lightning
The Story of a Simple, Incredibly Powerful Logo
We said earlier that the lightning bolt represents power—those who rep the bolt in the pop culture space all literally
have superpowers or special abilities.
Music
PROTEST
& POLITICS
Pop Culture
Icons
Branding &
Marketing
The Flash has a lightning bolt, as does another DC creation called Captain Marvel—but not the one you’re thinking, played by Brie Larson. Originally, the character we now know as Shazam was called Captain Marvel. All iterations of that character sport a prominent bolt.
You'd think, given Germany's fascist history, a German car company would avoid using the lightning bolt. But, starting in the 1950s, Opel plowed ahead! Maybe that's why it's... Opel, and not BMW, Mercedes, or Audi.
A SoCal-based brand of sunglasses and sportswear—fantastic eye wear for skiing, snowboarding, surfing, or everyday use.
“The Bolts,” as they’re
also known, proudly wear two on their helmets. The team’s
uniform set is regarded as one of the strongest in the league. And in a past life in San Diego, the Chargers had one of the greatest team songs ever composed. If you've never heard "San Diego Superchargers," enjoy...
Now best known for its signature “G,” there’s a lightning bolt in that logo, too—though the bolt was much more prominent from 1970 to 2009. Hey, what better way to convey speed, power, and performance than… the letter “G.” Just use the old bolt, guys!
Gatorade
Los Angeles Chargers
Electric Eyeware
Opel
The most ubiquitous depiction of the lightning bolt in pop culture from this century—and arguably of all-time—is as a scar on a young wizard's forehead. Aesthetically, this use is more in line with the simple line drawing approach. Without that lightning bolt, we wouldn't have Harry Potter or Voldemort, and J.K. Rowling wouldn't have a billion dollars and weird thoughts on trans people she can't stop sharing on Twitter. Thanks for that…
DC Comics
Harry Potter
All these bands and pop culture heroes looking cool with their lightning bolt logos,
and you thought brands wouldn’t
try to get in on the action? Think again.
For most of its history as a graphic symbol, the bolt has represented
power and electricity for bands, brands, and comic book heroes alike. But it’s also found a home in politics, where both left- and right-wing causes have used it to represent a whole different sort of power. The lightning bolt is a statement: whoever wields it promises to jolt, to shock, to galvanize their audience.
Speed, strength, and danger—but sometimes, a little fun, too. Here,
we give you a brief history of the iconic lightning bolt.
Don’t blink, it’ll be over in a flash.
Speed, strength, and danger—that’s
what the lightning bolt is about.
Gareth Hughes
of
Design
Bolt
Although the latest use of the bolt as an icon was for a left-wing cause, it’s been right-wing causes that have popularized it most.
It started as a chat-based communication tool for marketing and sales teams to talk with prospective customers, but has now built out an entire “Revenue Acceleration Platform” to remove friction from the buying process. As the company evolved, it updated its brand to include this “speed metal” logo, which, according to creative director Matt Guemple, captures Drift’s “exuberance and irreverence. The new logo reflects the inspiration that drives our business and the energy of our team,” he said.
Drift
POP CULTURE
MARKETING
You’ve seen it. It’s everywhere, especially now as the Dead seem to have ubiquitously risen from the, er… dead. Challenging the logos of Kiss, David Bowie, and Metallica for most often reproduced in the margins of a high school notebook, this 13-point lightning bolt is probably the toughest of all to recreate.
Grateful Dead
For its use in soul music, the lightning bolt was the symbol of Volt Records, a subsidiary of Stax Records. And its output was indeed electric, including Otis Redding, The Dramatics, and the Linda Lyndell classic, “What a Man,” best known for Salt n’ Pepa’s cover.
Volt Records Logo
The hand-drawn aesthetic of this label, LCD Soundsystem’s home, speaks to its underground popularity, while the simple design draws parallels to the dance-glam of David Bowie. Either way, DFA brought the lightning bolt to never lose its edge.
DFA Records
There are so many lightning bolts in heavy metal, the genre should almost have its own sidebar. Kiss, Metallica, and Tesla, among others, have all chosen to ride the lightning. But we’re going with the most obvious choice here, given the band's electrifying name, AC/DC, and its epic logo created by type designer Gerard Huerta.
AC/DC
When you start out as a jazz fusion band, and morph into the first Black reggae punk band, making loud, angry protest music, you can use anything you damn please as a symbol. So what did Bad Brains choose? The lightning bolt, of course. Striking the Capitol. This symbol, like their music, was tough to miss or mistake.
Bad Brains
The cover of this 1973 album was once referred to as the “Mona Lisa of album covers” by a critic. The actual shape of this simple, three-pointed bolt is said to have come from a National Panasonic rice-cooker in the studio where the photo shoot took place. But the inspiration for the lightning bolt itself? Well, one story is that Bowie first saw the lightning bolt logo on Elvis’ ring. “Good artists borrow,” as they say, “great artists steal.”
David Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane” Era
When the King returned to live performing in 1968, he had a new band—and a new ethos for hard work and efficiency. After achieving unheard of success in films and recording, he had a multimedia empire to look after, and the Memphis Mafia did just that. As for his new band? They needed a new name to reflect this new, flashier attitude, so they became the TCB Band, with the lightning bolt as their logo.
Elvis Presley
You’ve seen it. It’s everywhere, especially now as the Dead seem to have ubiquitously risen from the, er… dead. Challenging the logos of Kiss, David Bowie, and Metallica for most often reproduced in the margins of a high school notebook, this 13-point lightning bolt is probably the toughest of all to recreate.
Grateful Dead
For its use in soul music, the lightning bolt was the symbol of Volt Records, a subsidiary of Stax Records. Its electric output included Otis Redding, The Dramatics, and the Linda Lyndell classic “What a Man,” best known for Salt-N-Pepa’s cover.
Volt Records
The lightning bolt has been embraced more broadly in music than in just about any other category, in nearly every genre, and by some of the most iconic acts in history.
MUSIC
POLITICS
Founded in 1954, this modern center-right party in Singapore is one of three major parties represented in the country’s Parliament.
People's Action Party
This lesser-known ultranationalist extremist organization was active alongside Nazi Germany between 1932 and 1944.
Union of Bulgarian National Legions
The logo of Nazi Germany’s
infamous paramilitary force endures as a symbol for
modern white supremacists.
Schutzstaffel
This symbol from 1935 is meant to represent action within unity. Following the start of World War II, the group was proscribed by the British government, and it was disbanded in 1940.
British Union of Fascists
POP CULTURE
They've survived since 1993, even after ceasing to be “Mighty” or “Morphin’.” Maybe one reason for the crew’s endurance: that logo, with a lighting bolt at the center.
The Power Rangers
The most ubiquitous depiction of the lightning bolt in pop culture from this century—and arguably of all-time—is as a scar on a young wizard's forehead. Aesthetically, this use is more in line with the simple line drawing approach. Without that lightning bolt, we wouldn't have Harry Potter or Voldemort, and J.K. Rowling wouldn't have a billion dollars and weird thoughts on trans people she can't stop sharing on Twitter. Thanks for that…
Harry Potter
The Flash has a lightning bolt, as does another DC creation called Captain Marvel—but not the one you’re thinking, played by Brie Larson. Originally, the character we now know as Shazam was called Captain Marvel. All iterations of that character sport a prominent bolt.
DC Comics
BRANDING
“The Bolts,” as they’re
also known, wear one proudly on their helmets—the team’s
recently redone uniform set is regarded as one of the
strongest in the league. And in a past life in San Diego, the
Chargers had one of the greatest team songs ever composed—
if you've never heard "San Diego Superchargers," enjoy...
Los Angeles Chargers
Now best known for its signature “G,” there’s a lightning bolt in that logo, too—though the bolt was much more prominent from 1970 to 2009. Hey, what better way to convey speed, power, and performance than… the letter “G.” Just use the old bolt, guys!
Gatorade
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Music
PROTEST
& POLITICS
Pop Culture
Branding &
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Before this, there was...
Although the latest use of the bolt as an icon was for a left-wing cause, it’s been right-wing causes that have popularized it most.
Currently, the red lightning bolt being used in Polish protests for a woman’s right to choose shows the symbols power in politics. But, strangely, this is the first time it’s been used as a left-wing symbol.
BACK
Red Lightning
What came next was something of a surprise: a wave of protests arguing for a woman's right to choose. And the unifying symbol for this movement? A red lightning bolt. Of course.
Over time, the lightning bolt has been used as a symbol, a logo, and rallying cry for many causes. For most of its history, as you'll soon see, the bolt has largely been a right-wing symbol, beginning with the Nazi SS. While its recent use in Poland may be one of the rare times it’s been embraced by a left-wing political cause, the lightning bolt has been adopted widely and often as a symbol outside of politics, where bands and brands and comic book heroes have used it to stand for rebellion and a whole different sort of power. Throughout its history as a logo and symbol, the lightning bolt has stood for speed, power, and danger—and sometimes a little fun. So now... A brief history of the lightning bolt as a symbol. Don't blink—it'll be over in a flash.
SEE MORE
On October 22nd, 2020, the Constitutional Tribunal of Poland handed down a ruling banning abortion in cases of birth defects, outlawing the last remaining legal reason for an abortion in the largely Catholic country.
POLITICS
In my opinion this needs new text. In my opinion this needs new text. In my opinion this needs new text.
Union of Bulgarian National Legions
This symbol is still used by modern white supremacist groups.
Nazi SS
Of British Facist Party
Flash and Circle
In my opinion this needs new text. In my opinion this needs new text. In my opinion this needs new text.
People's Action Party
In my opinion this needs new text. In my opinion this needs new text. In my opinion this needs new text. In my opinion this needs new text.
Union of Bulgarian National Legions
This symbol is still used by modern white supremacist groups.
Nazi SS
Of British Facist Party
Flash and Circle
In October 2020, Poland banned abortion in cases of birth defects, outlawing the nation’s last legal reason for abortion. What followed was a wave of protests arguing for a woman's right to choose, with a red lightning bolt as the movement’s unifying symbol.
Abortion Rights in Poland
The logo of Nazi Germany’s
infamous paramilitary force endures as a symbol for
modern white supremacists.
Schutzstaffel
This symbol from 1935 is meant to represent action within unity. Following the start of World War II, the group was proscribed by the British government, and it was disbanded in 1940.
British Union of Fascists
In October 2020, Poland banned abortion in cases of birth defects, outlawing the nation’s last legal reason for abortion. What followed was a wave of protests arguing for a woman's right to choose, with a red lightning bolt as the movement’s unifying symbol.
Abortion Rights in Poland
For its use in soul music, the lightning bolt was the symbol of Volt Records, a subsidiary of Stax Records. Its electric output included Otis Redding, The Dramatics, and the Linda Lyndell classic “What a Man,” best known for Salt-N-Pepa’s cover.
Volt Records
For its use in soul music, the lightning bolt was the symbol of Volt Records, a subsidiary of Stax Records. Its electric output included Otis Redding, The Dramatics, and the Linda Lyndell classic “What a Man,” best known for Salt-N-Pepa’s cover.
Volt Records
When the King returned to live performing in 1968, he had a new band—and a new ethos for hard work and efficiency. After achieving unheard of success in films and recording, he had a multimedia empire to look after, and the Memphis Mafia did just that. As for his new band? They needed a new name to reflect this new, flashier attitude, so they became the TCB Band, with the lightning bolt as their logo.
Elvis Presley
The cover of this 1973 album was once referred to as the “Mona Lisa of album covers” by a critic. The actual shape of this simple, three-pointed bolt is said to have come from a National Panasonic rice-cooker in the studio where the photo shoot took place. But the inspiration for the lightning bolt itself? Well, one story is that Bowie first saw the lightning bolt logo on Elvis’ ring. “Good artists borrow,” as they say, “great artists steal.”
David Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane” Era
The cover of this 1973 album was once referred to as the “Mona Lisa of album covers” by a critic. The actual shape of this simple, three-pointed bolt is said to have come from a National Panasonic rice-cooker in the studio where the photo shoot took place. But the inspiration for the lightning bolt itself? Well, one story is that Bowie first saw the lightning bolt logo on Elvis’ ring. “Good artists borrow,” as they say, “great artists steal.”
David Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane” Era
The cover of this 1973 album was once referred to as the “Mona Lisa of album covers” by a critic. The actual shape of this simple, three-pointed bolt is said to have come from a National Panasonic rice-cooker in the studio where the photo shoot took place. But the inspiration for the lightning bolt itself? Well, one story is that Bowie first saw the lightning bolt logo on Elvis’ ring. “Good artists borrow,” as they say, “great artists steal.”
David Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane” Era
Volt Records
MUSIC
MUSIC
PROTEST
PROTEST
When you start out as a jazz fusion band, and morph into the first Black reggae punk band, making loud,
angry protest music, you can use anything you damn please as a symbol. So what did Bad Brains choose? The lightning bolt, of course. Striking the Capitol. This symbol, like their music, was tough to miss or mistake.
Bad Brains
The cover of this 1973 album was once referred to as the “Mona Lisa of album covers” by a critic. The actual shape of this simple, three-pointed bolt is said to have come from a National Panasonic rice-cooker in the studio where the photo shoot took place. But the inspiration for the lightning bolt itself? Well, one story is that Bowie first saw the lightning bolt logo on Elvis’ ring. “Good artists borrow,” as they say, “great artists steal.”
David Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane” Era
When the King returned to live performing in 1968, he had a new band—and a new ethos for hard work and efficiency. After achieving unheard of success in films and recording, he had a multimedia empire to look after, and the Memphis Mafia did just that. As for his new band? They needed a new name to reflect this new, flashier attitude, so they became the TCB Band, with the lightning bolt as their logo.
Elvis Presley
You’ve seen it. It’s everywhere, especially now as the Dead seem to have ubiquitously risen from the, er… dead. Challenging the logos of Kiss, David Bowie, and Metallica for most often reproduced in the margins of a high school notebook, this 13-point lightning bolt is probably the toughest of all to recreate.
Grateful Dead
For its use in soul music, the lightning bolt was the symbol of Volt Records, a subsidiary of Stax Records. Its electric output included Otis Redding, The Dramatics, and the Linda Lyndell classic “What a Man,” best known for Salt-N-Pepa’s cover.
Volt Records
The lightning bolt has been embraced more broadly in music than in just about any other category, in nearly every genre, and by some of the most iconic acts in history.
MUSIC
When the King returned to live performing in 1968, he had a new band—and a new ethos for hard work and efficiency. After achieving unheard of success in films and recording, he had a multimedia empire to look after, and the Memphis Mafia did just that. As for his new band? They needed a new name to reflect this new, flashier attitude, so they became the TCB Band, with the lightning bolt as their logo.
Elvis Presley
You’ve seen it. It’s everywhere, especially now as the Dead seem to have ubiquitously risen from the, er… dead. Challenging the logos of Kiss, David Bowie, and Metallica for most often reproduced in the margins of a high school notebook, this 13-point lightning bolt is probably the toughest of all to recreate.
Grateful Dead
For its use in soul music, the lightning bolt was the symbol of Volt Records, a subsidiary of Stax Records. Its electric output included Otis Redding, The Dramatics, and the Linda Lyndell classic “What a Man,” best known for Salt-N-Pepa’s cover.
Volt Records
The lightning bolt has been embraced more broadly in music than in just about any other category, in nearly every genre, and by some of the most iconic acts in history.
MUSIC
When you start out as a jazz fusion band, and morph into the first Black reggae punk band, making loud,
angry protest music, you can use anything you damn please as a symbol. So what did Bad Brains choose? The lightning bolt, of course. Striking the Capitol. This symbol, like their music, was tough to miss or mistake.
Bad Brains
The cover of this 1973 album was once referred to as the “Mona Lisa of album covers” by a critic. The actual shape of this simple, three-pointed bolt is said to have come from a National Panasonic rice-cooker in the studio where the photo shoot took place. But the inspiration for the lightning bolt itself? Well, one story is that Bowie first saw the lightning bolt logo on Elvis’ ring. “Good artists borrow,” as they say, “great artists steal.”
David Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane” Era
When the King returned to live performing in 1968, he had a new band—and a new ethos for hard work and efficiency. After achieving unheard of success in films and recording, he had a multimedia empire to look after, and the Memphis Mafia did just that. As for his new band? They needed a new name to reflect this new, flashier attitude, so they became the TCB Band, with the lightning bolt as their logo.
Elvis Presley
You’ve seen it. It’s everywhere, especially now as the Dead seem to have ubiquitously risen from the, er… dead. Challenging the logos of Kiss, David Bowie, and Metallica for most often reproduced in the margins of a high school notebook, this 13-point lightning bolt is probably the toughest of all to recreate.
Grateful Dead
For its use in soul music, the lightning bolt was the symbol of Volt Records, a subsidiary of Stax Records. Its electric output included Otis Redding, The Dramatics, and the Linda Lyndell classic “What a Man,” best known for Salt-N-Pepa’s cover.
Volt Records
Although the latest use of
the bolt as an icon was for
a left-wing cause, it’s been right-wing causes that
have popularized it most.
protest & politics