I got a request the other day to offer a brief history of Martian Manhunter icons/symbols, specifically looking at one used in merchandising for the Justice League animated series. Unfortunately, I don't have a color version I can scan, since my only copy is on a lenticular trading card. Instead, here's a black and white version from a dollar store activity book I have four or five copies of (they repackaged the same couple of books with different covers.) The cartoon to my recollection never referred to a Martian Manhunter, simply J'Onn J'Onzz, but the merch told a different tale. Happily, the old school "pie slices" are in the middle, but now with fake Martian letters and background elements in play. Say, do those look like bits of White Lantern and Star Sapphire icons to you?
I have wondered about this symbol, in addition to the pie symbol. The letters are vague, and seem to have a resemblance to a few different scripts (Hebrew in particular to my eyes.)
ReplyDeleteThis symbol looks pretty cool. This is the first time i have ever seen this symbol. I like the pie slices like how he used to have it. I dont know if it was done purposely but it sorta looks like a federal marshalls badge (because of the 8 points, anyone not sure what i mean http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_126/1172753348XQKpQO.jpg thats the link)maybe they tried it like that because of being a Manhunter and all.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen this symbol, just the pie one. It's quite complicated and I'm not sure I like it... It's kinda cool, I guess. Sort of reminds me of a compass, too, which would be an apt symbol for the conscience of the Leaque.
ReplyDeleteThe letters look an awful lot like Klingon letters, too. (Don't ask me why I know this.)
I've got to find one of those activity books. I have yet to see a DC activity book in the dollar store...so far, only Marvel.
I like it too, specifically because it builds upon the old rather than replacing it.
ReplyDeleteLiss, 99 Cent Only stores had tons of the JL activity books a couple or three years ago, but I only (hardly) ever see Superman/Batman stuff now. It's all Spider-Man, Iron Man and (sometimes) Hulk these days.