Part Ten: Do These Metal Eggs Do Anything For My Bust?

Doug: Was Madonna influenced by Barbara Norris? Who knows? But what we do know is that this lovely lady certainly pushed female-warrior-fashion to new levels in the Bronze Age of comics, and beyond.

Doug: First appearing as part of the Lady Liberators in the pages of The Avengers #83 back in December 1970, she was drawn by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. She was originally the Enchantress in disguise, and led a female fighting force of the Black Widow, the Scarlet Witch, Medusa, and the Wasp. The story raised issues of the women's liberation movement which was gaining steam in the States at that time. She next appeared in The Defenders #4 in February 1973, drawn then by Buscema's younger brother Sal and inked by Frank McLaughlin. The page at left depicts her first appearance in that book and again involved the Enchantress. From that issue on, Valkyrie lived a two-in-one existence with a young American named Barbara Norris, in effect replacing her with an Asgardian spirit and past. A running plot through the first few years of the Defenders book involved abandoned husband Jack Norris' efforts to restore his wife's personality and memories to the body now inhabited by the warrior-woman.

Doug: The outfit above certainly has its influence in our sometimes-humorous vision of the "fat lady" of opera. The metal breast cups, the long blond braids, the spear -- really, it's all here. I think John Buscema chose, and rightfully so, to depict this heroine (although villain at the time) as typical of his females: shapely yet strong. I'm thinking if ol' Val had been originally drawn like the Nordic babe at right, she might not have caught on... But in regard to her original clothes, which have endured for the character the longest, it really is a nice costume. The black and royal blue is a good color combination, and the silver accents (OK -- is it just me, or does the costume just scream out "Look at my boobs!!"?) are good. Lastly, the footwear, although perhaps impractical (seems a little skimpy for 24-7 butt-kicking), is fine. Taking all things into consideration, though, I do like the original costume the best. I've always liked the way Sal Buscema drew Val's hair sweeping across one eye. Sexy, and mysterious. She shows strength and obviously means business. And the nod to Asgard is inherent in the character and important to the credibility of her as well. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!

Karen: I've always thought this original costume was a great look. It's hard to go wrong with that color combo, and it does evoke the whole Viking thing. As far as her, er, bombshells go: it's kind of funny that while they are very prominent, the metal cups actually in a sense hide her natural assets. Who knows what's inside those cups! In some ways this is a rather demure outfit.

Doug: After a few years of Defendering, Val decided to wrap herself in some new-look textiles. The result was curious at best. I guess the main part of the suit is metal, or at least metallic in nature. Most artists/colorists seemed to depict it as having a gloss or glimmer, hence my conclusion. I don't think the color scheme is good at all, the royal blue cape now seeming at odds with the peach or orange hue of the costume (which also clashes with Val's blond hair). And what's up with the boots? I know I had a slight concern over the foot-coverings of the first costume, but this is to the opposite extreme. So while this one isn't a complete disaster, I'd label it a "fashion concern".

Karen: The gold just doesn't cut it. Maybe if they had stayed with the black it might have worked. I know they were trying for something different, but I would agree, it just isn't quite there.

Doug: Lastly, we'll look at what I can only describe as a slut-suit. I'm talking about the get-up (or get-out, depending on one's perspective...) that debuted in the pages of The Ultimates 2 #6 and showcased the assets of young Barbara Norriss of the Ultimate Universe. The little vamp wooed neurotic Hank Pym away from the memories of Janet van Dyne, becoming Hank's lover. To be honest, I'm surprised this version of Barbara was written as being 19-years old; certainly had she debuted in The Ultimates 3 under the watch of Jeph Loeb, he'd have kept the same storyline but made the character only 15. Or 14. Yuck. But, that's a story for another day. Obviously artists Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary have paid homage to the original Valkyrie costume, but isn't this just trashy? I know it fits in with the way modern waistlines are in pants, and it hearkens to the days of Brittany Spears' belly, etc. But c'mon. I guess I am getting to be just too old for some of this stuff. Needless to say, this last entry is a Fashion Disaster!

Karen: Terrible. May the wrath of Odin be felt by whatever miscreant designed yon outfit!