For a ninja like character The Manhunter sure made a splashy presentation. I always felt his costume was impossible not to watch and study. How all the weapons fit onto the body make Manhunter more of an action figure than a character to be taken seriously in a comic book. He's too splashy for the night and too ridiculous looking in the day. But I could never look away.
For me he looked cool. He didn't care not to be seen. He WANTED to be seen. Let his enemies know he was coming and that they are more than likely going to die. He has nothing to lose anyways so why not go out looking slick. It's too bad that he never really caught on as a mainline DC Universe character. Maybe it's because he never had a villain of rep to challenge him.
For me he looked cool. He didn't care not to be seen. He WANTED to be seen. Let his enemies know he was coming and that they are more than likely going to die. He has nothing to lose anyways so why not go out looking slick. It's too bad that he never really caught on as a mainline DC Universe character. Maybe it's because he never had a villain of rep to challenge him.
But boy he looks cool and hits a visual homerun. Neil Adam drew many adventures with Batman and Manhunter that were among the first comics I ever consumed. But it was Walt Simonson who perfected the look and especially the movement of the character for me.
There is in fact an action figure which I am happy to have in my Collection of Cool.
I never did understand what the shin guards were for but I guess if you tried to kick him in the shins you could hurt your foot pretty badly, maybe even break your shin itself which for Mui Tai fighters, could spell the end of their fighting days. But do they have to stand out so much?
I also haven't seen a character use that bundi dagger. It looks like a crutch in some of the pics but like Wolverine, sharp and pointy things are often a good thing to have on hand. Bindi daggers are ancient Indian weapons and I like that Kirk incorporates so many influences into his fighting style. It makes his dangerous in so many different ways. It's hard to defend against that kind of attack by one person.
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11 comments:
A costume countdown? Sounds like my kind of analytical fun. Looking forward to future entries for sure.
I knew that had been a character named "Manhunter" in the 70s, but I do believe this is the first time that I have ever seen him, let alone with so much admiration.
It kind of looks like he's wearing two completely different costumes. The red tights and underwear of power wouldn't look out of place on any other hero. The Tunic and oversized sleeves feel very out of place for a character who is about combat. Typically bright whites and flairs like that are what you'd expect to see in a "mystic wizard" type character.
I liked Manhunter because of the Walt Simonson art but looking back in it now his costume was kinda swishy, wasn't it?
Was not aware they made a action figure of this character so very cool Kal.
bundi knife is a katar - can punch though chainmail and empty gut cavity - very cool
He keeps weapons in the shin gear. Serving two purposes
There were many characters that tool the name Manhunter also. The Green Lantern Corps fight their robot predecessors also called the Manhunters. And there is now a female character with borrowed/stolen weapons with the same name.
They were all based on Simon and Kirby's late 40's Super hero. Especially the robots...blue faces and all
Pardon me...they created Manhunter in 1942...Every incarnation since then was based on their original concept
Do you have a link to that original.
sorry I seam to be spamming your comments....
try this one
kirbymuseum.org/blogs/simonandkirby/archives/1038
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