While it’s impossible to adapt a comic book series for the screen with 100% accuracy, for any given world, there are usually certain core elements that most fans like to see carried over. And in the case of X-Men, YouTuber kaptainkristian makes the claim that one of those core elements is costume design and coloring; a core element which, according to him, was completely fumbled by the film franchise.
In his latest video — which is only his third, but all his videos so far have obviously been extremely well researched and crafted — kaptainkristian makes the case for why color and colorful costumes in particular are so vital to the X-Men story, and why the films have committed such a serious error by using, for the most part, all-black gear.
He points out that the X-Men comics, since their inception, have always had colorful costumes, which served not only as uniforms, but also as symbols “of the unification of the group… [and] a representation of individuality.” He also makes the argument that the film franchise’s costumes are usually not only totally devoid of color, but also usually made of leather that would, in reality, inhibit rather than aid movement.
Ultimately, kaptainkristian places the blame on the filmmakers, implying that directors have had trouble remaining faithful to the source material (with regards to costumes), and saying that “the X-Men [film] franchise is almost embarrassed by the X-Men.”
Even if you disagree with kaptainkristian’s argument, it’s definitely worth the six minutes to sit down and hear out his thoughtful opinion. He’s advocating for the costumes to revert to their original colorful selves for future films so they can once again be “symbol[s] of the unification of the [X-Men]” and “a celebration of self-identity.”
The video ends with kaptainkristian calling out the filmmakers behind the X-Men franchise in no uncertain terms: “If you think that blue and yellow spandex or capes and tall boots are too silly for your film, then you don’t take the property seriously. And a true fan takes their interests seriously.”
What say ye, true fans? Does kaptainkristian make an excellent argument, or is this still a gray area for you? Let us know in the comments section below!
Images: Marvel via kaptainkristian
