WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Justice League Unlimited #2!

There is perhaps only one Superman’s abilities—and even sur them in some ways—making them one of the planet’s most powerful beings. However, that may no longer be the case, as DC has officially nerfed this hero, stripping away some of their most iconic and overpowered abilities.

Mark Waid, Dan Mora, and Ariana Maher’s Justice League Unlimited #2 continues the new status quo of DC’s premier superhero team, now expanded to include every hero on Earth—a truly unprecedented lineup. This issue specifically focuses on a team-up between Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Martian Manhunter, Dr. Occult, and several other heroes, with Manhunter and Occult assigned to search for the village's missing children.

During this mission, a startling revelation comes to light: J’onn confides in Richard that he no longer possesses the full extent of his powers—something he has been keeping hidden from the rest of the Justice League.

Martian Manhunter Reveals He Lost Some of His Most Iconic Powers During Absolute Power

“...After Our Powers Were Stolen, Many of Mine Failed to Return.” –Martian Manhunter in Justice League Unlimited #2 (2024)

During their search for the missing children, Richard expresses his iration for Martian Manhunter’s impressive range of abilities, noting how J’onn “could do most everything [Superman] could, and more.” Rather than taking the compliment, J’onn responds with a surprising confession: “After our powers were stolen, many of mine failed to return.” He is referencing the events of the Absolute Power crisis event, during which Amanda Waller’s power-stealing Amazo robots stripped both heroes and villains of their abilities. While the heroes eventually regained their stolen powers, not everyone’s abilities returned as they were, and some individuals who were previously unpowered—such as Lois Lane—unexpectedly gained powers.

J’onn’s ission makes it clear that he was among those whose powers did not fully return. In his conversation with Dr. Occult, he reveals that he has lost his ocular abilities—everything related to his eyes and vision—as well as his telepathic powers. The loss of these abilities is a significant blow, particularly his telepathy, which is one of his most defining traits. For a Martian, telepathy isn’t just a skill or power; it is an intrinsic part of their identity, akin to a human losing one of their five senses. This deeply personal loss may also explain why J’onn seems to be struggling emotionally and behaving a bit off-balance at the moment.

Something More than Power-Loss Is Wrong With Martian Manhunter

J'onn J'onzz Losses His Cool in Justice League Unlimited, Nearly Beating a Parademon to Death

As previously mentioned, J’onn is acting out of character at the moment. Most notably, he has concealed his loss of powers from the rest of the Justice League—an omission that could prove critical, especially during high-stakes missions like the one he’s currently on. Additionally, J’onn has an uncharacteristic outburst, nearly killing a Parademon after it makes an off-color comment. This reaction is a stark departure from the typically cool-headed and composed Martian. The situation escalates when Wonder Woman and Superman intervene to stop his aggressive beatdown of the Parademon. Instead of addressing their concerns, Martian Manhunter flees from his friends, signaling that something far deeper than the loss of his powers is troubling him—and severely so.

Justice League Unlimited #2 is available now from DC Comics!