart Sears, Pablo Marcos, Gene D’Angelo, and Bob Lappan
Crimson Fox, a not-so-typical DC hero, was originally portrayed by twin sisters Constance and Vivian D’Aramis, who shared a penchant for questionable superhero fashion. Their skintight attire, featuring a palette of browns, is one of the most memorable yet ill-fitting designs in the Justice League’s roster.
Despite its memorable status, the costume utterly fails to reflect the character’s name. If it sometimes appears “crimson,”the overall design lacks any elements associated with foxes. In fact, she comes off more like a snake than a fox, but perhaps “Brown Cobra”wouldn’t have the same allure.
6 Wonder Woman: Goddess of War
First Appearance: Wonder Woman #41 by Meredith Finch, David Finch, Jonathan Glapion, Johnny Desjardins, Brad Anderson, and Rob Leigh
Diana of Themyscira is often seen as the epitome of peace, yet her ascension to the title of Goddess of War brought forth a confusing new look that seemed at odds with her legacy. The intent behind this armored design was noble, yet its execution left much to be desired.
While the “DC You” era introduced a practical element with pants, the additional components—a complicated battle skirt and cumbersome boots—derailed the overall look. A more cohesive and streamlined version might have elevated this design to iconic status, but as it stands, many fans hope for a return to her original elegance.
5 Fate – No Doctorate Required
First Appearance: Fate #0 by John Francis Moore, Anthony Williams, Andy Lanning, Mike Danza, and Clem Robins
The ’90s brought forth numerous edgy redesigns, among which was Jared Stevens’ rendition of Doctor Fate, also known simply as Fate. Although intended as a fresh take, the design arguably slid into ridicule, overshadowing the character’s mystique.
Rather than donning the traditional blue and gold, Fate’s attire flipped expectations, featuring makeshift arm bandages rather than a cloak, and repurposed elements from the Helmet of Fate for weaponry. This design stripped away much of the character’s magical heritage, substituting it for an uninspired, gritty aesthetic.
4 Superman’s Hunter/Prey Armor
First Appearance: Superman / Doomsday: Hunter / Prey #3 by Dan Jurgens, Brett Breeding, Gregory Wright, and Bill Oakley
In response to the formidable threat posed by Doomsday, Superman equipped himself with a new suit stemming from a Mother Box’s advanced technology, symbolizing desperation amid conflict. However, the resulting armor did little to enhance his heroic image.
The darker color scheme and peculiar elements—like a headsock reminiscent of Gambit, thicker boots, and excessive pouches—serve to obscure rather than elevate the iconic hero. Although he armed himself with a powerful weapon, this armor’s design garnered more confusion than admiration.
3 Orion’s “Superhero” Redesign
First Appearance: 1st Issue Special #13 by Gerry Conway, Dennis O’Neil, Mike Vosburg, and Milt Snapinn
While the predominant use of red sustained continuity, the incorporation of yellow for his accessories assumed a bland approach, accompanied by a capless cowl that obscured Orion’s distinctive features. What could have been a strong tribute to DC’s legacy instead rendered him indistinguishable from a plethora of generic heroes.
2 Alan Scott’s Living Lantern Armor
First Appearance: Justice Society of America #49 by Marc Guggenheim, Scott Kolins, and Rob Leigh
While Alan Scott’s Green Lantern uniform once set the tone for several unique interpretations, one of its most recent incarnations—that of a living lantern—leaned heavily into its namesake but at the expense of practicality and style.
This armor, reminiscent of a medical contraption, retained the classic cape and added metallic accents that ultimately morphed Scott into an almost ridiculous figure. Had the designers taken a cue from the elegant armored suit in Mark Waid and Alex Ross’s Kingdom Come, his legacy might have shone much more brightly.
1 Harley Quinn’s New 52 Redesign
First Appearance: Suicide Squad #1 by Adam Glass, Federico Dallocchio, Mike Getty, Scott Hanna, Val Staples, and Jared K. Fletcher
Over the years, Harley Quinn has undergone several transformations, each reflecting shifts in her character arc. However, her first appearance in the New 52 era saw arguably one of the worst costume decisions in DC’s history.
This outfit, marked by revealing elements such as a red and navy corset paired with impractical hot pants and knee-high socks, garnered backlash for prioritizing aesthetics over functionality. The stark departure from her iconic jester-themed design only deepened the discontent among fans. The New 52 Harley Quinn costume is now rightly recognized as a costume snafu in DC Comics‘ legacy.