2007-01-18 05:49:05 · 19 answers · asked by maskmanmikep@verizon.net 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Comics & Animation
Many many years ago capes served a purpose other then fasion. Take Superman for example....
Originally Superman's costume was indestructible, not his skin. This also meant his cape. As he became more powerful he began to fly and move faster. it was assumed that he was immune (or resistant) to the friction but what about his pasangers...? Simply put he wrapped his cape around them. He did this to protect people from enviromental hazards (like fire, lava, and acid), bullets, and friction. The "Fleischer Superman cartoons" of the 1940s used this aspect of the cape many times.
2007-01-18 06:11:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a hold-over from the early years of comic books. Became more of a tradition than an actualy functional part of their costume...
Look at the Marvel & DC comic characters that re-appeard in the early 1960's... then 2nd Flash & Green Lantern, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four... All cape-less.
Notice that in the new Batman movie, his huge long cape had to be made to serve a purpose... not just be part of the 'look'.
2007-01-18 06:16:46 · answer #2 · answered by doctor_76 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well.. according to one of the Superman books by Elliot S! Maggin (either Last Son of Krypton or Miracle Monday) , Superman's cape DID have a distinct purpose: It had a inside pocket/compartment that Supes put his civilian disguise in after he changed. Not sure how he concealed the lump his clothes must have caused in it though..
2007-01-18 14:41:42 · answer #3 · answered by dfantum 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The backbone of any good superhero lies in his or her cape. From Superman and Supergirl to Batman and Robin, every superhero needs a moment when they stand on the top of a building with their cape billowing behind them after they've crushed the enemy. Except for Spiderman, and he's weird anyway.
2007-01-18 05:55:18 · answer #4 · answered by Crash 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Back in the day, one of the reasons was that it helped artists show motion in a linear 2D world. A flowing cape helped to add the illusion that the character was running, jumping or flying.
(vVv)
2007-01-18 08:30:08 · answer #5 · answered by Banzaiboy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They look spiffy when you don't need to deal with them in the real world. But I just can't help remembering the fate of 'Dollar Bill' in Moore & Gibbon's "Watchmen": he was shot while trapped in a revolving door by his cape getting caught.
2007-01-18 07:20:41 · answer #6 · answered by comicards 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They use them to help fly, repel bullets, over puddles for women to cross, maybe use as a sleeping cover while camping, wear as a turban or skirt if working undercover, they can be used as a parachute for superheros that can't fly and keeps their bottom crack out of view (those spandex pants show everything).
2007-01-18 05:56:57 · answer #7 · answered by live75 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its all about style. Remember, boxers and briefs have no real purpose either, since we all have hot and cold running water!
2007-01-19 01:18:26 · answer #8 · answered by tombollocks 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aerodynamics, also sometimes they serve as important plot points! Also they just look so damned cool!
2007-01-18 05:57:24 · answer #9 · answered by randomasduck 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe for the same reason as Kings of old would wear long robes, as a sign of statis...maybe also for warmth, and to look cool. :)
2007-01-18 05:57:36 · answer #10 · answered by Lu 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋