There are few subjects in the world of superhero comics more controversial than trunks -- you know, the "underwear on the outside" look that you see on the classic costumes of Batman, Superman and other characters. Some of us like them, thinking that they provide a nice way to break up the blocky color of an otherwise solid outfit, while others redesign entire comic book universes and multimillion-dollar Hollywood films because they just can't take another crack about "underwear."

But just where exactly did those things come from? Well, if you've ever wondered, the folks behind the series of Today I Found Out videos on YouTube, which have previously tackled the origins of pirate words, are here to enlighten you. Check out the short but interesting explanation below!

 

 

So why do superheroes wear their underwear on the outside? Well, as those of us who follow professional wrestling already know, it's not really "underwear" at all -- it's a pair of trunks worn over the tights. What's really interesting, though, is the additional tidbit about the origins of Superman, with Siegel and Shuster's first idea, later refined with the influence of Philip Wylie's Gladiator.

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