In a world full of Green Hornets, Blue Beetles and Yellowjackets, it can be hard to decide which color sounds the most dynamic and heroey… which is totally a word… probably. (Interestingly, there aren’t a lot of Orange heroes, which makes me wonder about whether comic readers are getting enought vitamin C.) For my money, though, you can’t be “Scarlet” as a descriptor. Need a name to make your Spider-Clone work? Scarlet Spider! Wanna make your mutant spellcaster sound as impressive as Captain America or Thor? Scarlet Witch! Need a villain to truly challenge your giant, kung-fu Super Samurai? Scarlet Samurai! Fifteen points to anyone who can identify that third reference (I’m lookin’ at you Mela!) leading us to today’s deep vermilion query…
The MS-QOTD (pronounced, as always, “misquoted”) is a sucker for anything red, and also might have had a huge crush on the G.I. Joe counterintelligence officer, asking: Which superheroic color-name sounds the most impressive to your ear?
3 Comments
Since what many point to as the first costumed superhero is the Scarlet Pimpernel, you’re probably spot-on.
But I think “Silver” makes a good second. Where “scarlet” summons a visceral reaction — red of tooth and claw —
“silver” brings a more noble and eternal feeling. Want to elevate a beach bum to a respectable level? Silver Surfer! Need a character to be an historical inspiration for generations of heroes? Silver Agent! Want a high-society deb to sound respectable enough to be a love match for your crusading paladin hero? Silver St. Cloud!
And it seems to be the most impressive of the metallic colors, as somehow “gold” and “platinum” don’t really evoke the same sense of grounded virtue.
Hmm, because I’m not native English speaker, this may be a bit different to me.
Metallic colors sound usually cool, like Silver Samurai or Golden Star. On the other hand something classic like Blue Lightning works as well.
I’d have to go with Black.
Want to invoke a deadly predator to strike fear into your enemies hearts, The Black Panther.
Want to create a silent super powerful being who invokes intrigue and awe, Black Bolt.
Want to channel a sense of medieval justice and a gritty sense of honor, The Black Knight.
Yes I’m aware that it can be misused such as DC’s blacksplotation Black Lightning but truthfully if you eliminate the stereotypes attached to him he is a pretty cool character.