This study takes the media adaptation process of comic originals as its research context and systematically investigates how the visual identity of character costume design can be maintained when comic characters are re-created in live-action dramas, ...
This study takes the media adaptation process of comic originals as its research context and systematically investigates how the visual identity of character costume design can be maintained when comic characters are re-created in live-action dramas, films, and other audiovisual productions. It further explores methods for achieving more precise character costume reconstruction through the application of 3D digital technologies. With the rapid development of the multimedia environment, cross-media creation among comics, animation, television dramas, and films has become increasingly active. As one of the most critical visual components of narrative expression, character costume design plays a vital role in character recognition, emotional expression, cultural symbolism, and narrative development. Within the expanding IP industry ecosystem, the consistency and creativity of costume design are directly linked to artistic quality, audience immersion, and the extension of IP value.
The study first reviews the developmental background of the comic-to-screen industry both domestically and internationally, emphasizing that costume design in cross-media adaptation must strike a balance between fidelity to the original work and compatibility with the visual language of live-action media. From this perspective, the research analyzes differences in costume representation between comics and audiovisual works in terms of formal consistency, inheritance of visual features, color and material transformation, and stylistic adaptation. It clarifies the central role of costume design in character construction and narrative expression. Drawing on a wide range of prior studies, the research further synthesizes costume style transformations across comics, animation, and live-action media, identifying shared challenges and developmental trends in contemporary screen costume design, including the reinterpretation of cultural symbols, diversification of audience expectations, and the widespread adoption of digital production technologies.
Four research methods are employed: literature review, case study, comparative analysis, and interdisciplinary research. The literature review systematically examines original comics, audiovisual materials, and relevant academic studies to establish a theoretical foundation. Case studies analyze character costumes from works such as Shaonian Ge Xing and Bai Yao Pu, comparing differences in structure, color, materials, and narrative function between the original comics and their screen adaptations. Comparative analysis examines how costume changes across different media influence audience comprehension and character construction, taking into account historical context, cultural background, and aesthetic trends. Interdisciplinary research integrates perspectives from film studies, costume history, cultural studies, and craft production to interpret the cultural significance and industrial value of character costumes within the broader process of IP expansion.
One of the key contributions of this study lies in incorporating 3D costume modeling and virtual simulation technologies into the research framework of costume design for comic-based adaptations. The findings indicate that the application of 3D technologies not only overcomes limitations in efficiency and precision associated with traditional handcrafted costume design, but also enables more realistic representations of material behavior, fluidity, and pattern development. Through case analysis, the study confirms that 3D modeling allows for accurate reproduction of costume structure and proportions during early production stages, ensuring compatibility with actors’ body types and filming requirements, while contributing to improved final visual quality. Moreover, digital costumes can be effectively utilized in the rapid development of IP-derived products, thereby enhancing brand commercial value and market scalability.
The main conclusions of this study are as follows. First, the visual characteristics of costumes in comic originals possess a high degree of symbolic significance, and preserving their core elements during screen adaptation is essential for maintaining character consistency and audience recognition. Second, appropriate innovation enables character costumes to align with the expressive logic of live-action media, enhancing texture realism, narrative impact, and cultural expressiveness. Third, 3D technology serves as a crucial tool in contemporary screen costume design, improving efficiency and accuracy throughout the entire process from design to production, and facilitating an effective integration of traditional costume craftsmanship and digital design. Fourth, within the expanding IP industry system, costume design with strong visual consistency not only strengthens character brand identity but also promotes derivative product development, thereby increasing the overall commercial value of the work.
In summary, this study proposes a practical theoretical framework and methodological approach for costume design in comic-based screen adaptations. By integrating visual identity research with 3D digital technology, it advances a systematic approach to character costume design and provides both theoretical reference and practical value for future cross-media IP image development.