Part 1 - Introduction
There have always been some complications and difficulties when attempting to translate comic book superheroes to live action. The biggest stumbling block is often in the costuming department.
Do we go for a realistic look? Or do we attempt to uphold the fantasy that made the fans in the first place? -no need to answer that one, you know which is better. Sure, there are some examples of the opposite working. Give me a second while I think of them. I think people liked Green Arrow’s costume in Arrow? And the Robert Pattinson Batman kinda did this. But the general rule is, although the comics costumes are hard to adapt into live action faithfully, it’s well worth that extra effort.
Part 2 - Negative space- in space!
So first, in order to explain why Monica’s costume should’ve been translated in a more faithful manner, I should explain what worked about the comics costume. Or rather, costumes. There are options here. Let me lay some of them out here.
You’ll notice that all of these costumes have something in common.
All of these costumes are black and white. I know, very perceptive to pick up on that and all. But let me explain why that’s important.
Monica Rambeau’s costume is designed specifically to be shown against an outer space backdrop. And the design principle used here is that of negative space. Yes, I see the irony of negative space in space – can we move on please?
Negative space is a principle of meaningful contrast often used in more abstract, silhouette-style graphic design. In which the central details of an image are sharpened, and visual allusions are often made distinct. At least one, if not both the central focus and the background needs to remain monotone.
Monica Rambeau’s comics costumes are quite clever, because on Earth her costume is not much different from any other hero’s. But in the black expanse of space, the black parts of her costume suddenly blend with the background – and reveal her in a more abstract form. She becomes more of a symbol. What symbol, you ask? Well, the starburst that represents Monica herself of course. The starburst that, with surprisingly little variation between iterations, is common to every single design.
But not the MCU ones. And I’m not counting that tiny silver badge because it doesn’t contrast properly nor stand out nor utilise negative space at all.
Part 3 – Why Monica’s ‘The Marvels’ costume doesn’t work.
I believe the costume that inspired Monica’s ‘The Marvels’ costume was actually my favourite of the designs, from the 2022 Photon comics. Look at these stunningly beautiful variant cover designs by Karen Darboe. Karen’s work has to be the model of how Monica Rambeau should be drawn – in my personal opinion. See how this artist utilises the backgrounds with the costume, utilising negative space to great effect? The symbol on Monica’s costume, although more subtle than other iterations, is hardly hidden within the design. Have I mentioned yet how much I love the hairclips/hair ornaments in this design? It’s also very flattering.
Now let’s look at the movie costume.
Because it utilises so much more black than the other costumes, and space is black, this costume makes Monica herself fade into the background. Especially compared to the bright reds, blues, and golds of the other two costumed characters sharing screentime. And that sucks.
I’ve been looking for meaningful shapes, patterns, or symbology in this costume for 20 minutes now, and the only shapes I’m finding are a screaming skull and a moth. I’m not even sure if either are intentional. This certainly doesn’t fit the rays of light theming of the other costumes though.
Honestly, it’s not as flattering as it could be to Teyonah Paris either.
Part 4: How it could have worked.
Personally, I would’ve just replicated the costume from the 2022 Photon comics exactly as is. Exactly. But, what if they insist on a new design for toy sales or whatever? Well, I also did a bit of research and found out something interesting. Teyonah Paris looks like a super-hero outside of this movie.
Look at some of these outfits that she’s worn to appearances, awards, and conventions. Not only do outfits like these seem potentially referential to the comics, mad respect Teyonah, but she also looks bloody incredible!
I’m just saying, they would’ve done better by raiding Teyonah Paris’ closet – I’m truly starting to believe this woman is a real-life superhero.
