The Intersection of Power and Taste of Fashion: Superhero Suits in Wingstar: The Reluctant Superhero 1

WingStar: The Reluctant Superhero 1 is a groundbreaking creation by Tinkle, a renowned children’s magazine. Featuring Mapui Kawlim, a 13-year-old girl from Aizawl, Mizoram, the comic breaks stereotypes and highlights the underrepresented North Eastern region of India. Created by Sean D'Mello and artist Vineet Nair, the comic debuted in Tinkle's 35th anniversary issue (November 2015, 639), with the aim of raising awareness about East India. Mapui's superpowers stem from state-of-the-art gadgets created by her father, Tashi Kawlim, an inventor. Central to her superhero identity is her costume, a key element in both her powers and self-expression. The superhero suit, designed by Tashi, reflects a fusion of fashion, innovation, and strength. In WingStar: The Reluctant Superhero 1, the suit’s significance is emphasized in multiple storylines. Notably, in Don't Let Go, the suit is stolen by Mr. Biak, CEO of Machine Wars Inc., altering the power dynamics and identity of the characters when it fits Biak’s body. Similarly, The Best Popsicle introduces three distinct superhero suits, each with unique features that express different tastes of fashion and power. This research aims to explore the intersection of fashion, power, and identity through WingStar's superhero suit. By analyzing these elements, the study will highlight how technology, taste of fashion, and selfempowerment are intricately woven into the narrative, offering new perspectives on representation and identity in superhero comics.