Martian Manhunter (History) – Comic Basics

Martian Manhunter

Real Name: J’onn J’onzz (John Jones)

First Appearance: Detective Comics 225 (November, 1955)

Powers: Shape-shifting, Invisibility, Phasing, Superhuman Strength, Speed, Durability, and Stamina. Possesses Regenerative Powers, as well as Flight, Telepathy, and Enhanced Senses.

Affiliation: Justice League of America, Stormwatch, Black Lantern Corps, Various incarnations of the Justice League

Enemies: Imperium, Bel Juz, Cay’an, The Headmaster, The Prophet, Kanto, Ma’alefa’ak

Love Interests: M’yri’ah (Deceased)

Did You Know: Martian Manhunter’s only true weakness is fire.

A Little History

J’onn J’onzz or Martian Manhunter, began his ascent to the echelon of DC Comics back in 1955. His inaugural story opens with an image of DC Comics character Dr. Erdel testing one of his inventions, the Robot Brain. The Robot Brain was a computer capable of teleporting objects from the depths of space into his laboratory. During one such testing, he inadvertently captured and teleported another being. The Green alien identified himself as J’onn J’onzz and proceeded to explain that he himself was a scientist and that he hailed from Mars.

As Dr. Erdel began to explain that he would do whatever it took to transport the alien back to his home planet, the alien used his shapeshifting abilities and took on the form of a human. Unable to come to terms with what was happening in front of him, Dr. Erdel’s heart stopped working.

Now stuck as a refugee on another planet, the alien decided that he would await the completion of Project Star Ride, a rocket that would allow his race to visit other worlds. He understood that this might take some time but was ok with it because his race possesses great longevity.

He then took on the more human name John Jones and applied to become a police officer. To make himself more appealing to law enforcement, he created a persona of being a “do whatever it takes” detective.

Title Image © DC

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