History Main / BadassCape

* According to ''ComicBook/{{Asterix}}'', the ancient world considered red capes as indicators of office...Vitalstatistix, Getafix, Caesar, and Cacofonix (plus any visiting druid or chieftain) were hardly seen without such.
* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'':

* Cloak from ''ComicBook/CloakAndDaggerMarvelComics'', of course, is a cloak rather than a cape. In fact, he's nothing but a cloak. He's also otherworldly, dark, and conflicted. Cloak's EvilCounterpart Ecstasy manages a costume that is both this and {{Stripperiffic}} at the same time.
* In ''ComicBook/{{Democracy}}'', all the Spartans wear red capes and they are the most fearsome warriors in the Ancient world.
* Of course, one of the most famous cape-wearers in comicdom is ''ComicBook/DoctorDoom''. The golden cape clasps he wears suggest it really is a ''cape'' rather than a cloak, and that the hood is not in fact part of it.
* ''ComicBook/DoctorFate''. Both Fate and Strange's capes are often shown billowing about as though they're enchanted to fluctuate in size and length, which is likely for both characters.
* In ''ComicBook/DoctorStrange'', the eponymous surgeon and Master of the Mystic Arts possesses his Cloak of Levitation, a red, gold-trimmed cape that flows down past his knees and allows him to fly. It has defense applications, as seen on occasions where it shielded him from mystical or mundane attacks. It can also be controlled by Strange telepathically to act as another pair of hands, occasionally restraining or distracting adversaries. Though not as obviously sentient as its Live Action counterpart, the Cloak has occasionally demonstrated some levels of free will, at least once hiding and getting Strange to chase after it as a game.
* In ''ComicBook/{{Donjon}}'', there is the Cloak of Fate - not so much a cape as a sort of robe, a rather worn-looking thing covered in a garish skull motif, which however is completely indestructible and shields its wearer from all harm.
* The Demon ComicBook/{{Etrigan}} wears a cape that gets extra cool points for being tattered and ripped on the ends.
* In ''ComicBook/{{Fables}}'' there's the Witching Cloak, which makes its wearer all but invulnerable, is (nearly) indestructible itself, and allows its wearer to teleport anywhere (even between worlds), carry huge loads, and change form.
* In ''[[http://johnnysaturn.com Johnny Saturn]]'', imposing characters such as Utopian and Tactical have badass capes. Elect, the ''original'' superhero, wears a cape over a cloak! Of course, he is the source for a great many characters in the [[http://johnnysaturn.com Johnny Saturn]]/Spire City World.
* The Master of Magnetism, ''ComicBook/{{Magneto}}'', rocks an imposing purple/red cape in almost every incarnation.
** It seems that this is genetic; both of his magical descendants (His daughters, ComicBook/ScarletWitch, [[Characters/XMen60sMembers Polaris]] and his grandson, Wiccan) rock dark-red cloaks/capes. (Wiccan's is a badass tattered cloak)
** In an issue of ''ComicBook/NewMutants'' where Magneto fought the Avengers, we learn that his cape is laced with metallic fibers that his magnetic powers allowed him to use in order to break Hercules' grip on him.
* The ComicBook/MartianManhunter usually sports an impressive cape. He can't be said to ''wear'' it because it, like all his clothes, is a part of his body, justifying why it never gets caught on anything.
* In the Franchise/MarvelUniverse: Eric Payne, Devil-Slayer. He wears an item called a Shadow Cloak (looks more cape-like or cloak-like, DependingOnTheArtist) that can teleport himself and others across space and to various dimensions, and from which he can draw out various weapons from other places or worlds. Its main limitation is that it can't handle items or people exceeding 1,000 pounds at once. Sword? Yes. M-1 tank? No.
** Hellcat briefly wore a Shadow Cloak during a stint with the Defenders. She eventually decided it was more trouble than it was worth and folded it in on itself until it disappeared.
* ''ComicBook/TheMightyThor'' usually wears a big red cape.
* ''[[ComicBook/NewGods Mister Miracle]]'' has a large green cape. The original MM costume was that of a circus performer, which explains its presence, but when Scott Free took up the mantle, his cape was for more than just looks. It's been an ImprovisedParachute and a portable shield and shelter against all sorts of attacks. Its size means that it can be wrapped around the wearer (and maybe another person or two) to provide all-round protection if needed.
* ''Comicbook/MoonKnight'', being basically Marvel's AlternateCompanyEquivalent of Batman, has his [[InTheHood hood]] extend into a long white cape.
* Even WesternAnimation/DonaldDuck can look bad-ass in a cape, as he proved in ''ComicBook/PaperinikNewAdventures''. In his more dramatic moments, you can sense the inspiration from the Batman himself.

* ''ComicBook/PhantomLady'' wears a green one that contrasts her bright yellow bathing suit. Pretty badass, if not much for stealth.
* ''ComicBook/{{Quasar}}'', who is effectively Marvel's Green Lantern. His cape, it's full of stars...
* ''ComicBook/TheSentry'' wears a blue cape that tends to billow dramatically.

** Mysterio usually has a purple cape to go with his 'fishbowl' and green outfit, which both help negate the cheesiness of the headgear and let him look more, well, mysterious. He's also got eye-shaped clasps attached to hold it on that can even shoot lasers.

* ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'' duh. Not so much badass as just plain awesome, though. Plus, in some incarnations, it's said that the entire planet of Krypton wore badass capes.
* V from ''ComicBook/VForVendetta''. He's so badass, he's an anarchist.
* Subverted and played with in ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}'':

* ComicBook/{{Storm|MarvelComics}} from ''ComicBook/XMen'' most of the time. Her capes are usually also attached to her bracelets, to the point where it's practically a definitive piece of her design. Since her flight powers are based on wind, the cape presumably helps provide lift.

* ''Franchise/MyHeroAcademia'': All Might is the main caped hero though there are a few others who wear them as well, like All Might's mentor Nana Shimura when she was alive.