FASHION TIPS FROM COMIC STRIPS

Tingling, by Kevin Wada

“I wanted that early 60’s look, which was when these characters debuted, but also something a little modern and fresh.  I wanted to play off their classic attire and make them really feel like different women.”

- Kevin Wada

I love how this piece works beautifully to demonstrate the connection between the two women through subtle styling contrasts: the fine details of Gwen’s jewelry juxtaposed with Mary Jane’s chunky accessories; Mary Jane’s luxe high-waisted suede skirt shimmied next to Gwen’s shorter jersey/cotton shift dress; gradient stripes versus solid color-blocking; the color balance between chartreuse and plum.

This is one of those rare, post-60’s moments where I actually covet both of their ensembles, as I usually prefer Gwen’s looks over MJ’s. I also love how MJ’s classic sleeveless top is reworked with a gorgeous high-waisted skirt (a major styling upgrade from those horrible you-just-hit-the-jackpot khaki pants).

Best Cosplay Ever (This Week) - 06.27.11

Although cosplay has been present for decades within the comics, anime, and sci-fi/fantasy fandoms, social media has played an integral role in the thriving community of costuming that exists today and cosplay communities such as Cosplay.com and the Superhero Costuming Forum. In honor of the many fans who’ve displayed excellence in the mastery of homemade disguise, craftsmanship, and sartorial superheroics, ComicsAlliance has created Best Cosplay Ever (This Week), a weekly collection of some of the most impeccable, creative, and clever costumes that we’ve discovered and assembled into our own super-showcase of pure fan-devoted talent.

Check out this week’s round-up of the Best Cosplay Ever on ComicsAlliance, featuring Booster Gold, Cutie Honey, Madman, Team Rocket (above), and more!

WHO WORE IT BETTER : Gwen Stacy vs. Mamoru Chiba [aka Tuxedo Mask]?

As it turns out, one of my first fictional crushes totes raided Gwen Stacy’s closet.

While the pop culture analyst in me would love to believe that Naoko Takeuchi made a strategic/symbolic choice to stylize Darien’s* signature civvies after Gwen Stacy’s most famous outfit (especially in terms of his role within the context of a group of superheroines) I’m pretty definite that this was just a mere coincidence.

Regardless, they’re both iconic ensembles, and now that I own a basic black turtleneck, I’ve felt inclined to coordinate it with green and purple myself. :)

Side note: I originally explored this epiphany on Livejournal last Summer, but this was just too important not to share on Fashion Tips From Comic Strips.

* Yes, I insist on using the English dub names. With pride.