‘Evil Superman’ Swimsuit From Superman III Goes Up for Public sale

Christopher Reeve will endlessly be the definitive live-action Superman, at the same time as other performers (up subsequent: David Corenswet in James Gunn‘s DC Studios launch) have assumed the mantle on the massive and small display screen. However whereas Reeve all the time delivered suitably superheroic performances—and/or adorably awkward, whereas in Clark Kent mode—not each Superman film he starred in was a masterpiece. And even, frankly, all that nice. Lookin’ at you, Superman III.

io9’s Germain Lussier recently dug into why Superman III is the worst amongst Reeve’s Man of Metal outings—yep, it’s the one the place Richard Pryor helps flip Superman into an evil model of Superman utilizing faux Kryptonite, and is “to place it bluntly, an enormous piece of shit.” Nevertheless, a Superman go well with worn by Reeve continues to be a top-flight merchandise for collectors, and the “Evil Superman” get-up from Superman III is a curiosity unto itself. Propstore has it featured in an upcoming public sale, and you’ll perceive why it’s estimated to go for $200,000-$400,000, with a beginning bid of $100,000 simply to get your foot within the door.

Even Propstore’s description of the film sounds satirical, which it sadly will not be: “[In] Richard Lester’s superhero sequel Superman III. Superman wore his darker-colored costume after he was uncovered to Kryptonite by Gus Gorman (Richard Pryor), when he was corrupted and was ‘evil’ Superman. Superman then proceeded to trigger mischief, together with straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa, earlier than ingesting closely in a bar after which combating a weak Clark Kent in a junkyard.”

It comes with the next: “a customized blue knit leotard with the stylized Superman brand sewn into the entrance with hooked up maroon trunks, a pair of matching knit tights, a cape, a belt, and a pair of trainers. It’s darker in colour to focus on Superman’s newly corrupted nature.”

The public sale home additional notes that “full costumes are scarce, making this a uncommon alternative to personal an iconic piece of superhero historical past;” in 2022, People reported that Propstore had bought a whole Superman costume worn by Reeve throughout the primary three Superman films; it was in “improbable” situation and fetched $359,375.

The “Evil Superman” costume Reeve donned in 1983’s Superman III additionally appears to be like to be in good situation; although there’s been some fading of its all-important darker colour, Propstore notes that “skilled costume conservators [do] imagine that colour restoration is possible, pending additional cloth exams.”

When you have piles of spare money mendacity round, and a fascination with heroes gone dangerous (then, inevitably, again to good once more), bidding on the costume ends March 26. Study extra on Propstore’s web site here.

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