MARTIANS

Classification: Humanoid extraterrestrial race

Location/Base of Operations: Mars (active up to early 1950s)

Known Members: Emissary (name unrevealed), many others

Affiliations: None

Enemies: Humans

First Appearance: Marvel Tales I#111/2 (February, 1953)

Powers/Abilities: The red Martians are carnivorous, having exclusively incisor teeth plus a pair of upper long protruding fangs; almost tusk-like, it's unrevealed if these serve a purpose for eating or disabling prey (they may be a leftover physical characteristic from an earlier evolutionary time). They have short forehead-mounted paired antennae that may facilitate/enhance communication; the emissary to Earth spoke fluent English, so it may be that the antennae serve as telepathic communicators. The red Martians have advanced technology including travel to other planets, although this seems limited to a solo mission.

Traits: The red Martians appear to have a patriarchal social structure and have become reliant on technology for comfort rather than basic necessities. They eat meat (and humans will substitute for their Martian food) but they have become socially conditioned to require mustard spice to cover food taste and have developed a sensitive palate.

Type: Bilaterally symmetric humanoid bipeds
Eyes: Two (on head)
Fingers: Three (plus opposing thumb) (webbed)
Toes: Unrevealed
Skin color: Red
Average height: 7'

History:

(Marvel Tales I#111/2 (fb)) - Amongst Mars' desolate landscape, the red Martians' technologically advanced cities provided many comforts. But their cities deteriorated amid claims of Mars dying (despite the desolate landscapes). Newborn babies were dying and food supplies rapidly dwindled. One Martian was chosen as emissary to find a planet on which there might be suitable food, as well as the mustard herb to make such meat palatable.

(Marvel Tales I#111/2 (fb) - BTS) - The emissary arrived on Earth and soon found the right food. But he then raided a house, making a mess of the kitchen as he scoured for the particular spice.

(Marvel Tales I#111/2) - The resident arrived home with his friend after a restaurant dinner and were shocked to find the red Martian, who snarled at them. The two men initially thought the red Martian was a burglar in a costume, but the alien had them sit and listen to the story of his people and mission. Both (privileged) men said Earth had plenty of food and recognized the Martian's desired spice from his description. Feeling sympathetic to the alien, they gave him a jar of mustard, but he instead turned on them, revealing humans were the food and mustard was needed to cover the taste.

Comments: Created by uncredited writer, Bill Benulis, Jack Abel.

It's not revealed how long this "glorious" Martian civilization has been around. Its history may be taught propaganda that he is repeating or even exaggerating to the humans to impress them. Should we believe he is truly from an advanced technological society capable of space travel yet cannot feed itself and is dependent on mustard? Is it instead plundered technology stolen from spacefarers by a society too focused on using technology for personal comfort than on providing essential food? Or is it like the Mars of John Carter and Gullivar Jones, where ancient technologies from lost knowledge can barely sustain later Martian populations?

In one panel, a "male" is seen holding a decorated staff in what may be a funeral; this may indicate a strong religion on Mars--unsurprising in a time of hardship.

It remains to be explained how so many different races/beings allegedly originated from Mars:

• Is there some Nexus of Realities on Mars through which numerous Martians from other realities have traveled to Earth-616?
• Is there some cosmic manipulator (like the Stranger or Immortus) who is transporting various races to Mars and then removing them and traces of their existence when they have served their purpose?
• Have the various incarnations of the Man on the Wall been eliminating Martian races/colonizers after they threaten Earth?
• We don't have the answers to those questions, but maybe someone will answer them someday.
  

Profile by Grendel Prime.

CLARIFICATIONS:
These Martians have no known connections to:

• other Martians...

images: (without ads)
Marvel Tales I#111/2, p3, pan1 (main image)
   p3, pan7 (group)
   p5, pan5 (mustard makes meat taste better!)

Appearances:
Marvel Tales I#111/2 (February, 1953) - uncredited writer, Bill Benulis (pencils), Jack Abel (inks(, Stan Lee (editor)

First Posted: 07/20/2025
Last updated: 07/20/2025

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

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