Hoodies Rule!

That's what we need more of in comics today: heroes who eschew the traditional mask, and instead rock the hood look. It's just such an adaptable look. The artist can show us the character's face when we need to see a reaction, or place the face in shadow for a mysterious air, which works especially well if only the eyes are in shadow. makes you wonder what they're thinking. Plus, with a hood as part of your costume, you're less likely to draw unwanted attention, because a hood is something people who aren't costumed vigilantes (or responsible, registered government-controlled "heroes") would wear. Plus, it breathes a lot easier than your standard mask, which I'm sure could be more comfortable.

I'm probably a little biased as I very often wear hooded clothing (when weather appropriate), but still, hoods are cool, and they go really well with capes, so that's always a plus. And there are at least a few characters coming around to this way of thinking.

Raven's been wearing a hood of some sort pretty much since she was created. Really helps with her whole motif of being the kind of spooky outsider, who doesn't fit in with the others all that easily. Then you've got perhaps the poster boy for the "hood" movement, The Hood. Rogue's taken up the look herself recently (and I think it goes well with her recent troubles, since a hood can also be a sign of someone putting up barriers between themselves and others. And even our new Quasar has favored the hood as part of her look since before she even took the quantum bands right off Annihilus' wrists. Clearly, the lady knows a good style. The gray of the hood contrasts nicely with the bright colors of the costume underneath, and the shadows the hood creates make an equally nice contrast when she starts that glowy eye "cosmic awareness" stuff. And F.Y.I., Garrett, star of Thief: Deadly Shadows is also a proponent of the hood style. As a man used to lurking in shadows, he knows the value of making sure nobody can get a good look at his Most Wanted face.

Hmm, who else is there? I can't really count Captain Cold because his doesn't actually seem to obscure his face; it's just too tight-fitting, so it stops at his hairline, and hugs the top of his head. No shadow-casting there. That demented child Morrison gave Batman wore a cloak, but I'd prefer to forget that character exists. I could see Siryn or Madrox incorporating into their looks. I think it would work well for the noir feel Jamie seems to be so fond of. It can't be that hard to find a trenchcoat with a hood, can it?

Hmm, doesn't really seem like many guys are using the hood as a costume choice. What's up with that? C'mon guys, it's an easy way to go! You can get hooded clothes anywhere, which means your costume will be that much easier to replace if it gets trashed (because we all know guys hate to do sewing and stuff), and it can honestly be any less comfortable than your usual costumes.

I suppose it does make it harder to maintain a secret identity, so it probably won't work for DC where those still seem to matter. But Marvel seems to have pretty well thrown away any interest in secret identities, so I think they should definitely get some characters.

Can you think of any other heroes who like hoodies, or any that might want to consider adopting it? Maybe for Guy Gardner? *looks to see if Sallyp is around* It could only help us all if Guy hides his face from public view. *ducks brick*