‘Evil Superman’ Go well with From Superman III Goes Up for Public sale

Christopher Reeve will perpetually be the definitive live-action Superman, whilst other performers (up subsequent: David Corenswet in James Gunn‘s DC Studios launch) have assumed the mantle on the large and small display screen. However whereas Reeve at all times 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 pretend Kryptonite, and is “to place it bluntly, an enormous piece of shit.” Nonetheless, a Superman go well with worn by Reeve remains 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 may 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 isn’t: “[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 consuming closely in a bar after which preventing a weak Clark Kent in a junkyard.”

It comes with the next: “a customized blue knit leotard with the stylized Superman emblem sewn into the entrance with hooked up maroon trunks, a pair of matching knit tights, a cape, a belt, and a pair of shoes. It’s darker in colour to spotlight 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 an entire Superman costume worn by Reeve throughout the primary three Superman motion pictures; it was in “implausible” situation and fetched $359,375.

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

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

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