DC Needs to Resurrect Alex Ross’ Creepy Martian Manhunter Design
Iconic artist Alex Ross had a concept for Martian Manhunter to be redesigned in a way that made the superhero more horrific than ever before.
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Iconic artist Alex Ross had a concept for Martian Manhunter to be redesigned in a way that made the superhero creepier than ever before. Although the redesign never appeared in the comics, it had the potential to permanently redefine J’onn J’onzz.
Known for his photorealistic portrayal of the DC Universe, Alex Ross’ creative process has been documented in Rough Justice: The DC Comics Sketches of Alex Ross. Although his depiction of the DC Universe tends to remain faithful to the heroes’ most recognizable costumes, the book also sheds light on Ross’ ideas for new takes on characters. While hooded suits and more modernized approaches to heroes have caught on in recent years, many of the redesigns didn’t make it into comics.
In Rough Justice, Alex Ross reveals a new design for Martian Manhunter that emphasizes his horrific ability to shape-shift. Wearing a white hooded cloak instead of a blue cape, the striking figure has a myriad of tentacles coming from out of his body, making it seem that he’s unable to suppress his abilities. The bold new look never appeared in comics, but could have taken “the Manhunter from Mars” in a fresh direction. Alex Ross elaborated on his concept, saying, “I thought that a dramatic color swap with white for blue on Manhunter made for a striking departure, and with the hood added, he now looked like a reverse Spectre. The tentacles coming out from under the cloak could imply that his shape-changing ability had gone out of control, making him more alien than ever.”
Many fans of Martian Manhunter would prefer for his alien side to be exaggerated, as it differentiates him from his fellow Justice League members. Darwyn Cooke’s New Frontier depicted a similarly alien take on the character, who learned to blend in with humanity by taking another form to show he comes in peace. In contrast, Ross’ take appears too powerful to consider changing his appearance, as he’s unable to deny his origins from Mars. His only hope to conceal his face is the hooded cloak he wears.
Dubbed by Ross as “the Manhunter from Mars,” even the name adds a sense of mystery. Instead of presenting a cooler, armored take on J’onn J’onzz, his costume remains to be distinct from other heroes he fights alongside. As Martian Manhunter has kept the same color scheme throughout his comic book history of red and blue, it’s time for DC to reconsider resurrecting Alex Ross’ horrific redesign.
Link Source : https://screenrant.com/alex-ross-martian-manhunter-redesign/