“In 1945, National Periodical Publications (later simply known as DC Comics) trademarked Superman’s symbol, allowing the ability to print his stories in perpetuity, rather than allowing the printed material to become public domain after 75 years, as was the norm at that time. The ability to license and merchandise the character created another source of income for the comics industry.”
Clark Kent first appeared between 1934-35.
In 1944, the trademarked version of the symbol appeared in Superman 26.
“Superman’s symbol has become recognizable all over the world. However, at one time it wasn’t very consistently drawn — and that is the crux of this article. Prior to having trademarked the symbol, it went through a great deal of change. Here is the story as we know it.”
View the full archive on Brian G. Philbin’s MetropolisPlus.com.
Comments
The first few look very weak and the next ones are very cartoony and playful, almost not very superman-ish. Where’s the bold, strong, powerful slab serif?
This is the one I remember most, Alicia.
Funny coincidence, my client just said that one of my recommendations reminded him of the Superman logo (not even close). I replied “Is that bad?”
The logo in the cartoon looks like the classic one to me.
I don’t think I’ve come across those earlier versions but I remember drawing and re-drawing those last two S’s…
In the comic at the top of the page, Superman looks like he smokes and would call me racist names.
When you concentrate just on the S logo it appears much wonkier that when it’s on Superman. Weird, I thought it was much more precise than appearing hand drawn.