Becoming the Silent Assassin: Costume as Black Noir

Black Noir is a character from the comic book series “The Boys,” created by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, and he also appears in the television adaptation of the same name. His life is shrouded in mystery, defined by his role as a silent, enigmatic member of the superhero team known as The Seven. Black Noir’s origins and true identity are major plot points in “The Boys” comics. Initially presented as a highly skilled and nearly invulnerable superhero, his silent demeanor and full-body black suit contribute to his menacing and mysterious persona. In the comics, it is eventually revealed that Black Noir is a clone of Homelander, The Seven’s leader, created by the Vought Corporation as a contingency plan in case Homelander goes rogue. This revelation comes with a dark twist: Black Noir’s mission is to frame Homelander for heinous acts, ultimately driving the original mad.

Portraying Black Noir: Capturing His Stealth and Stoic Presence

Throughout the comic series, Black Noir’s actions are marked by extreme violence and brutality. He remains in the background for much of the series, carrying out secretive and deadly tasks. His true nature and purpose are hidden from both his teammates and the readers until the climax of the series. When his identity is finally revealed, it leads to a climactic confrontation with Homelander, resulting in both their deaths and the exposure of Vought’s sinister machinations. In the television adaptation, Black Noir’s character is portrayed differently, with less emphasis on the clone storyline. Instead, he is depicted as a silent, lethal enforcer with a mysterious past. The show delves into his vulnerabilities and humanizes him to some extent, revealing that he suffers from severe allergies and has a more tragic backstory.

• Silent and Mysterious: Black Noir rarely speaks, maintaining a silent and enigmatic presence. His complete silence and full-body black suit add to his aura of mystery and menace.
• Loyal and Dutiful: As a member of The Seven, Black Noir follows orders without question, showcasing a strong sense of duty. He is often seen carrying out Vought’s most covert and violent missions with precision.
• Brutal and Violent: His actions are marked by extreme violence and brutality. He is a highly skilled assassin, capable of taking down opponents with ease.

Creating Black Noir’s Stealthy Look: Key Elements and Styling Tips

Reproduce His Outfit

• All-Black Appearance: True to his name, Black Noir wears an all-black outfit from head to toe. This color choice emphasizes his enigmatic and menacing presence, blending into the shadows effectively.
• Full-Face Mask: His mask covers his entire face, leaving only his eyes visible. This anonymity adds to his aura of mystery and makes him appear more threatening.
• Armor and Utility: Black Noir’s costume is not just for show; it includes practical elements like armor and utility belts. These suggest he’s prepared for combat and other dangerous situations.
• Leather and Tactical Gear: His costume often includes elements of leather and tactical gear, implying functionality and durability. These materials suggest he’s prepared for physical confrontations.

Costume Links

• Black Noir Costume #1

His Most Iconic Line

“Bravery isn’t having no fear. Bravery is having fear. But you do do it anyway.”