Why Do Superheroes Wear CAPES? || Comic Misconceptions || NerdSync

[@peterquill6527]

It all depends on the character and it's usage. It makes sense for Batman to have a cape because he uses it to not only glide across the city, but also to intimidate enemies. It also makes sense for someone like Dr. Doom to have a cape, seeing he's the ruler of Latveria. It shows his royalty. However, it doesn't make sense for Aquaman to have one. Even though he's he king of Atlantis, a cape would only slow him down in the water.

[@Burning-Twilight]

+Christopher Chang Aquaman has worn a cape before?

[@dooplon5083]

+KON- EL No, they're saying that if he did it would be ridiculous.

[@weathermangohanssj4]

+Atomic Robo Tesla He ware's bright orange and bright green, his costume is already ridiculous.

[@dooplon5083]

Dan Smith He's supposed to look like a fish somewhat, so not really.

[@peterquill6527]

+KON- EL No, I'm saying if he did, it'd be ridiculous and impractical

[@Slayerthecrow]

If I remember correctly, Spawn can control his cape at will, the reason why sometimes is like three times bigger than him

[@MDCxThePG]

+Slayerthecrow His cape is more like a living extension of him.

[@elijahwatson3474]

his cape was made to represent him being the general of hell army.

[@Sundowner13]

His cape is part of him

[@cartooningfanart]

I think the first principle around Heroe capes, comes from the legend of Heracles / Hercules from Greek mythology. He kills Nemian The Lion, rips it with the monster's own claws and carries the skin of his back like an armor. Herakles was also a great inspirration for later military and generals who Spata, Alexander the Great and Caesar, who all wore a jacket or animal skin. Herakles was also a major inspiration for Superman, so it makes sense for me to call Superman, the first superhero with a classic jacket and Herakles the first mythological hero with a cape.

[@EveryDayALittleDeath]

I like the idea of capes, and I would totally wear one were I a superhero. but I also get why you wouldn't want one, and the capes seem less cool if everyone is wearing them, so I like things the way they are, with a mix of caped and non-caped heroes

[@dakotamartinez8310]

I think I agree with you.☺

[@SoraMatt]

well in the case of Superman, he doesn't have to worry about it because he's nigh invulnerable and it's a tear away so if he gets caught, he can just give it a tug and poof, it's off. Batman's has a function. Yes there is an impracticality to it, but I agree: Capes do bring out the spirit of swashbuckling and heroism that is sorely needed these days. The kind of fun and adventure.

[@RelativelyBest]

For me it depends on the type of superhero. For paragon powerhouses like Superman, shadowy stalkers like Batman, and mystical magicians like Doctor Strange, capes are appropriately dramatic. On the other hand, heroes like Spiderman or Iron Man would look wierd with capes, it wouldn't make sense for an aquatic character like Aquaman, and so on. As for the Edna Mode objection, my solution would be to simply have the cape come off when tugged with sufficient force. You'll have to get a new one but they frequently get damaged and torn up anyway. One thing I would love to see is superheroes actually making capes fashionable again. Like, people in DC starting to wear capes as a fashion choice simply because Superman does it. It's sorta weird stuff like that doesn't really happen much in comics.

[@michellemolitov284]

In the voice of Cleavland, "They look fancy".

[@albertmas3752]

In characters like mages/warlocks or with some royal background it was used to show some sort of majesty. See that their capes tend to have some baroque style with much more detail and that can usually be applied to their speech style as well. Superman's cape was intended to give a sense of motion without the need to use so many motion lines that used to turn the image blurry and with less room for ambient details. And let's be true. Batman's cape was just there to mimic Superman's because dc editor asked Bob Kane to create another caped character. The rest just came by tradition.

[@emilioluisacosta6247]

if I become a superhero, trunks, capes and tights are a number one need for me!

[@slandersir7255]

Weren't capes also used to make it easier for the artist to show the reader what direction a character was flying in?

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Yep, that's what I talked about in the video. It allowed artists to show the motion and physics of a scene.

[@kdisley]

Did a quick scan of the comments to see if anyone else had mentioned this, but I couldn't see it... apologies if I missed it somewhere. What about trenchcoats? I know they're kind of a cheezy compromise, but characters - particularly from the popularity of J. O'Barr's "The Crow" onwards into the Nineties and a little beyond - took to wearing trenchcoats because they gave the classic superhero silhouette while at the same time looking more contemporary and realistic. Nowadays it would be more like an ironic nod to those leather-clad anti-hero WWE Attitude-era fashions, but it has the advantage of showing motion like a cape yet looking like actual street-clothing (rather than a circus outfit). Trenchcoats - like capes with sleeves! ;D

[@raggarharry9765]

I love this series, The Phantom and the Shadow, love both of them. There is something special about the old comic book heros.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Thanks! I'm having a lot of fun with this series!

[@NurseKillam]

Awesome job and channel growth! You are killing it!!

[@JPKloess]

Another great video! FYI, I've noticed a lot of AE translations and logos being added over the last year to the show. It looks good and makes it seem very professional, but I gotta say the flipping page noise every time that corner comes on screen is super annoying.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

+JP Kloess Really? I kinda dig it. I can ask the editors to at least turn it down a bit.

[@JPKloess]

It probably just annoying to me if no one else commented on it.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

You're the first as far as I know. Still, I'll have them turn it down.

[@sirXroam]

got to say, I've really enjoyed this series you guys have been doing. great job!

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Thank you! :)

[@Catlord98765]

Wait...all these choices regarding costumes.... Are we designing your plaid lantern super hero costume?

[@creme8338]

genius..

[@NerdSyncProductions]

+Catlord You know too much...

[@GermanBacon]

Superman also has his cape, to protect people by covering them during an explosion.

[@sebkim7970]

You mentioned it slightly in the video but I think some heroes use their capes to make themselves bigger and scare their enemies (like Batman) you can also see this behavior in some wild animals too.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Exactly! Heck, we humans even have a mechanism for this built into us. Whenever we get goosebumps, it's supposed to make us look bigger. But we don't have as much hair as our ancestors, so there's really no visual change at all anymore. But that's why we tend to get goosebumps when we are scared or in tense scenarios. Fascinating stuff!

[@sebkim7970]

+NerdSync Cool!

[@imrytebeehyneu]

@@NerdSyncProductions Real bats have batwings. Bob Kane's original idea was a ' batwing ', not a *cape. That is *Bill Finger's idea. If you notice the first comic of him swinging from one roof to another, carrying a guy, he has a batwing shape. And then the next issue changed to a cape with Robin.

[@imrytebeehyneu]

@@NerdSyncProductions Real bats have batwings. Bob Kane's original idea was a ' batwing ', not a *cape. That is *Bill Finger's idea. If you notice the first comic of him swinging from one roof to another, carrying a guy, he has a batwing shape. And then the next issue changed to a cape with Robin.

[@FiggityJones]

I can't vote because I like both damn my indecisiveness

[@honeyham6788]

I LOVED the Cape. it had so much potential as an awesome comic book story.

[@smcornthwaite13]

It's also been mentioned in Supergirl, Smallville, Arrow etc that capes help with drag when moving through the air... So someone who flies can actually move faster with a cape because of air flow much in the same manner as a sports car with a slick design.

[@MDCxThePG]

+Shannon Cornthwaite (The Corn Crib) A cape wouldn't help with drag, and wouldn't really be aerodynamic. It's just something they used on the show to explain why the use a cape.

[@scp049isnotafurryitsjustab3]

Spider-Man Unlimited wears a cape (My favorite SpiderMan Variant)

[@BurnRoddy]

YES! You're spoiling us Scott! I love how you showed Flash in this video! I find it awesome that kids today know that there were comic-book heroes before Sups and Batman. All I need is Prince Valiant n and my life and this will officially be my favorite channel in FOREVER! Maybe you could do a Defenders of The Earth Video at one point. As for the cape I always thought it was to make Superheroes more ominous, since usually the ones with Capes are the most powerful and capable of ENERGY PROJECTION.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

+BurnRoddy I've been having a lot of fun diving into the old heroes! I'll try to figure out a way to show Prince Valiant someday...

[@DocWolph]

It depends on the character and what and how they do it.

[@l.n.3372]

Capes look cool, on both heroes and villains. Design wise it's a cool aesthetic. However, I always thought it would be a hazard. Like having a long ponytail on a sports field, it could be grabbed by an opponent or get caught, leading to whiplash (similar to the Edna Mode warning).

[@quixotika3232]

A wise hero named Lemillion once said "A heroes cape is for bundling up children in need". He lost his quirk soon after tho. RIP

[@Karma-nc8zi]

I was gonna bring that line up

[@Awesomefacecraft]

It was actually, "The reason heroes wear capes is to wrap up and protect little girls in pain." And it's my favorite quote of all time. *I'll be your hero*

[@SonicRooncoPrime]

Was that some Edna Mode style subliminal messaging at the end there?

[@brandonmoore6068]

I heard it

[@SonicRooncoPrime]

***** You can hear her shout "No capes" at the very end.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

+Auram - Comics and Stuff! DYLAN!!! (nah, but I thought it was funny)

[@emilioluisacosta6247]

CAPES ON SUPERHEROES FOREVER!!!!

[@raven3067]

Superman_ 2000 NO CAPES!!!😂

[@abenas40]

Edna:NO CAPES!

[@jermaineofwakanda716]

In a comic book I read, Batman was fighting bad guys and an enemy asked why Batman where's a cape, Batman answers it in his mind saying that it's a weapon, a glider, etc, but after he says all that, he says that it's mostly for show and style. FYI, that's not what really exactly happened, I didn't remember it much 'cause I read it last year. But it's basically what happened, it's for show and style. And I think it's in 'Batman: Blink'.

[@watsonrants]

I totally asked for this video a couple months ago :-D thanks Scott!

[@dpsamu2000]

Here's one for you about the anti cape superhero meme. I have been in a fight while wearing a cape. In fact against 4 people. It gives the advantage that the opponent can't see where your center of body mass is. His blows tend to glance off. He can't see your hands clearly, and so can't fend off your attack. A basic strategy of fighting is to see the opponent commit his center of mass to a line of attack. You then simply dodge his line, and as he glances off you strike him with short accurate blows. With the cape he can't see well your line of attack so can't accurately dodge, and strike. Sure, if you're just wearing a costume, and are not willing to fight a bully may very well grab your cape, and swing you around by it. But if you fight back you have a winning advantage.

[@brianrebmann676]

Great topic; very interesting concept of exploring the design elements of superheroes and what makes them what they are and why they developed they way they did. I enjoy history and intellectual debate and exploring unique perspectives on a subject and that is what makes your videos interesting. You explore topics and content with a unique approach that makes it fun.

[@TheEpicImpaler]

No mention of Cloak from Marvel Comics? :(

[@WebVManReturns]

+Raul Mejia No mention of Shroud from Marvel Comics? Maybe that's because they wear cloaks and shrouds and not capes.

[@SgtSupaman]

+WebVMan There is hardly a difference. If you want to get technical about it, capes don't go below the thigh, so Batman and Superman (and many other heroes) are actually wearing cloaks as well.

[@gooseygooseman1383]

+SgtSupaman Mind Blown!

[@razielhamalakh9813]

What do I click if I vote for both?

[@razielhamalakh9813]

But I don't want to unsubscribe.

[@PhatGirlLuvr68Comix]

+Raziel Qwazar LMAO

[@ruyman90]

A little history: Originally soldiers used capes as a way to protect themselves and their weapons from the weather (sun, rain, snow, even bugs) without having to use an uncomfortable cloth . After some time the capes became a symbol of power for soldiers and help identify a high hierarchy soldier or royalty (for example it was said that the roman emperor Ceasar fought using a red cape to inspire the troops). So basically the capes are used by superheroes as a way to said "look at me I'm important, I'm a symbol of something". It not the same looking at batman staring at you from above using a cape, than saying spiderman or any other superhero

[@SupernerdScrawl]

I really don't care if they wear capes. If it goes with their costume and looks good give them a cape. People like Power Girl and Captain Marvel (I refuse to call him by the wizard's name) have capes that are fancy and just look good. Maybe I'm just a sucker for the one shoulder thing. Though I couldn't picture Wolverine or Green Arrow with a cape. It just wouldn't look right.

[@dragonmaster7185]

SHAZAM!!

[@thoughtrobot9537]

Captain marvel

[@peterblood50]

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

I would also have assumed that this design choice drew inspiration from medieval knights, who wore capes when they were in full ceremonial regalia. Knights were members of the landowning nobility, and clothing was a status symbol. Capes were typically made of rare and expensive fabrics and dyes in order to show off one's status and wealth. However, they almost never fought without first removing the capes.

[@jayblade2000]

Haven't seen the video yet, but I'm guessing.... OBLIGITORY 'NO CAPES' INCREDIBLES QUOTE! ...... I love that movie

[@Awesomefacecraft]

In the immortal words of the greatest hero of all time, Lemillion , "The reason heroes wear capes, is to wrap up and protect , little girls in pain." It's my favorite quote of all time. *I'll be your hero*

[@jafarahmad3708]

I'm actually really enjoying how superheroes get their iconic looks

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Thanks! I had lots of fun researching these videos!

[@JayniacJr]

Hey Scott, I was wondering if Rogue absorbed Thor's "powers" would she be able to lift Mjolnir? Maybe you can do a video about Rogue's powers and it's limits, or maybe even another Mjolnir video?

[@Burning-Twilight]

+Jayniac Jr. That's not how it works. Mjolnir is enchanted by magic. Only those who are worthy are able to lift the hammer. Just gaining thor powers wont be enough. As for rogues powers and limits. Basically she is cape able of absorbing the power abilities memories and so on of anyone she touch. It all just depends how long she makes physical contact with them. Typicall she can only handle a certain amount of power too much and it might make her pass out.

[@Burning-Twilight]

+Jayniac Jr. That's not how it works. Mjolnir is enchanted by magic. Only those who are worthy are able to lift the hammer. Just gaining thor powers wont be enough. As for rogues powers and limits. Basically she is cape able of absorbing the power abilities memories and so on of anyone she touch. It all just depends how long she makes physical contact with them. Typicall she can only handle a certain amount of power too much and it might make her pass out.

[@gamesdisk]

+KON- EL but didn't she get some of Mrs marvels personality when she took her powers? Could she take his worth too?

[@Burning-Twilight]

gamesdisk No worthiness comes from yourself not from someone else.

[@WebVManReturns]

+Jayniac Jr. Couldn't Jean Grey simply using Thor's hammer by using her telekinetic powers?

[@lordnxavier9653]

Nice topic your getting better and better

[@squashmallow2006]

On a more functional note, for Superman at least, he often used his cape (which in some adaptations was actually his original baby blanket and also very durable), to often shield others from harm, and he has used it to wrap it around the people he saved too, as a form of protection.

[@imrytebeehyneu]

There are people that wear cloak. Yes, they do remove them when inside but they also wear it when outside to be warm. Possibly because while wearing capes, it protects the superhero from the cold while flying in the air. Batman doesn't have powers but does use the cape for various reason, like: - being bulletproof - to fly down like a glider - shields him from flamethrower - to cover others from bullets - protects him also from the cold - to knockout someone with it Other superheroes also fly but never wears a cape. Why? Idk...

[@FrigginBoomToys]

On my channel I run a series where I take comic book/anime costumes to a parkour gym to test their functionality in real life. I'm about to do a One Punch Man episode and found this video while researching the history and functionality of capes. Really helped a lot. Will probably link it in my video. Great channel

[@DoctorZisIN]

Hal Foster and Alex Raymond in the 1930's were in my opinion the likely source of inspiration for capes. Prince Valiant and Flash Gordon were 2 very popular comic characters who wore capes. And of course Prince Valiant got his from the Middle Ages when capes were a common piece of attire for someone of nobility, and another meaning of "nobility" is altruism, a typical quality of superheroes.

[@rickygrimez1660]

Love the theme of the past few episodes with Hero Outfits. Here are just a few of my own suggestions to ponder and research for future episodes.So I know you just did one about why they wear tights. But how about going into speculation, or using specific in story references, to explain what materials individual heroes would most likely use and benefit from using based on their power sets and abilities? For instance, Aquaman would need say a Rust Proof Metal for his Armor Plates, but also for his clothing something Antimicrobial to prevent Algae/Mildew buildup from living Underwater right? Deadpool might have Neoprene blended with Kevlar. The Flash and Quicksilver must have something that resists the incredible friction they would cause running so fast. Personally my favorite part of Chris Nolan's Batman Begins, were the scenes explaining these materials in scientific means for Bruce Wayne by Lucious Fox. I think this subject has tons of possibilities to explore.Why Do Superheroes Wear Symbols/Logos/Insignia whatever?Why Do Superheroes with Superhuman Powers and Abilities in particular use Weapons?Why Do Superheroes have Utility Belts?Why Do Superheroes, who don't necessarily need to protect their "Secret" Identity, wear masks? or costumes at all for that matter? You may have already explored this one before, but the idea of who makes these costumes for the Superheroes and Villains in each case?Superheroes/Villains who have Costumes that themselves retain the Superpowers when worn?Why Do Superheroes Change or Revamp their Costumes?(Not why the Comic Book Publisher did it, i.e. Merchandising or Movie Tie-Ins etc. But why, in the story arcs.) Once again I feel like you may have touched on this on prior videos also, but you may find something new on it that might work.

[@DemitriVladMaximov]

There is also the shock value like with the original Ghost Rider who's cape helped to cover his phosphorescent costume and thus made him seem to disappear as a ghost in the night.

[@NaiveSteve]

in Batman Arkham Origins: Blackgate, Deadshot mentions another practical use of capes, or at least batman's. "I've always known you use your cape to disguise exactly where your body is, but I think this is the first time I've actually seen how it works."

[@robertmills5262]

this would have been the perfect chance to talk about cloak...

[@thomaspierce5835]

Spawn's cape is like a living weapon type thing. When he took it off for practical reasons it literally followed him. Capes makes heroes look cool but I would say they look even better on villains, imagine doctor doom without his cloak and in ultimate you would see his gross hooves even more.

[@waterboy51]

I really like how in Batman Year 1 by Frank Miller, it shows that Batman uses his cape for misdirection. Thugs claimed that Batman couldn't be shot and that that bullets simply went through him, and we see in a panel that the thug simply shot through Batman's cape and missed Batman entirely. The misdirection idea is great though.

[@darkamora5123]

I am reminded of the issue of Green Arrow from the 70s where a man is convinced Oliver Queen is Batman and he ends up with his GA costume shredded and no choice, but to put on the authentic Batman costume the guy stole from a museum. Ollie appears out of the shadows in the Batman costume with that glorious 70s goatee framed by the cowl, and when he fights he gets tangled in the cape, and thinks to himself (paraphrasing) "How the hell does Batman do all the things he does in this stupid thing?!"

[@eugenerowland1262]

At age 6, in 1959, I saw the debut of Hal Jordan as Green Lantern. My first glimpse of him prompted the comment: "BUT HE DOESN'T HAVE A CAPE !!!" 😃👍

[@alexroberts237]

NerdSync IS HILARIOUS!!!

[@wagesofsinn3881]

I prefer without capes because then you can see the full design of the character. I was once told that the reason that artists draw characters with long flowing capes is because capes take up space so they don't have to do so much with backgrounds.

[@dickgrayson2545]

Capes just make me feel cool.

[@mythos1858]

I love this series. Please, please keep going.

[@sirrparker47]

The only heros that can pull off capes and not look stupid imo is Thor and Shazam

[@sandykandy9227]

I agree but just Thor.

[@user-fk2qs7sv9u]

what about batman

[@Burning-Twilight]

+Sirr Boss Superman looks stupid with a cape?

[@sirrparker47]

KON- EL Superman looks stupid period

[@sirrparker47]

Dr Ginger He looks cooler without it

[@sethbiggs8753]

i bet the last vid is going to have something about circus people

[@NerdSyncProductions]

You'd be wrong! 😜

[@DrewFerrentino]

Shut down by Scott boom

[@sethbiggs8753]

+Seth Biggs BURNED

[@stephanberger3476]

I like the reference to the show The Cape. It 'suits' this series of videos because of the link to circus performers. I have the series on DVD, and although it never became a huge hit...I like it!

[@musearrives2am]

IDEA FOR SCOTT: You should totally do an old superhero video, with The Green Hornet and The Shadow.

[@dakotamartinez8310]

I have an OC Superheroine that I like to imagine with a small cape like to the waist. I guess to make the look more magical, and pretty much tradition to the superhero theme.

[@KairuHakubi]

when I was a tiny little kid I had Spider-Man pajamas that had a very short cape attached with velcro at the shoulders. Never questioned it. then years later Spiderman Unlimited came out and gave him a different but same-length cape that also looked stupid. I think we need more heroes that wear proper full cloaks with collars, capelets, etc. and Superman needs to let his down from off of his shoulders once in a while so it doesn't look like he has just attached a rectangular piece of cloth like a flag to his back.

[@Pattersonian]

If it were an option I would vote, Capes for some, not for others.

[@narrativenoob]

I think it’s a lot of variables that determine the cape, but I think the main two reasons (that come to mind for me) are style/presentation and practicality. Doctor Strange’s helps him fly and enhances his mystical nature. Batman’s cape makes him appear more intimidating and assists him in combat. Superman’s cape makes him look more grandiose and compliments his incredible power. Thor’s cape is a symbol of his royalty. On the other hand, other superheroes wouldn’t benefit from capes. Speedsters like Flash and Quicksilver having capes would be an issue. Aquaman can’t fly and is underwater often so he doesn’t need one. Iron man, Spider-Man, Captain America would all look strange with capes or could get in the way if they did. It all really depends on the character and if it suits them, practically or symbolically

[@silverbanshee7519]

It all depends on the other elements of design and function. Batman is one of the few physically agile characters that looks good with a cape, but that's because of his theatricality and the fact that the cape helps him glide and merge with shadows. Most acrobatic-type characters would look rather silly with a cape, and it would get in the way in reality. Brawlers are another type of character that don't fit with capes. Superman being a major exception, but the fact that he's a flier makes the cape not only acceptable but almost indispensable. This is why characters like Captain Marvel don't wear them. In a close-up encounter, they would be impractical. Most of the characters that look good in capes tend to be fliers and those whose abilities allow them to basically stand in one place and fire away. There was once an issue of the first volume of Avengers where Wonder Man was admiring Carol Danvers (then, Ms. Marvel), stating that she didn't just stand in the distance and gesture like the Scarlet Witch, but hauled off and belted a guy. Just the same, there's something about a good costume design that features a cape that I find exciting.

[@DavidbarZeus1]

I think it all depends on the character. The majesty for Superman and the royals, a touch of mysticism for Strange, Fate and Marvel/Shazam, and the intimidation for Doom and Bats. But for those who need speed and streamlining, no capes.

[@merlinbriere6246]

don't wanna say that it's THE reason or even an always true reason, but as a fun bit, jim lee said that the back of a character, is often harder to render in -realistic- style, and that it is why superheroes often wear capes.

[@queenofnevers6990]

This series about costumes is sooo good.

[@artmin100]

Theatrics, that's the roll/purpose of the cape, the aesthetics of an accessory that looks good on our hero/heroine if you understand that then it's easy to see that the costume is just a big part of theatre, when people look to justify, rationalize these elements they take away some of the joy, colourful magic and of superhero comics.

[@iParkerHD]

Something I just found interesting is that in arrow season 1 episode 2 in the book full of names that Oliver's father gave him it says "Hannibal Bates" who is the Everyman in the Flash, idk why but I found this very interesting

[@travellingspud7972]

Sources!!!! You included SOURCES!!!!!! My inner fact checking nerd is so grateful

[@ShinoSarna]

Also - you didn't mention that Ogon Bat (Golden Bat), probably the first superhero in the world, preceding Superman by good couple years (and first "flying brick" long before Superman learned to fly) wore a cape.

[@moodlemcdoodle5746]

I like Edna's philosophy on capes. They can look great and be good design choices and they can have good uses but they're also pretty dangerous as they can snag on things like machinery quite easily. I wouldn't want someone I cared about to wear such a risky outfit when fighting crime. However you do have to consider the characters personality when designing their costume too, for instance if the character was mostly concerned with looking cool and forget to consider practicality they might add a cape to their costume.

[@MrWhitman]

+MeoTheRandom I figured that the cape problem could've easily been solved if they just made the caped detachable. Sure you'd lose a lot of money replacing them, but no HUGE danger there.

[@johnbabylon7626]

Spawn's cape is a weapon. His entire costume can be altered to do anything he wants. Capes also have had strong cultural significance throughout human history. Capes are used to communicate authority or importance, wealth, status and influence. Capes were worn by commoners to hide the fact that they were wearing weapons because flashing your sword around was considered brutish. Capes and cowls were worn by bandits and mercenaries to obscure their silhouette and give them a more menacing appearance. Not every superhero that wears a cape does so for all of these reasons but I think we can see that especially pop cultural icons like Superman and Batman likely wear their capes for multiple reasons.

[@ZeeNoodleyGamer]

I was waiting for Edna to say "No Capes"... I was not disappointed.

[@BurnRoddy]

Also *MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!* or *HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!* whichever you prefer.

[@lenchorubio332]

And let us not forget that trenchcoats were the capes of the '90s! From Grifter to Gambit, trenchcoats took the place of showing motion and looking dynamic while still being all Cool! and Hardcore! which was essential to a lot of Chromium Age heroes.

[@VaderPrime]

Hi Scott, I was just watching some of your vid's about the origin of capes and etc, I got thinking what is the origin Of All superheroes (e.g. how did superheroes as a whole come to be) Sorry if you have already covered this still new to your channel witch is great by the way :)

[@DavidFleming-k1x]

Definitely Capes ! ! It's a must have for Cloak . . Of Cloak & Dagger, Doc Strange had one with a "mind" of its own ! Spawn had the best that would come & go, but it does add to the mystery of a person ! !

[@krisd2518]

"No capes!!" -- Edna, looking at the title of the video probably. (Nnnnot that that's the first thing that popped into my head when I saw the video in my suggestions, hahaha, nope! Not at all!)

[@yiklongtay6029]

When I think of the most noticeable cape, I would think of Mr. Miracle which I consider an other worldly superhero like you imply. I think that the alienation that capes provide seems to peg the most unorthodox heroes & villains.

[@chesskinge4648]

I miss City of Heroes! You had to wait until level 20 to do the cape missions, but when you completed them your could then add a cape to your avatar.

[@sirawesome2906]

Capes are awesome especially in the batman arkam games

[@jasonlee7076]

So a lot of Superheroes characteristics are inspired by circus performers... then Nightwing was born to become a Superhero.

[@isillor529]

batman uses his cape not only for gliding, but to be more aerodynamic while grappling, bullet resistant, fire proof, as a stun, to break up his figure and colour for stealth, and to intimidate criminals (and cops) by looking more like a bat. so he's the only one that really needs it.

[@Orenotter]

I have a superhero character simply called The Cape. His cape is a psionic neural net which gives him his powers.

[@craftykittygaming7820]

Piccolo from DBZ and the Jedi take off their capes when getting ready to fight, probably because they would get in the way. (Or because you put weights in it.) However, it does give them an otherworldly quality. The Jedi knights wouldn't be so mysterious if everyone could see their faces all the time.

[@gabe3042]

I think capes are to, as said in the video, represent majesty, strength, and...something else, I'm sure there is something else. Anyways, I also think capes could have some practical use, like for Bat-man who uses it to disorient his opponents, make the silhouette of a Bat when coming down on enemies, and to glide. But capes, like Nightwing once said, get in the way so some heroes tend not to use it because capes can be distracting.Like Spider-man. Imagine him walking on the ceiling and the cape is hanging down...not very practical.

[@ReiAyanami8]

Where as with the trunks vs. no trunks question I found it easy to answer, no trunks on my comic book characters kthx, I don't really have a preference in _this_ case. I think that, for me, it greatly depends on the design. Like how the Batman that most people are familiar with wears a cape, but also how there have been variants of the character without a cape. Batman Beyond comes to mind. So as far as I'm concerned a character can have a cape and then have their design changed to exclude it, and vice versa, it all just depends on how it's done.

[@TonksMoriarty]

Say it with me now, NO CAPES!

[@yiklongtay6029]

+Tonks Moriarty (ZNickel) Lets admit it, 90% of us did this in Edna's voice.......Out loud.

[@redknight3824]

Tonks Moriarty MORE CAPES

[@comrade3186]

Tonks Moriarty+ only an idiot would say that, Capes make any superhero look way cooler!

[@MettleMadness]

An amazing hero once said: “The reason heroes wear capes... is to wrap up and protect... little girls in pain!”

[@johnmartin4119]

Screw Edna I’m not Superheroing without a cape

[@macsnafu]

I can't say whether I prefer capes or not, because it really depends upon the character and the character's style. I can't imagine Batman and Superman without capes, but a cape would seem entirely inappropriate for the Flash. Green Lantern makes an interesting comparison because the Golden Age GL, Alan Scott, wore a cape, while the Silver Age and later Green Lanterns didn't. The cape adds a touch of majesty and grandeur to the characters, but unless it really serves a practical purpose, it seems to be in the way of more modern, pragmatic, action heroes. Captain America stands as a prototype of the capeless heroes. While he had the Super-Soldier serum, he didn't have the incredible powers of a Captain Marvel (Billy Batson) or The Spectre, so a cape would have hindered his action in ways that wouldn't have bothered other heroes.

[@_createusernamelater_6041]

it depends, someone like nightwing, who is reliant on fast pace acrobatics and longish weapons wouldn't work with a cape as it would get in there way as well as the fact nightwing defends Blood Haven from a type of criminal you just beat up with once and it won't happen again. however, a super hero such as Batman would need a cape as his goal in Gotham is to scare the sh*t out of criminal's to make them stop. so a cape makes him look bigger and more threatening than without on. as well as the fact nightwing gets around, jumping from buildings to building where as Batman is in a car or on a bat-line/grappling hook.

[@ericfellner2689]

Just want to throw this out there, I read once that Elvis Presley's cape was inspired by his being a huge fan of Captain Marvel.

[@thehood3093]

Hey Scott, are you doing a Batman Christmas story this year?

[@pawthorne7089]

To me, a back of a person is empty space. It looks best to me if something is there. Capes, jets, weapon sheaths, backpacks, more armor, tails, spikes etc, but otherwise it's just kinda weird to me.

[@NintendoFan17]

I like capes on characters. But thats because they look awesome. Though it depends on what kind of character it is because capes while they look cool might not work for certain characters because they have a specific purpose. They could also be a hindrance to other characters.

[@thememechefgaberahamlincol6190]

When you think of capes what do you think of? Vader, Batman, characters who strike fear in the hearts of villains. What do you think of when you think of wings? Birds, Angels, things that are (mostly) calm, and gentle.

[@1derb0y]

Then you have a character like Wonder Woman (post-Crisis, pre-New52), who most of the time goes without a cape, but sometimes wears one. Sometimes it's when she's ready to kick major butt (Infinite Crisis, War of the Gods, etc.), and other times it's like she thought "I think I'll wear my cape today!" LOL

[@anvilheaded]

I think the cape depends on the design context of the character. I tend to prefer them as tools or cloaks, but I can see the appeal of regality as well. A Cape suits Aragorn as well as a knight or a king, and this can help enforce certain character attributes. Superman's cape is more regal than Batman's, and fits in right with his elevated/deified status.