FAMOUS COSTUMED CRIMEFIGHTERS SCHOOLLesson #6: Names and Imagery
In most cases, aspiring crusaders do not wish for their true identities to be revealed. After all, even those with phenomenal powers need some “down time” every now and then. Names usually are selected by others and tend to stick, but like with most professional sports teams good names become harder to come by, so the budding hero or heroine must come up with one of their own. When doing this, it is important to remember that:1. The name must fit what you do. Try to avoid names that are superlatives; NEVER call yourself “Super-whatever” unless you really ARE super at that “whatever.” Otherwise, you’re just another “wanna-be” in spandex.2. Pay attention to copyrights. In the case of the crusader depicted in the above panel, he realizes that the stand-alone name “Phantom” has already been taken by C. Walker, Class of 1936. He has successfully avoided a lawsuit by adding “Commando” to the name. However, he may have difficulty with F. Castle, Class of 1974, by using a skull image on the chest of his costume, despite the fact that said outfit is more colorful than Castle’s. Of course, “The Punisher” may forego legal avenues and address any copyright issues himself, with heavy weapons…
FAMOUS COSTUMED CRIMEFIGHTERS SCHOOLLesson #6: Names and Imagery
In most cases, aspiring crusaders do not wish for their true identities to be revealed. After all, even those with phenomenal powers need some “down time” every now and then. Names usually are selected by others and tend to stick, but like with most professional sports teams good names become harder to come by, so the budding hero or heroine must come up with one of their own. When doing this, it is important to remember that:1. The name must fit what you do. Try to avoid names that are superlatives; NEVER call yourself “Super-whatever” unless you really ARE super at that “whatever.” Otherwise, you’re just another “wanna-be” in spandex.2. Pay attention to copyrights. In the case of the crusader depicted in the above panel, he realizes that the stand-alone name “Phantom” has already been taken by C. Walker, Class of 1936. He has successfully avoided a lawsuit by adding “Commando” to the name. However, he may have difficulty with F. Castle, Class of 1974, by using a skull image on the chest of his costume, despite the fact that said outfit is more colorful than Castle’s. Of course, “The Punisher” may forego legal avenues and address any copyright issues himself, with heavy weapons…