WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #6!
Superman officially made her costumed debut at the Gotham by Gaslight Universe, sporting a redesign like nothing fans have ever seen before – complete with a mask. But it wasn’t just Superman’s heroic costume that got a makeover; Clark Kent’s civilian identity has also received a makeover, providing exciting new inspiration for anyone looking to take their Man of Steel cosplay to the next level.
While the costume debuting in The Kryptonian Age #6 is undeniably Clark’s official superhero look for the series, his sheriff ensemble from issue #5 is also noteworthy.
THE Batman: Gotham by Gaslight sequence, Gaslight Gotham – The Kryptonian Agefrom Andy Diggle, Leandro Fernández, Matt Hollingsworth and Simon Bowland, reimagined many of DC’s most iconic characters in this 19th century-inspired film. Other worlds series.
Among those introduced into Gotham by Gaslight Universe are Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Cyborg, Martian Manhunter and Superman. Although the Man of Steel first appeared in issue #5, it wasn’t until The Kryptonian Era #6 fans saw Superman’s costume for the first time—a redesign that stands out as one of Clark Kent’s boldest yet.
Superman officially debuts his Gotham by Gaslight Fantasy
Cover for Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – A League for Justice (Coming in 2025)
In The Kryptonian Era #5, Clark Kent is introduced as the clumsy, accident-prone, but golden-hearted sheriff of Smallville, Kansas. His clumsiness and incompetence, however, are yet another act designed to hide his Kryptonian powers, making him appear modest and lessening any suspicion about his uncanny ability to apprehend criminals. But in issue #6, El Diablo, a villain known for his powers of hypnosis, gains the upper hand by hypnotizing Clark into complying with his demands. He then ties up the Man of Steel and sets the prison on fire, leaving him facing certain death – at least for any normal human being.
The next time readers see Clark, he emerges from the prison flames. However, Instead of wearing his usual sheriff uniform, he has his redesigned uniform. Gotham by Gaslight version of Superman’s costume. While this outfit maintains Superman’s classic color scheme of blue, red, and yellow, it departs from his traditional look in several ways. The most notable change is the addition of a domino mask, a first for Superman as his costumes have never included a mask before.
In addition to the mask, this Man of Steel look changes things up by omitting his signature red capeand instead of a skin-tight spandex-like suit, he wears a military-style tunic and pants paired with Western-style boots. The tunic features a simplified version of Superman’s “S” shield, represented only as a red “S.” Other accessories in this makeover include gloves and a thick belt wrapped around the waist. Together, these elements create a costume that fits perfectly into the 19th century setting of this Other worlds history.
Why doesn’t Superman wear a mask?
The Man of Steel’s refusal to wear a mask is rooted in trust
Superman wearing a mask Gotham by Gaslight marks a monumental change to the Man of Steel’s usual character design. Clark Kent has never worn a mask as part of his costume, which sets him apart from most heroes, who typically hide their civilian identities with a mask or helmet. While there are exceptions, like Wonder Woman and Zatanna, the question still arises as to why Superman specifically doesn’t wear a mask. Thanks to Mark Waid and Dan Mora Batman/Superman: the best in the world series, fans get an answer directly from Superman himself.
In Batman/Superman: the best in the world #8 by Waid, Mora, Tamra Bonvillain and Steve Wands, Clark explains to his companion, Boy Thunder, the importance of wearing a mask to protect his identity and maintain a normal civilian life. While this seems hypocritical coming from Superman, who doesn’t wear a mask, Clark clarifies that he takes other measures to protect his identity. He explains that part of being Superman is getting people to trust him, and wearing a mask can break that trust and make them fear him. Briefly, Superman doesn’t wear a mask because he can’t give anyone a reason not to trust him.
Meet Cowboy Superman: Clark Kent Debuts Western-Inspired Look as Smallville Sheriff
Main cover by Leandro Fernández and Matt Hollingsworth for Batman: Gaslight Gotham – The Kryptonian Age #5 (2024)
While the costume debuted in The Kryptonian Era #6 is undeniably Clark’s superhero look for the series, his sheriff ensemble from issue #5 is also noteworthy. This outfit serves as a subtle homage to Superman’s classic costume, incorporating his blue, red, and yellow color scheme into a cowboy-inspired design. Clark’s sheriff outfit features blue jeans and a vest with yellow brass buttons, paired with a matching scarf around his neck, echoing both Superman’s jumpsuit and the yellow of his “S” shield. Additionally, Clark wears reddish-brown cowboy boots and a red duster – a reference to other elements of his Superman costume such as the cape and boots.
The pièce de résistance of this outfit, however, is the pristine white cowboy hat. Although it may not directly reference your usual attire, it may have symbolic meaning. In metaphysical terms, a “white cap” It often represents purity, kindness and moral integrity – qualities strongly associated with Superman. So while Clark’s sheriff look is more casual than yours Gotham by Gaslight Superman costume, bother outfits pay homage to his classic design by incorporating the signature blue, red and yellow color schemealong with other important design elements.
Superman news Gotham by Gaslight The costumes are perfect for cosplay inspiration
Card stock variant C of the cover by Edwin Galmon for Batman: Gaslight Gotham – The Kryptonian Age #6 (2024)
One of the best things about Superman’s two looks Gaslight Gotham – The Kryptonian Age is that they both offer perfect cosplay inspiration for Man of Steel fans looking to elevate their cosplays. These costumes merge era-specific fashion with Superman’s iconic style, resulting in completely unique designs. Although the sheriff’s look is more subtle and the military-style tunic stands out for its boldness, both offer a distinct appeal and would make great projects for those who like to make their own outfits. So the only question for Superman cosplayers is: which costume will you wear next?
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #6 is now available from DC Comics!