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Few characters in the DC Comics pantheon have the rich history and status of the Martian Manhunter. For older readers, he’s an essential part of the Justice League of America lineup. For those who grew up with the Justice League animated series, he’s a founding member of the core Justice League team. And for others, he’s a mysterious figure who mentored Kara Zor-El on the CW’s Supergirl television series.
Regardless of where fans know the Man from Mars, his importance to DC Comics history cannot be understated. Martian Manhunter has a long and complex history, along with an evolving set of powers. At times, he rivals the Man of Steel and, in some instances, surpasses him. What remains constant is his compassion and commitment to justice for all. Martian Manhunter will soon join the DC Trinity on the Elseworld Earth in Absolute Martian Manhunter.
Where Did Martian Manhunter Come From?
How Did He Find His Way to Earth?
In Martian Manhunter’s original appearance in Detective Comics #225, released in 1955, a scientist named Dr. Saul Erdel was experimenting with teleportation technology. His experiment succeeded, unintentionally bringing Martian Manhunter, real name J’onn J’onzz, to Earth. The teleportation device was damaged and needed time to repair. With no immediate way to return home, J’onn decided to remain on Earth. Unfortunately, the shock of the encounter was too much for Dr. Erdel, who died shortly after. Stranded, J’onn assumed the identity of a detective named John Jones and continued to operate in this role throughout his pre-New 52 comic appearances.
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During his time on Earth, J’onn J’onzz became one of the founding members of the Justice League of America. In the Silver Age of comics, characters like Batman and Superman were intentionally kept out of regular Justice League stories to make their appearances feel more significant and boost sales when they did show up. This led to Martian Manhunter being viewed as a stand-in for Superman. With Superman absent, J’onn filled the role of the team’s powerhouse, capable of withstanding massive blows and delivering them in return.
Later relaunches redefined J’onn as the last living Green Martian, similar to Superman’s role as the last Kryptonian. In these iterations, J’onn came to Earth seeking a new home and a place of safety.
What Kinds Of Abilities Does Martian Manhunter Have?
He’s Stronger Than The Man Of Steel
In early appearances, writers played fast and loose with Martian Manhunter’s abilities without much care in the way of continuity. Over time, however, his power set has been more or less refined and has stayed fairly consistent.
Like many of his Justice League teammates, Manhunter has flight, speed, and enhanced strength, but he isn’t just strong. His hits have been seen to draw blood from Superboy-Prime, one of the most powerful characters in all of DC Comics. While Superman is strong due to his physiology, Martian Manhunter can alter his body density, making himself incredibly heavy and increasing the power of his physical attacks.
Martian Manhunter’s speed abilities have rivaled those of Superman and even The Flash. His immense lung capacity allows him to unleash powerful bursts of air, similar to Superman’s ice breath. He also possesses x-ray vision and heat vision, a point of confusion for many given his vulnerability to fire.
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J’onn’s shapeshifting abilities allow him to transform into anyone or anything. He can phase through objects and people, and when combined with his psychic powers, he can effectively possess others. His telepathy is formidable. He once read the minds of everyone on the planet and even accessed the mind of The Spectre, the physical embodiment of God’s wrath. Manhunter also has incredible regenerative abilities, once recovering from near-total destruction when only an arm remained.
These extraordinary powers caught the attention of Amanda Waller and Steve Trevor during the New 52 era when a new Justice League of America was formed. Each member of this team was selected as a countermeasure against a member of the primary Justice League in case anyone on the main team ever turned rogue. Martian Manhunter was chosen to neutralize Superman, a task he could accomplish with relative ease.
Martian Manhunter’s Aversion to Fire and Changing Backstory
His Weakness, His New Life
One of the constants in Martian Manhunter’s life is his aversion to fire. However, how fire affects him and the extent of his vulnerability have changed over time. In his original appearance, fire could harm him only when he was in his pure Martian form. Later interpretations evolved this weakness, making him vulnerable to fire in a more general sense, similar to most living beings. In some versions, his vulnerability was refined further, limiting its effect to fire of a mystical nature.
J’onn’s problems with fire have become more consistent since the New 52 relaunch in 2011. Now, instead of being vulnerable to fire, J’onn is absolutely terrified of it. The reasons behind this fear vary a bit but generally tie back to a traumatic event in J’onn’s past. He left Mars for a short period of time and returned to find the red planet engulfed in flames. The trauma of witnessing his home, his people, and in some versions, his family, destroyed by fire left a permanent scar. This experience left J’onn with a paralyzing fear of fire.
“}]] J’onn J’onzz, aka Martian Manhunter, is one of the most powerful heroes in the DC universe. Here’s a complete explanation of his powers and backstory. Read More