Why Did Supergirl Have A Headband?

Supergirl is known for many things aside form being Superman's cousin. One of those things is having a questionable headband in the 80s. Just why did DC Comics add this to her costume? What did it have to do with the Superman film franchise and Supergirl film? What are Helen Slater's thoughts? Take a tour down pop culture memory lane here on Casually Comics!
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[@misteranother2252]

Other reasons Supergirl wears headband 1) Hal Jordan were selling them for a dollar 2) to get Lois Lane to mary her 3) it Reverse Flash's fault

[@darthwolfX2]

This needs more likes

[@CieJe.Alexander]

4) she can't reshape her appearance like the Clayfaces

[@JohnWilsonComicsGuy]

I was completely prepared for a ten-second video of Sasha saying "The headband was to keep her hair out of her eyes while she's flying." :)

[@davincent98]

But it's not 1 April

[@GenerationWest]

As someone who loves costume designs, that Supergirl costume history is quite interesting, they tried injecting so much 80's into the movie's design, and besides the headband, it really worked, but the fact that only the comics used it, and she famously died in it, makes you think "It wasn't really the crisis that killed her, it was headband. She wasn't truly physical enough."

[@delfredmarshall8416]

Olivia Newton John likes this comment

[@rackstraw]

The Anti-Monitor couldn't handle the headband.

[@ktomas12]

Well, there was an interview 'back in the day' with then Superman Group editor Julius Schwartz, in which he explained how the 1984 Supergirl movie producers (the Salkinds) demanded a costume change for the character, because they didn't like the (admittedly dated) 70s hot pants/puffy sleeve blouse look. So Schwartz had his artists come up with a more modern design, adding the headband at the producers' insistence. Then after comics publication, the movie producers did an abrupt about face, and went with another, more retro design....thus leaving Schwartz and DC Comics 'holding the bag', so to speak. One could say that Supergirl's demise in COIE was a way to ditch that costume as well; however, the fact that the movie flopped so hard internationally pretty much sealed the character's fate in Crisis anyway. Ironically, Supergirl's death in Crisis prompted such a renaissance in interest in the character, the publisher eventually HAD to bring her back into comics' DCU in some form.

[@tinymxnticore]

*Superman, clutching Kara’s cold corpse during the Crisis and begging her not to be dead*: Let me see your body talk!

[@treydodson4726]

'It was me Linda, I am the reason you are lost in continuity!'

[@daverhoden445]

I understood that reference.

[@scottboswell6406]

I am unashamedly PRO headband! Yes, I was a teen in the 80's, yes, i crushed on Olivia Newton-John, and yes, there were all kinds of aerobics shows and tapes around. But headbands were and are practical! I WORE ONE FOR GYM CLASSES!! (Dum Dum DUMMM!) So did Walter Payton, John McEnroe, and many sports people! No one wants or needs sweat running into their eyes, it stings. Viva La Headband!!!

[@louisalectube]

Yeah, I can't get over all these zoomers freaking out over a headband 8-)

[@JurassicLion2049]

I suffer migraines and headaches semi regularly. I always wondered, do headbands relieve headaches?

[@louisalectube]

@@JurassicLion2049 I would have to say 'No'. IMO

[@scottboswell6406]

@@JurassicLion2049 I've never heard that. If they could affect headaches, they would probably be too tight.

[@inigoerrandonea2513]

Don't eyebrows do the exact thing tho

[@catlawyerwilldefendfortrea6038]

Comics : "Just to whatever the movies do! They know what's best!" Movies: "hEadBAndS ArE hOT"

[@ChasRMartin]

Headbands were really in. Google the let’s get physical video for example.

[@catlawyerwilldefendfortrea6038]

@@ChasRMartin looked it up and wow

[@skylord2114]

I feel like I’m the only person who actually likes the headband

[@TroyPacelli]

Not true. The Daring New Adventures of Supergirl was the first comic book title I started collecting. It was literally my gateway drug. It was the 80s, and that headband was quintessential 80s. I loved that look, and everything about 80s Kara. I even loved the film. Well, I TRIED to love it, anyway.

[@skylord2114]

@@TroyPacelli finally I found another headband lover lol

[@tinymxnticore]

@@skylord2114 Superman’s red briefs are a nod to a classic Strongman, so a nod to athletic wear in Kara’s look makes perfect sense!

[@TroyPacelli]

@@skylord2114 I love the fact that @Casually Comics used a shot of ONJ's Physical video when talking about the 80s headband trend. That was exactly why I liked it - I had a huge crush on ONJ, and the headband just transferred the sentiment to Kara for me.

[@grinreaperoftrolls7528]

It was me, barry. I was the headband.

[@Kierste_n]

First: thank you for telling me that Cosmic Boy had THAT costume. This may finally be what gets me to read Legion. Second: idk if it counts. But there’s this one issue of Impulse where everyone. Like literally everyone wears Nautica brand clothing. I assume it was a branding deal? But it just seems so bizarre to me. Did it work? Was it hip with the kids? Why Nautica? I wanna know who’s idea it was to advertise in this particular way. I think it’s issue 70 but I would have to check.

[@kemmdog4444]

I just always thought it was to keep her luxurious hair out of her face.

[@dadoctah]

Helen Slater had some impressive hair. Still does (loved seeing her turn up on the new series as Kara's earth mom). Even in The Legend of Billy Jean, it's short but still really plush.

[@shaynegriffen2154]

You mentioned the wild 70's costumes of the Legion. Could we please see a video covering those legendary fashion dont's? Indeed, mileage may vary.

[@landreaulover]

With a few exceptions (Cosmic Boy's bikini), I thought the 70s designs worked for the time period.

[@tygrkhat4087]

@@landreaulover Some still do work; Element Lad's green and blue; Shrinking Violet in green and black and Karate Kid's white and black.

[@karenstarr]

I would love to see that crazy alternate Superman 3 movie. Sounds like it’d be hilarious.

[@twatson8709]

Now that I’ve finally heard the words Legion of Super-Heroes on this channel, I’m going to need and in depth review. And a full comprehensive look at the costumes. Pretty please!!

[@skarloey1214]

I'm Sure She's Said "Legion of Super-Heroes" Before.

[@yermatedave4930]

I'd like to politely second that request.

[@Vegadra]

The Confusing History of LSH.

[@daveyc6720]

I've been thinking the same thing. The Mike Grell 70's redesigns really need a video.

[@davidogundipe808]

You're almost close to a hundred thousand subscribers, congratulations in advance.

[@TheTBolt]

the list of trying to be hip starts with Snapper Carr and his Marvel counterpart Rick Jones

[@genegreigh8782]

And ends with Bob Haney writing the Teen Titans.

[@scoopmoose8271]

The question is, why don't YOU have a headband??? Don't you care about honoring your Kryptonian heritage?

[@FantasticDinos]

Crisis on Infinite Earths was my only exposure to Kara. I just assumed that she always had the headband 😂 it’s so iconic!

[@timothylewis2527]

The 80s. A time when we were strong and no one could tell us we were wrong. Love was a battlefield.

[@wolfprime]

Wrong *

[@timothylewis2527]

@@wolfprime thanks!

[@wolfprime]

@@timothylewis2527 I got you.

[@skarloey1214]

Great Video Shasa The Only Thing It Was Missing Was You Wearing A Headband.

[@WarmLillie]

Is the hair color a tease for casually manga… todoroki sasha alola now.

[@turbotime1964]

Kara was cashing in on the Flashdance craze going on at that time. 💽🎧She's a maniac, maniac, I know..

[@CieJe.Alexander]

At least she didn't add the most iconic 80s fashion items ever * leg warmers *. Or the Kitty Pryde sort of turned up collar, on the oversized shirt(with shoulder pads), belted at the waist, over leggings and half boots look. Parts of that look can be great, I've worn a variation or two. But the whole thing can be a little much.

[@edwardscales5503]

We did miss out on a gene wilder Brainiac, that would of been memorable!

[@PosthumanHeresy]

I swear, the entire history of Superman seems to be a great deal of people trying to ship Brainiac and Lex. Not that I'm complaining, it's just at this point one has been inside the other so much it's getting funny.

[@erichartley1846]

1) "Crisis? Take my money, please" right there with you! Also enjoying Infinite Frontier--Loving that I have no idea where any of it is going. 2) You did open up the wardrobe doors of the LSH, and a full review is needed. Especially that gawdawful Cosmic Boy "what were they thinking? What's holding that up?" Costume. Thanks!

[@jasonpratt5126]

DC: "Behold! Daring and questionable redesigns for the Legion!" Bouncing Boy: "Hard nope."

[@markchapman6800]

Neither can I imagine that Cosmic Boy would have been all that keen on his Frank N. Furter inspired costume, and Duo Damsel's outfit seemed designed to tear her foes' eyes out of their sockets from the clashing colours.

[@jasonpratt5126]

@@markchapman6800 True; but the key difference is that BBoy's costume DIDN'T change. Thus my joke, that unlike the others he had the clout to refuse any changes.

[@timopper5488]

Why did Supergirl have a headband? Sasha’s answer: 10m 17s My answer: To keep the hair out of her eyes.

[@bartlett454]

Good reasoning; no doubt but then we wouldn't have this awesome video!

[@matheusseark8626]

Sasha's look in this video somehow reminds me of Marvel's Songbird

[@stranger59]

I'd be interested to see some Thunderbolts discussion.

[@Raja1938]

2:07 Yes only the males on Krypton wore headbands, but also only respectable law-abiding ones were allowed to. If you look at phantom zone inmates from the silver age, especially General Zod, none of them wore headbands.

[@Mario_Angel_Medina]

I always remember a review of Supergirl I read back in the day when people still wrote blogs: "what infuriates me is that the script is the only reason why this movie is bad. It has good performers, it has decent special effects for the time (the flying sequences are better than in the first Superman movie), the only reason its soo bad is because nobody on the production side took it seriously, 'is a movie about a pretty girl in tights, it has to be silly and stupid' they all thought" Where can you read this review todas? Nowhere apparently, the site deleted all its reviews when its admins moved from just talking about bad films to organizing B-movie film festivals full-time

[@BenChanNYC]

It's like the red choker she had from her hotpants costume migrated to her forehead. Still, I don't think it's any worse or dated than her poofy blouse or bare midriff costumes. It was certainly better than the "red crotch" Nu52 one. And aside from Elektra's headscarf, it's probably the only practical item on any long-haired female superhero's costume ever. (before everyone started wearing tactical gear)

[@skylord2114]

I love headbands so much I don’t know why

[@Werewolf914]

They're pretty awesome, let's bring them back, I mean 80s have been pretty popular the last couple years or so, which means why not go back to that old fashion trend? Not that you need it to be trendy to wear one if you really want to.

[@markshulusky6680]

The SG movie is VERY entertaining and Helen Slater terrific in the role(as well cast as Reeves).

[@CieJe.Alexander]

She is a good actress, and did do her best with the material given to her. But tbh the storyline was a total mess. The mean whole 'innerspace' thing ...really?

[@tygrkhat4087]

@@CieJe.Alexander I always enjoyed the movie, but it's not a good movie. It wasn't just Helen Slater doing the best she could with the script; there was an incredible cast; Faye Dunaway, Peter O'Toole, Simon Ward, Mia Farrow, Peter Cook and Brenda Vaccaro all had to deal with that mess. In the "Salkindverse," Marlon Brando and Simon Ward are brothers; and Margot Kidder and Maureen Teefy are sisters.

[@GrandArchPriestOfTheAlgorithm]

As The Grand Archpriest of The Church of the Algorithm, I bless this video with a comment.

[@AussieDragoon]

Sasha, I need a full video on that Cosmic Boy costume! That is a look!

[@scottboswell6406]

I agree, their could be a whole LSH fashion playlist. You should have seen Dream Girl! Whoa!!

[@MarcoGonzalez-tn1vc]

That was a Mike Grell design. His design's tended to be somewhat revealing.

[@lyndsaybrown8471]

Comic fashion week!!!

[@KaBoomStock]

@@scottboswell6406 Yes, please!

[@blackphoenix77]

I always call it "the Cosmic Corset" 😂 I love that costume.

[@PosthumanHeresy]

If more male superheroes dressed like 70s Cosmic Boy, there wouldn't be so much controversy around sexualized costumes. I'm so here for it.

[@Guy_Tang]

I love Supergirl headband 80s look and the tv show look too with the skirt

[@JohnAquariusPodcast]

I thought her head band was response to the Dazzling 80's . Olivia Newton John's Let's get physical video was very popular at that time. Oh you covered this already. Well that's what I get for commenting before watching the video

[@sicksaiyan1484]

So was Jackie Stallone.

[@garywade9457]

As for pronouncing Kara's name, I believe it should sound similar to Kal-El. Since Kal-El sounds like the Hebrew for All that is God, Kara's name seems to be a diminutive of All that is Rao.

[@ReallyCoolSite]

I was actually collecting Supergirl in the headband era and I didn't know the origin of the headband or connection to the movie. I'm so glad you shared! Learn something new every day.

[@tinymxnticore]

I actually love the headband 😳 Please do not perceive me

[@johnquiett1085]

"You don't know what you don't know." Exactly. Great take on how you make videos.

[@56postoffice]

Has to be a 80s thing, seeing that aerobics hit big in that time.

[@sicksaiyan1484]

Yeah. Jackie Stallone was pretty much the most popular.

[@earlsmith7428]

Kara's headband was great. It went well with her costume.

[@Noms_Chompsky]

Oh please, really, it was the early 80's when you couldn't swing a happy cat without hitting a woman dressed like Pat Benatar

[@johnpjones182]

A lot of women had short hair like Susan Sarandon in "The Hunger". or like Power Girl.

[@flexiblenerd]

You look fantastic as always. 8) Do you ever cosplay?

[@williamswonderland3636]

1:59 it looks like littel horns poking out from the side of her head

[@miquefan]

Superman 3: Supergirl marries Lois Lane

[@GoodYegg]

I was a kid when the movie came out and I fell madly in love with Helen Slater

[@tonygazso9027]

I know I'm in the minority, but the 80s headband costume is my fav Supergirl costume

[@kylewist7745]

Anybody else notice how much Helen Slater's Supergirl looks like Kate McKinnon?

[@Insane-Howl-Cowl]

Her death in Crisis still hurts me, but it was a badass way to go out.

[@DSan-kl2yc]

It was. She single handedly turned the tide of a battle and forced Anti-Monitor to flee for a bit.

[@jaymesEo6]

How dare you not wear a headband throughout this video

[@marsupius]

I would love to get Sasha's take on the unproduced Dazzler movie. Jim Shooter's 10 page treatment is bananas. It involves kiss, superman,Bo Derek. Crazy town. Would have been awesome jimshooter.com/2011/07/debut-of-dazzler.html/

[@jpboursaw4469]

Suggestions: I spy by the comments here that, like me, some people want a Legionnaires costume video! I’m also hoping you’ll someday cover the Pocket Universe saga that gave us the Matrix (Mae) Supergirl. Superman, original Superboy, Krypto, the Legion, and yes, some headbands are included. Mild Correction: those Legion designs you highlighted, like Punk Rock, actually started in the 70’s. For some reason they get associated with the 80’s. Fun fact: at the time, said designs were printed along with character bios, on SlurpeeCups at 7-11! Not fun fact: they were difficult to preserve, as the printing scratched off easily. Still, sooo much brain freeze!

[@Logan_Baron]

Thanks for pointing out how much certain things are over emphasized when showing certain periods, especially the 80s. I see people complain sometimes that something set in the 80s isn't "eighties enough" when they don't blast you with the cliches, that weren't really as abundant as some people seem to think. For example The Goldbergs, set in nineteen eighty-something, people complained that his sisters hair wasn't "80's". When it was actually like MOST girls hair was MOST off the time, unless they were going out, you didn't use a whole can of mousse and hairspray. That was actually a big problem with "That 80s show".

[@GiulianaBruna]

I mean. I could draw a comic book character they would have a full closet. Also, come on, if one were a super hero....

[@MrDariox555]

You introducing yourself mid-video felt cool, idk why

[@notoriouslego8204]

I just spent the last 8 days posting Lego Custom Supergirls on my Instagram page. I literally posted every single costume she ever wore. She wore 64 of them!

[@scottandrewhutchins]

Have you covered the original Outsiders from 1st issue Special? They appeared only that one time except a much later Superman story that implied that they were dead. Created by Jerry Grandenetti of Prez fame.

[@Dan-zc3ou]

To me the headband gives major mom vibes, but maybe that's due to my mom always wearing one, so i associate headbands to motherly figured.

[@TheDukeofMadness]

First things first, I have to say I love the hair. Also I've always had a soft spot for Supergirl. I was a devotee of Peter David's run on her titular title.

[@AesculapiusPiranha]

The real question is if Super Horse owned a matching headband

[@kcollier2192]

Never knew Supergirl and Rambo had so much in common

[@landreaulover]

George Perez was the only artist who could make this bad costume work.

[@devinagonistes]

For some reason, tying the headband to her “Kryptonian heritage” reminds me of the overly convoluted attempt to explain how Clark’s glasses work as a disguise because the lenses are from his spaceship and he’s constantly emitting X-ray vision through them to distort people’s perception of his face. Lol

[@mjdub1013]

Because....1980s

[@shinkaiatsuya950]

Supergirl with a headband either wants to have her own fitness VHS or is the next Karate Krytonian.

[@DoctorTopper]

I think plot threads of Sasha's favorite 80s Supergirl series were picked up in "DC Comics Presents #86".

[@Tiggeralt]

Phantom Girl's 70's outfit was a big inspiration for the costume of the Phantom Girl on The Terrifics. I had to word that super weirdly since they're different Phantom Girls. Also lol Cosmic Boy. I've been liking Infinite Frontier, too! I like the idea of just embracing the weirdness and messiness of continuity. Life isn't made for the neat little categories we try to put everything in; Life is defiant and chaotic and varied and wonderful! Media should reflect that! I am very passionate about this, as you can see by the number of exclamation points I used. As far as attempts to be hip with the kids go, I liked the first issue of Blue and Gold, where Booster Gold attempts to become a livestreamer. It's funny and a good fit for the character. Some of the textspeak was a little silly, but I know people who type weird just to be different, so I can let that slide. Wow, this was a lot of words about stuff that was not the main focus of the video.

[@JackWard66]

"The headband has become Loki iconic"? sounds like a crossover!

[@guitarwizard85]

Why did Supergirl wear a headband? Because 80's.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

The headband was in homage to Olivia Newton John's Physical video.

[@bricktrooper540]

Headbands make sense you have to keep your hair out of your eyes when fighting crime. It makes less sense for a flying super hero to were a mini skirt.

[@CieJe.Alexander]

Alternatively she could have had shorter/streamlined hair as SG and longer hair (wig) as Linda. And agreed but ...maybe the miniskirt distracts the enemy?

[@vinsanity40k]

the 80's was a time of fashions some consider to be...unnatural

[@cassiedevereaux-smith3890]

The New 52 red pubis patch was.... a thing.

[@JimmyAkin]

YAY! A Legon mention! LEGION PLAY LIST LEGION PLAY! LIST! :-D

[@johnforguites4800]

you're wonderfully goofy! keep it up!

[@ericwars9328]

Richard Simmons designed that costume but they removed his matching wristbands and leg warmers cocept

[@Fenris30]

Meanwhile Rogue with Headband is her most Iconic Look.

[@booksmartthealicorn3219]

*The heroic X-Men member / beautiful mutant superheroine ,Alison Blaire aka Dazzler akso wore a headband just like her fellow X-Men teammate Anna Marie aka Rogue too!* ;D

[@CieJe.Alexander]

Rogue rocked that look! I'm sorry just wasn't the same with the hoodie.

[@KittyKat-di6us]

Talk about the supergirl crop top please!

[@WarmLillie]

*Lillie wear a headband* Saving the day especially last min would make anyone sweat.

[@snbks4ever]

Bless you a the end for your sneeze, great video

[@lolacat209]

Hi

[@PosthumanHeresy]

6:05 Need more industrial 90s content.

[@cardcaptor1792]

We need supergirl cottage core

[@bryanabbott6169]

Sometimes people wish they had super strength, until they find out about the side-effects. Such as super-sneezes....

[@rustyshackleford2633]

Have you considered covering New Super-Man? It's so good. The relationship between Wonder-Woman and fat Bat-Man is cute and the payoff of "Where's your Aquaman?" is legendary!

[@Tiggeralt]

I loved New Super-Man! I like the "egotistical jerk who learns to be slightly less of a jerk" archetype. My favorite story arc is the one with the Doomsday turtle where we learn Wonder-Woman's backstory. 🐍

[@Jaaaaaffff]

I feel like I'm the only one who loved the Helen Slater Supergirl movie.

[@paulkeefe2304]

Not alone. Watch it at least once a month.

[@johnfeer9609]

Saw it twice in the theater, I knew it'd be a long time before Supergirl was back in the movies, Helen Slater nailed it, would to Rao she had a script as committed as she.

[@robshimer]

Vibe and the other JL Detroit.

[@jayzonely]

Whoa 0:38 gave me a classic Tina Turner flashback. "Daring" indeed

[@TheChrisHype]

Sweat. Thank you for bringing this vital, important subject to the eyes and ears of the comic book world, Sasha. Where would we be without it? 💖😉

[@itayeldad3317]

3:38 same with the dceu, unlike the mcu with its consistency in quality, usually ranging between above average and really good but not great, the dceu, just like dc comics, has massive shifts in quality between every single story they tell

[@chicken_beach]

Thank you for these videos, which feel like flipping through back issues at my childhood comic shop. And killer aesthetic design!

[@eiderglast]

For Kryptonian Tennis?

[@fireriffs]

It's a shame the Supergirl movie was such a train wreck. Helen Slater was a fantastic Supergirl. Not her fault the film was such a convoluted mess.

[@r5img]

Hi Sasha, great video as always. The idea that the performance of Superman III influenced Supergirl might be overblown in fandom. Superman III's production ran from August to November 82, with a release in July 83. Supergirl's production was April to August 83, with a release in July 1984. So by the time Superman III hit the screens, Supergirl was already only a few weeks from wrapping filming and heading into post production. I suppose it is possible that early test screenings of Superman could have influenced Supergirl, and certainly there was a massive amount of work done to edit the movie after Supergirl had its own test screenings (chopping out 20 minutes of material for the US release -- and yes, some of that material actually does help fix some (some!!) of the disjointed plot points.) Btw, the tractor sequence in the movie apparently took 22 days to film. 21 days of that will have presumably been waiting for the British weather to clear. If you want another example of a complicated mess caused by comics trying to track a character's on screen antics, try reading the Wonder Woman comic at around the same time as the first season of Wonder Woman screened on ABC. Because the tv show was set in the 1940s, a contrived plot device was used to suddenly throw Diana back thirty years into World War II. Then the tv show jumped to the 1970s with season two, and the comic was forced to compensate. I seem to recall there's even an editorial note (or perhaps a reply to a reader's letter) where the editor basically just admits trying to track the tv show was a mistake.

[@DeadUnicornClub]

One of these days you'll have to talk about the New 52 swimsuit with the red crotch. My favorite part was that the writers also tried to link the costume to her Kryptonian heritage by saying.... and this it so freakin funny... that it was her GRADUATION UNIFORM! That's right, it's time to graduate, get your speedos! Then she gets to Earth and never takes it off. It's like moving to China and wearing your graduation robes everyday hoping no one in China will notice. I crack myself up every time I think of it.

[@rouenrobinson]

Attempts at hipness.... Gen 13. Attempts at relevance... Impact Comics (which I wish got more respect.)

[@Jordacar]

I can see a lady's face on your shirt, but the colors and the wig are giving me vibes of Songbird from Thunderbolts. Was that intentional?

[@CulturePhilter]

Pretty sure that look only became iconic and well known because it happened to be the look on the famous Crisis cover where Superman is holding her dead body.

[@robertmccarthy2254]

DAREDEVIL'S 90S COSTUME IS WORST Marvel costume not worn by Angel or Hawkeye

[@sicksaiyan1484]

1980s fashion trends. Jackie Stallone was very popular then.