In comics and movies, you can find some of the most popular heroes with different costumes. These outfits include capes of various sizes.
Now, why do superheroes wear capes? Do these pieces of clothing increase their strength and stamina? Can they offer extra powers to the wearer?
Although we might not have answers to the questions, we will give you several reasons why your favorite comic hero might put on a cape. If you are ready, let’s get started.
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6 Reasons Why Some Superheroes Wear Capes
As mentioned earlier, there are different reasons why a hero might add a cape to their crime-fighting outfit. Now let’s check the following reasons to know why they would make this fashion choice.
1. Capes Show Movement
In the comic panels, capes were ideal tools for showing the movement of drawn characters. For instance, if the cape is below a character, it showed that they are moving upwards. But if the cape appears at the top of the character, it shows a downward movement.
2. They Were a Part of the Costume of Real-life Strong Men
In the olden days, artists created their superhero characters after circus performers. Known for their incredible strength, these characters added capes to their outfits to make them bigger and look stronger.
3. They Serve as Fashion Statements
Although capes have practical uses, some heroes use this clothing as a fashion accessory. For instance, Superman’s cape showed his noble heritage as it was part of the royal Kryptonian outfit. Also, some comic fans claim that Vison’s cape was formed purely because he wanted to blend in with the Avengers.
4. Capes Protect the Wearer
Batman is one of the top characters that wear capes. His purpose for wearing a cape is to confuse his enemies. With the material flying around, his assailants will not know where to punch or shoot.
Also, some versions of Batman use capes made from bulletproof cloth. It even served as a tool for breaking chains in one of his storylines.
In the Image comics, Spawn’s cape also plays a major role in keeping the character safe. Known as Leeetha, this “living” cape can battle his enemies even while the wearer remains unconscious.
5. They Aid Movement
According to the Supergirl TV series, Kara wears a cape because it aids her movement in the air. Also, the Batman and Moon Knight use their cape to glide over decent distances. Furthermore, Cloak uses his cloak to transport himself across the Darkforce dimension.
6. They Create Fear
Another reason why Batman wore a cape was to create fear. After all, it made him look like a bat which scared superstitious criminals. Overall, the cape served as a great tool for making the Dark Knight appear more formidable.
Who was the First Superhero to Wear a Cape?
Although Superman stands as one of the first comic characters to wear a cape, some historians claim that his creators got inspired by the caped costume of another hero, Zorro.
Zorro was a Mexican vigilante that defended commoners from criminals and corrupt government officials. Created in 1919, his costume included a hat, cape, and mask.
Are Capes Safe?
Capes might serve different purposes, however, there are scenarios where this piece of clothing can make the wearer vulnerable or get hurt. Here are some superheroes that got into trouble because of their capes.
1. Dollar Bill
Dollar Bill was a national superhero for a bank. Sadly, he got shot after his cape got stuck in the bank’s doors.
2. Nomad
After deciding to change his name from Captain America, Steve Rodgers got a uniform that includes a cape. As this item led into a fall, Steve decided to lose the cape.
3. Batman
In an animated series, Batman’s cape got stuck during a fight with an evil robot. But with the help of Louis Lane, he wrestled free but exposed his identity in the process.
