DC Revives 8 Iconic Superman Costumes in a Single Scene for 2025

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Harley Quinn Season 5, Episode 1. In a remarkable scene, DC has revived eight iconic Superman suits in what is arguably one of its wildest shows. The premiere of Harley Quinn Season 5 sees Harley and Poison Ivy departing Gotham for the vibrant city of Metropolis, setting the stage to display some of Superman’s most legendary costumes from his 87-year history.

Iconic Superman Suits Featured in Harley Quinn Season 5

A Closer Look at Metropolis’ New Superman Museum

Superman Museum in Harley Quinn S5 Episode 1

Before making a more permanent move to Metropolis, Harley and Ivy find themselves at a gala celebrating the newly opened Superman Museum, which is backed by Lex Luthor’s sister, Lena. Unlike her infamous brother, Lena appears to be more charitable than sinister. The museum is brimming with classic Superman artifacts, including the rocket that brought Kal-El to Earth, the enormous key to the Fortress of Solitude, assorted kryptonite variations, The Black Mercy, and the Phantom Zone Projector.

Among the most thrilling attractions at the museum are a variety of Superman’s legendary costumes throughout the years. These outfits, many inspired by comic book origins, also feature designs that pay homage to previous animated representations of the character. Positioned strategically in several background shots, these costumes serve as delightful Easter eggs for fans, with one particular highlight being the Warhammer 40K power armor suit, a nod to actor Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman.

Exploring Harley Quinn Season 5’s Superman Suits

Iconic Suits from Comics and Animation

The premiere of Harley Quinn prominently features Superman’s black recovery suit, notable for its role in the “Death of Superman”storyline, which helped to restore his body through solar energy after his return. Next is the classic “Fleischer”suit, distinguished by its black and red emblem with a yellow outline, reminiscent of the animated shorts from Fleischer Studios in the early 1940s. Also included is the Power Armor suit—created by Professor Emil Hamilton in Action Comics #659—worn by Superman when he temporarily lost his abilities, alongside the “Brave New Metropolis” costume from the original DC Animated Universe that showcases a darker iteration of Superman.

The second row of suits at the gala features the red-and-blue containment suits from 1997’s Superman #123, during which Superman was divided into two different entities, each with its own unique powers. Another entry is the white space suit from Superman: The Animated Series, used for extended missions in deep space. Finally, there’s Superman’s suit from DC’s New 52 launch in 2011, characterized by its black piping and a distinctive red belt replacing the classic red trunks.

Significance of Classic Suits in Harley Quinn Season 5

Celebrating the Legacy of Superman through Animation and Comics

Harley Quinn Season 5 Ep 1-46 — Image via Max

Beyond the appealing nods to comic costumes, the presence of various outfits associated with animated versions of Superman adds a layer of homage to the legacy of the Man of Steel in this fresh iteration of the DC animated series. The Superman Museum itself offers a creative way to celebrate Metropolis’ heroic icon, especially as Harley encourages Superman to take a break just before she and Ivy decide to settle in the city. With this new status quo, it seems Metropolis is poised to become even more chaotic and unpredictable, paving the way for engaging future episodes in the series.

Catch new episodes of Harley Quinn Season 5, airing Thursdays on Max.

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