Great thoughts on Superman symbol design

Superman symbol: one of a number of great symbols, great logos, great designs. These are things worth doing right, whether it's toys, games, a piece of equipment, even a cape and costume like Superman's. This website has a great article about the elements of the Superman symbol.

We know about the classic blue uniform with the red cape and boots. However, these authors have done an interesting analysis related to the Superman symbol itself. This is one of several logos that the authors analyze in some detail on their website.

The website authors write about the components of the classic symbol, including:

  • similarities between the Superman logo and the classic Square and Compass symbol used to represent the Master Mason in Freemasonry
  • how the red and yellow color scheme in the Superman symbol reflect the two most important stars in his life: red Rao (home star of Krypton) and yellow Sol (Earth's sun)

After reading the Superman logo article, you do get a better appreciation of the work that goes into creating a famous logo or symbol. You have to think about the elements that you want the symbol to represent and then find achievable ways to incorporate them. What colors convey the correct message? Which objects or symbols would convey strength, power, and overall heroism?

It seems hard to believe, though, that the Superman logo would have been created with such a direct reference to Freemasonry. So, although it is similar, it's possible that the authors found a coincidence in design and nothing more. Or, perhaps they were just inspired unconsciously by the logo design.

The color choice does make a lot of sense to me, though. Red and yellow are primary, powerful colors and they are great for a logo or symbol design. They catch your attention and focus it on the fact that this is not an ordinary man. This man, this Superman, is a powerful being capable of doing great things. He isn't afraid to put himself in public, on the line, either.

If Superman had some from a planet with a green sun, does that mean that his symbol would be green and yellow? Now isn't that a weird idea? That would make for an interesting study at some point: experimenting with different color schemes for Superman's costume and symbol. I have a feeling, though, that nothing would match the power and clarity of the red and yellow Superman symbol. Don't you agree?