MARTIANSMARTIANS
Classification: Semi-insectoid extraterrestrial race
Location/Base of Operations: Mars (see comments)
Known Members: Zob (others unidentified)
Affiliations: None known
Enemies: Igor Romanoff and his Communist group;
eventually planned to invade Earth
First Appearance: Adventure into Weird Worlds#21 (August, 1953)
Powers/Abilities: These Martians have the means to monitor the activities of humans for potential discussion regarding Martian activities.
They have access to some sort of
disintegration beam that can cause individuals, groups and even entire
buildings to crumble into powder.
They also had a number of
interplanetary crafts, although, as of 1953, they were still 27 years
away from being able to invade.
Traits: That Martians had a plan to invade
Earth nearly 30 years in the future, and they were willing to kill
groups of humanity to prevent discovery of their plot.
Type: Bilaterally symmetric semi-insectoid beings
Eyes: One (on head; light blue color seen)
Fingers: Three (plus opposing thumb)
Toes: One per limb
Skin color: Green and yellow, with green fur
Average height: Unrevealed; they weren't shown in relation to humans, and they may be significantly shorter or taller than humans
Other Distinguishing Features: The Martians have bodies divided into two segments
(head, with a short neck separating it from the fur-covered
torso/thoracoabdomen) like some insects.
They stood erect, with six legs (three on each side) at the bottom of their torso, and an arm on either side of the upper part of their torso. Their arms had hands with three fingers and an opposing thumb, while their legs ended in a single digit.
Their heads have a single,
cyclopean eye, and a vertically-oriented mouth. They have a fin atop
their head, with four black stripes on either side of their face.
History:
(Adventure into Weird Worlds#21 (fb) - BTS) - The Martians planned to invade Earth in 1980 A.D.
(Adventure into Weird Worlds#21
- BTS) - Circa 1953, having failed to entice the population of America
into communism, Igor Romanoff -- inspired by the panic during the 1938
radio broadcast of the War of the Worlds -- shared with his comrades
his plan of starting a rumor of a Martian invasion, which he was
certain would lead to panic and confusion and allow the communists to
take over America. However, the locals ignored and disregarded the
information Romanoff and his comrades told them.
(Adventure into Weird Worlds#21 (fb) - BTS) - Nonetheless,
having heard of this plot and not wanting to forewarn humanity against
their future invasion, Agent Zob of Mars warned his people, and the
Martians disintegrated Romanoff, his comrades and the building in which
they met, leaving behind only a large pile of powder.
(Adventure into Weird
Worlds#21) - Another Martian congratulated Agent Zob, noting that his
report had been correct and that they had silenced "these fools."
However, Zob and the other Martian remained perplexed at how they had
learned of their invasion plot, which was still nearly three decades
away.
Comments: Created by unknown writer, John Forte.
It's possible that this story took
place in an alternate reality, but there's nothing that I saw that
would contradict it taking place on Earth-616. The mysterious
destruction of a communist base is not that remarkable for all the
things that happen in the Marvel Universe. People likely assumed that
the communists had been discovered and that the building was burned
down.
Did they ever attack in 1980? Who knows? That is
like 30 years before the start of the modern/heroic age that began with
the Fantastic Four's spaceflight in Fantastic Four I#1). Maybe the
First Line or the Man on the Wall thwarted or prevented their invasion.
Regardless, it remains to be explained how so many different races/beings allegedly originated from Mars.
Profile by Snood.
CLARIFICATIONS:
The Martians should be distinguished from:
images: (without ads)
Adventure into Weird Worlds#21/6, pg. 3, panel 3 (Romanoff's speculation);
pg. 5, panel 2 (Romanoff disintegrating);
panel 6 (building disintegrating);
panel 7 (Martians looking
over disintegrated building and discussing the situation)
Appearances:
Adventure into Weird Worlds#21/6 "Romanoff's Rumor!" (August, 1953) - unknown writer, John Forte (penciler), Matt Fox (inker)
First posted: 10/24/2025
Last updated: 10/24/2025
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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