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Early Wikipedia logo designs included a book centipede mascot

Popkin
Jan 22, 2026
∙ Paid

Before Wikipedia’s familiar puzzle globe logo, these concepts were under consideration, including a book centipede (the “Wikipede”), a five-headed dragon, and more. I’m disappointed they didn’t choose the strange yet enticing anthropomorphic Wikipede. It has an odd familiarity—like a half-forgotten cartoon character you recognize instantly but can’t qui…

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