Tony Stark's 'Underoos' Joke: A Comedy of Errors in the MCU

One of the most iconic moments in Captain America: Civil War involves Tony Stark (Iron Man) calling out to Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, by his classic nickname: 'Underoos.' This joke immediately sets the tone for the entire film, blending humor with a hint of exasperation. Let's delve into the details of this moment and its significance.

The 'Underoos' Joke in Context

Written in the film Captain America: Civil War (2016), Tony Stark uses the term 'Underoos' to signal Peter Parker to join the scene at the airport. Underoos are a brand of underwear in the U.S. and a symbol of childhood superhero fantasies. The nickname is part of a larger tradition of Tony Stark's playful yet cutting remarks aimed at his teammates.

The Appeal of Underoos

Underoos are specifically designed to mimic the costumed appearance of superheroes, with patterns that match the characters' outfits. While the brand has never made it to the UK, similar products are available elsewhere. The appeal lies in the idea of kids playing dress-up, mimicking their favorite heroes. This is particularly evident with Spider-Man, whose Underoos are based on his classic comic book costume.

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For Tony Stark, the call 'Underoos' is a fun reference to the 'onesie'/pyjama quality of Spider-Man's suit. Most comic book heroes wear costumes that mimic the flexible and skin-tight qualities of spandex. In the MCU, these costumes are redesigned to be more realistic and applicable to real-world scenarios, which often makes the heroes less silly. Spider-Man, however, still wears a skin-tight fabric suit, which keeps his iconic appearance.

Spider-Man's Role in the MCU

Spider-Man's appearance in the MCU is particularly notable because his costume is not significantly altered. Unlike Batman and Superman, whose mainline costumes have undergone substantial changes, Spider-Man's classic costume from Amazing Fantasy 15 remains largely intact. This consistency allows the MCU to stay true to the character's origins while adapting it to a modern, realistic setting.

Comedy and Character Development

Tony Stark's joke serves multiple purposes. In-universe, it's a way to address Peter Parker's lack of proper fighting gear, highlighting the youthful inexperience of the hero. Out-of-universe, it's a clever way for Marvel Studios to preempt any criticism about Spider-Man's costume. By including a line that makes fun of the suit, they set the tone for the film and ensure that the audience is aware of the character's limitations.

Protecting Spider-Man

Tony Stark's immediate alert to the adults present that there is now a child on the battlefield is a nod to his sense of responsibility for Peter Parker's safety. Spider-Man, despite his incredible power, is still an untrained teenager. Tony's message is that while Spider-Man may be powerful, he is also vulnerable and should be treated with caution.

Miscellaneous Notes

For those who enjoy delving into the minutiae of the MCU, this detail is a part of a broader discussion around character consistency and storytelling. The 'Underoos' joke not only provides a moment of levity but also reinforces the themes of youth and inexperience in a high-stakes situation. Marvel Studios' decision to include such a joke is a testament to their ability to blend humor with dramatic tension, ensuring a well-rounded viewing experience.

Conclusion

In summary, Tony Stark's 'Underoos' joke is a multifaceted element that enhances the narrative and the character dynamics in Civil War. By addressing the costume and the youthful nature of Spider-Man, it sets the stage for the complex interpersonal dynamics that unfold throughout the film.

References

- Stark, T. (2016). Captain America: Civil War. Marvel Studios.

- Raimi, S. (2002-2007). Azam Spider-Man (Film Series). Columbia Pictures.

- Russo, J., Russo, C. (2016). Homecoming. Marvel Studios.

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