The Top 10 Superheroes That Wear Capes (Ranked)
Superheroes have worn capes for as long as there have been superheroes. The accessory is as important to the heroes that wear them as a good pair of shoes on a mountain hike. While some are worn to complete the superhero look, others are worn because they add more abilities to an already impressive set of abilities.
No matter the reason for wearing them, one thing is for certain…they look damn good in them.
Not all capes are created equally, however. Some capes are there just because the creator couldn’t think of something better to draw. Some capes are there because it’s commonplace for superheroes to wear them. And some capes are there for no good reason whatsoever.
Luckily, I’m not interested in those capes. I’m interested in only the best capes and if you’ll permit me a few minutes, I’d like to count them down for you. Here are the top 10 superheroes with capes.
List of the best superheroes with capes:
10. Raven
Raven is an immensely powerful character in the world of DC Comics. She first appeared inside the pages of DC Comics Presents #26 back in 1980. She is the creation of Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. Although at the time she didn’t possess nearly the power she now has, Raven is now one of DC’s greatest magic users.
As the daughter of Trigon, Raven is able to manipulate, control, and generate shadows and darkness. In addition, she can control time, energy, and emotions. She’s also able to project bolts of energy, create fireballs from her cloak, and amplify one of the Seven Deadly Sins (Pride). Although uncontrollable, Raven also has a degree of precognition.
…and this is only a small smattering of what she can do.
Raven is the only member of the Teen Titans who nobody in their right mind should ever dare the challenge. Not only would the battle be short-lived, but she could make a person feel so much pain that they wished they were dead. Best of all, she does it with a cape around her neck.
9. Shazam
Don’t tell Shazam that size matters. Shazam has one of the smallest, yet most iconic capes in comic book history. I’ve often thought about the size of his cape. I’ve wondered if it appears small only because he’s so big. I mean, if his cape were put on a normal-sized human, would it actually look like it fits? Or, if put on a normal-sized human would it make them look like they are wearing a blanket on their back?
Think about it.
Shazam’s cape looks tiny on him because he’s bigger than most mountains. If someone that’s regular size wore it, would it look as odd? I’d be willing to bet that it wouldn’t. No matter the size of his cape, Shazam does have a cape. For this reason, he easily makes my superheroes that wear capes list.
8. Storm
Storm has one of the more unique capes in comics. Different from most, Storm’s cape attaches at her upper back and her wrists. This configuration gives her one of the best looks in comic books. When Storm opens up her arms, she looks like a butterfly flying up to the heavens. For a mutant who can control the weather and ride the skies, this couldn’t be more perfect.
Storm is an Omega-Level mutant, who has, for a time led the X-Men, ruled a nation, was the first would-be member of the X-Men that Professor Xavier met, rocked an iconic haircut, and beat Wonder Woman in battle. She is one of the most recognizable superheroes in existence and has done more for the genre than most comic book characters have ever dreamed of doing. Even though she has gone through multiple costume changes, Storm almost always chooses to wear her iconic cape.
7. Thor
Thor has been a mainstay in Marvel Comics for almost as long as Marvel Comics has existed. He first appeared in Journey Into Mystery #83 back in August of 1962. He was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby.
As the God of Thunder, Thor is capable of things that most other characters aren’t. He possesses superhuman strength, durability, stamina, speed, and is near-immortal. Thor is also able to manipulate the weather, dimensionally travel, and fly. Because he is the God of Thunder, when Thor appears or disappears, he’s often surrounded by a lightning bolt, blast, and a cloud of dust.
Thor has gone through a multitude of costume changes over the years. Each version of his costume, while not too different from the last, has one distinct commonality…they all utilize a bright red cape.
6. Cloak
Cloak’s Cloak is as much of a fashion statement as it is a weapon.
As a result of an accident, Tyrone Johnson (Cloak) and Tandy Bowen (Dagger) were given a strange set of powers. Whereas Tandy was able to create daggers made of light, Tyrone was given the ability to travel in and out of the Dark Dimension as well as send others to it. Once in the Dark Dimension, the greatest fears of the individual were realized in front of them. As a by-product of his transformation, Tyrone constantly feels a hunger that can be quenched in one of two ways. First, he can absorb others into the Dark Dimension and second, Dagger’s presence.
Although neither has received the recognition they deserve, Cloak’s Cloak is one of the most awe-inspiring weapons in the Marvel Universe. More than that, he’d never have made this list of superheroes that wear capes without it.
5. Superman
Arguably, there are two capes in the DC Universe more famous than any others, and both make this list.
The first is Superman’s.
Superman’s cape is more than just a cape. It’s a symbol of hope, a light in the dark, and a reminder that there is good in the world. Superman’s cape has remained practically unchanged since its creation. It’s a brilliant red with the iconic crest for the House of El on it. The cape is as iconic as the suit and for some, myself included, it’s more iconic.
And why?
Simple. The cape rising upwards in the wind is one of the most famous representations of Superman in history. It’s been on more comic covers, appeared in more forms of media, and inspired more children taking selfies than any other cape ever created.
4. Batgirl
Batgirl’s cape changes depending on which era she’s in. When she was first introduced, the cape was a cool combination of blue and black. Although it isn’t her best, the cape was modeled after her male counterpart, Batman. From there, the cape changed to:
- Blue and yellow
- Black and yellow
- Purple and black
And her best, purple and yellow.
Batgirl’s cape is as synonymous with the character as her intelligence, quirky disposition, and do what’s right attitude.
Batgirl makes this list of superheroes that wear capes simply because there isn’t another female character more deserving of it. Alongside Dick Grayson, she is the second most important member of the Batfamily. The first, if you’re wondering, is Batman.
3. Batman
Batman’s cape is the other of DC’s most famous capes.
Batman’s cape is everything that a good cape should be. Instead of being a beacon of hope for all who look at it, Batman’s cape is used to strike fear in his opponents. His cape is what makes his suit. It clouds him when he’s visible, it carries him when he’s airborne, and it sends a paralyzing fear down the spines of any who see it.
Batman’s cape is the reason he’s instantly recognizable and is the reason that creators have been able to recreate him time and again. Batman’s cape is as important to the character as the Batmobile. Like the Batmobile, the cape gives the character depth, definition, and separates him from 1000’s of other superheroes. Batman without his cape is like a pizza without cheese…just plain strange.
2. Dr. Strange
Speaking of Strange. Like another on this list of superheroes that wear capes, Dr. Strange’s cape is more than it appears.
The Cloak of Levitation does exactly what the name says it does…it allows Dr. Strange to levitate. However, if levitating was all it did, it wouldn’t be impressive enough to make this list. The Cloak can also be used as a defensive and offensive garment. It does this by capturing and ensnaring its opponents much like a Venus Fly Trap attacks its prey.
Throughout history, it has appeared in two colors, red and blue. The blue version was the one originally worn and the red is the one most associated with the character. While the Cloak of Levitation has been around for decades, it only became known to the masses due to the overwhelming success of the MCU’s Dr. Strange movie.
1. Spawn
Unlike many of the other superheroes that wear capes, Spawn’s cape is actually a living entity. The cape and the rest of the costume forms a symbiotic relationship with Spawn. It’s actually a living organism that’s entangled itself around Spawn’s nervous system. It survives by feeding off his necroplasmic body.
His suit and cape aren’t just generically known as Spawn’s suit and cape.
Nope.
The suit and cape are actually known as Leetha of the 7th House of K. Through them, he’s granted incredible power. They allow him to create spikes, armor, chains, and to shrink and grow his size. In addition, they give Spawn a constant supply of power and subconsciously defend him. Spawn’s cape is like having a best friend who claims they’ll watch out for you…but instead of only claiming that they will, it actually does.
And that’s it. The top 10 Superheroes that wear capes. Agree? Disagree? Who would make your superheroes with capes list?
