The World Without Daylight Spandex Suit: A Superhero Cosplay Memory

Photo Copyright Cesar Torres

Back in 2014 when I launched World Without Daylight, the second book in the How to Kill a Superhero tetralogy, I wanted to represent the book through shape, color and fabric. I wanted a superhero suit that embodied the book.

I was lucky enough to know Shane Sprankel, a member of the kink community who loved my book series, and who also loved spandex superhero suits. Shane had already designed and tailored a suit for the first book in the series, and when I asked if he could work on the sequel, he said yes.

About the Cover

This is the original cover of World Without Daylight, the second book in the HTKS series. Designed by Nick Agin.

This red, white and black cover is actually the original cover of the paperback. However, I soon replaced it with the version you see today on Amazon and on my web stores. Nick Agin, a designer I met in New York City, designed this stunning cover that was inspired by thrillers from the 1960’s and their colorful graphic design. However, once I started working on Transformation Fetish, the third volume, our mutual schedules and needs prevented us from him designing all four covers. So what you see in today’s superhero confession is a bit of a vault item for the fans of the series who were there in the early years.

The Suit

Photo Copyright Cesar Torres

I wore this suit to Comic Con, several events in NYC and a few leather contests. I loved the pop-art stylings of the suit, and since I am partial to the superhero trunks as part of a look, it delighted me to wear the red spandex over the black leotard.

How I Feel Now

Photo Copyright Cesar Torres

I no longer own this suit. When I trimmed my collection, I parted ways with it. When I see these photos I feel pride in my books, in my Aztec multiverse, and I also feel a touch of sadness. My work habits were out of control in those years. I was a true workaholic, and I don’t miss that part of myself. But I do feel a lot of joy in seeing these old photographs of the suit, shot at home in my apartment in very natural settings. They reflect a love of cosplay, ny superhero fetish, but most importantly, they reflect my artistic collaboration with Shane, who is both kind and creative.

Your Feedback

What’s your experience of the original book cover and the matching spandex superhero suit? Let me know.