Superman dons a black version of his iconic red and blue suit in the famous "Death and Return of Superman" storyline from the comics in 1992-93. The 2018 Arrowverse crossover event is putting Clark Kent in the same getup, though perhaps for much different reasons. Arrow star Stephen Amell blasted the photo of Tyler Hoechlin's Superman on all his social media accounts Monday afternoon, only hours before the premiere of Arrow Season 7.
The black suit from the comics was designed to help Superman heal after his battle with Doomsday; a showdown that left him presumed dead... until he wasn't (becuase comics and Kryptonian stuff). For the Arrowverse crossover, dubbed "Elseworlds," this costume is more likely to signify an alternate universe or another world where there may be an "evil" Superman. In Supergirl, which introduced Superman to the Arrowverse, the evil, mind-altering effects of Red Kryptonite gave Kara a black costume. It's possible Clark's black costume is borrowing from that established CW precedent.
Elseworlds was a DC Comics imprint where stories took place outside of the mainline continuity… weird, dark worlds where some really wack stuff happened. Grant Gustin (who plays The Flash) and Amell's matching all-black outfits, alongside a black-clad Superman, strongly suggest all three heroes are in an alternate universe.
This isn't the first time Superman's worn all black in a cinematic universe, though. The black suit briefly appears during the dream sequence in Man of Steel, and in a cut scene from Justice League.
It's worth noting the suit in the famous "Death and Return of Superman" storyline had no cape, belt or collar. It's also missing the silver cuffs, and the mullet, of course. So while this is a black suit, but might not be the black suit. Could be a stealth suit, an evil suit… let us know your guesses in the comments below.
The "Elseworlds" crossover takes place from Dec. 9-11.
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