>>94290541>I don't know what's with people and the obsession with the morally questionable, powerful, tophat and cane-wielding charactersIt's ingrained in culture. These characters have been a part of literature for almost as long as it's been around. Back when these clothes were normal for someone to wear.
Fantomas literally defined the supervillain as a concept, and characters like Arsene Lupin or Mr.Hyde, or even popular depictions of figures like Jack The Ripper, only made it further iconic. The evening wear and the top hat are as iconic to the supervillain as the cape and tights (or cloak and hat and mask if we go back a little further) are to the superhero.
Personally I find it much more interesting when the character wearing these outfits is of considerable age, or is doing so ironically, or when they look physically hideous and wear these clothes as a cover-up (like The Penguin).
I really hate that these costumes are now so heavily associated with Tumblr-bait characters or cosplaying edgelords.
