X-Men_Apocalypse_Cyclops

SPOILER ALERT: This article features an image that appears to be taken from late in the film ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ so be warned and proceed with caution.

It’s hard to recall, but back in 2000, there really weren’t any superhero movies around.  In  1998, New Line had released a movie based on the Marvel Comic character ‘Blade’ but that was more a supernatural horror movie.  ‘X-Men’ was the first modern movie to actually feature comic book superheroes, but being the first, director Bryan Singer and the other creators were hesitant to fully embrace the concept’s four-color roots.  Instead of the vibrant costumes from the source, the characters wore ‘Matrix’-like black leather uniforms and there was even a humorous jab at their comic costumes when James Marsden’s Cyclops uttered one of the most quoted lines from the movie, “What did you expect?  Yellow spandex?”

Well, yeah!  I mean they’re comic book superheroes not fetish club dominatrixes.  Of course in the ensuing decade plus, comic book movies have proliferated and have actually become so popular and common that creators are now free to fully embrace their roots, so that we now have heroes on the big screen who actually looks the same as they do in their books.

Now, a new photo from ‘X-men: Apocalypse’ has emerged that indicates that The X-Men may be following suit:

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Though the image is small, there are a few details that jump right out!

Starting on the left, it certainly looks as though Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee) has some sort of red design on his shirt, which looks quite like his classic V-shaped leotard.  It doesn’t appear that it fully extends to his pelvis, so it’s still a bit more realistic and less garish.  Even so, longtime comic readers should be thrilled.  As a bonus, if you look at the top of his boot, it appears to mimic the cut of his comic book boots, though not the color.

Moving to the right, there’s Storm among the X-Men, so clearly this scene takes place later in the film, as we already know she starts off as one of Apocalypse’s horsemen.

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Next, we see Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, sporting a costume that is clearly inspired by the one the hero wore in the 90s after being redesigned by Jim Lee, during one of the ‘X-Men”s most popular comic book runs.  In particular, notice that Sheridan’s costume features the criss-crossing bandoliers that intersect over his heart.  Thankfully, they ditched the pointless bondage straps around his thighs and clearly his “no yellow spandex” rule remains in effect, as he doesn’t have the trunks over his pants.

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I’m gonna skip Mystique really quick and go to Sophie Turner as Jean Grey.  Her suit is considerably subdued, but it appears to at least partially be inspired by Jean’s Jim Lee-designed costume from the same time period as Sheridan’s Cyclops suit.  In the comics, her suit was designed almost as the inverse of Cyclops’.  Whereas his suit was mostly blue with yellow accessories, Jean’s suit was yellow with blue accents.  Turner’s costume appears to have some yellow detailing on her sleeves and bodice and her powerful shoulders look to have been inspired by the Lee design.

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Back to Mystique, played by Jennifer Lawrence.  Her character appears nude most of the time, although lately, she seems to be wearing clothes a lot more and even spending a lot of time in her human form, possibly to save time or money on her makeup process.  Lawrence’s Mystique was heavily set up by Rebecca Romijn’s take on the character in the original ‘X-Men’ movies and in the beginning, fans were outraged that the film version wasn’t dressed like the comic book character, in her long white dress.  (The truth is, they tested having Mystique wear this but the special effects didn’t work well with the garment.)  Now it seems they are at least making a reference to her comic book costume, as Lawrence’s top has a large white patch on the front.

Storm and Quicksilver’s costumes don’t appear to be particularly inspired by their comic book versions, but honestly, the comic book Quicksilver has never had a very strong visual look.

What do you think?  Are you happy that the movie X-Men are becoming more comic book-y?  Or did you prefer the more practical leather suits or the militaristic uniforms from ‘First Class’?  Comment below!

Directed by Bryan Singer,’X-Men: Apocalypse’ stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Oscar Isaac, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Alexandra Shipp, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Evan Peters, Lucas Till, Ben Hardy, Lana Condor, Olivia Munn, Tómas Lemarquis, and Hugh Jackman and opens in theaters May 27, 2016.

Source: Comic Book Movie