The Flash's Costumes in Live Action
When it comes to superheroes, few can match the vibrant and outlandish costumes of The Flash. From the daring reds and golden wings of his first suit to the armored features and goggles of future costumes, The Flash has undergone several costume changes throughout his live-action appearances, captivating fans with each iteration.
Let's start with The Flash's first on-screen appearance in the TV show Smallville, where his costume design took a more simplistic approach. Sporting a red hoodie and pants with a lightning bolt bracelet, this outfit was more like an everyday ensemble rather than the iconic suit fans are familiar with.
In the made-for-television movie Justice League of America, we were introduced to a less-than-stellar costume. While it deviated from the comics' accuracy, it resembled The Flash's suit during that time, albeit looking more like a low-budget Halloween costume.
When Barry Allen joined the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), his present and future Flash appearances showcased entirely different suits. In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Zack Snyder's Justice League, Flash sported a helmet and armored features in a dystopian future timeline known as the "Knightmare." These elements added an air of mystery to conceal his identity as one of the good guys turned bad.
However, Barry Allen's second suit in the DCEU incorporated armor features on his sleeve and knees, with an interesting twist - it was a repurposed fireproof suit made from an old Batman suit, spray-painted red with yellow graffiti. Although Grant Gustin's first Flash suit on the CW show disappointed some fans with its color choices and miscolored chest symbol, subsequent seasons saw improvements in design.
The CW's The Flash made design changes in Seasons 2 and 3, enhancing the colors while still missing the gold and yellow elements. Some fans found the chin area oddly shaped, but Gustin's Season 3 suit featured yellow piping, brighter golds, and a more leathery material that elevated the overall look.
The film version of The Flash, however, remains a wildcard in terms of costume design. The use of rubbery-looking material and a cyclist-inspired helmet raised eyebrows. In contrast, John Wesley Shipp's suit from the 1990s show stands out as one of the best adaptations, with its iconic lightning bolt on the chest and golden wings on the headpiece.
Ezra Miller brought The Flash's latest cinematic appearance to life in the DCEU. This meticulously crafted costume is made of red woven metals and fibers, featuring intricate details and excellent mobility. It is widely regarded as one of the best suits to date. Meanwhile, the final season of The Flash on the CW saw Barry Allen finally donning yellow boots, which added the long-awaited contrast to the suit's design. The bright red and yellow details further enhanced its appeal.
Though the recent film costume has addressed some issues, such as incorporating yellow boots and remarkable red color accents, it still has its shortcomings. The helmet design feels scrunched up, lacking proper sleeve and knee protection. The cape, while visually striking, often covers up the intricate details. Additionally, new problems arose with the introduction of shoulder straps and a crotch buckle.
And that concludes our exploration of The Flash's costumes in live action. Each iteration has its strengths and weaknesses, captivating fans and leaving a lasting impression. Whether you prefer the classic designs or the modern adaptations, The Flash's ensemble will continue to evolve and inspire.
If you're in the mood for something different, be sure to check out our guides to the Nightwing suits in Birds of Prey!
