Summary

  • DC's Absolute Power event gives the Martian Manhunter a much-needed redesign, one that emphasizes his alien nature.
  • Art by Dan Mora shows the Martian Manhunter in towering alien form, once again a pillar of the Justice League.
  • The Martian Manhunter should keep his new, more-alien appearance post Absolute Power.

Absolute Power, DC’s crossover event, will give one core Justice League member the epic redesign he has always needed. Absolute Power sees Amanda Waller make her ultimate move: to steal the powers from Earth’s meta-humans. In the wake of Waller’s attack, the Justice League comes back together in new forms. One of them, the Martian Manhunter, takes on a far more alien look–and it suits him well.

DC has released advanced art from Absolute Power, which will be written by Mark Waid and drawn by Dan Mora. Like the rest of the League, the Martian Manhunter has lost his powers, including his ability to shape-shift. Now stuck in his Martian form, J’Onn J’onzz towers over the rest of his teammates.

Absolute Power 1 Mora Variant Cover: the Justice League in new costumes.

The formerly invulnerable Martian Manhunter must now wear a suit of armor to protect himself.

The Martian Manhunter is a Pillar of the Justice League--and the DC Universe

Yet, Every Day the Martian Manhunter Is Asked to Compromise Himself

Martian Manhunter and the Justice League DC Comics

With the Justice League getting back together (at least for this mission), it is only fitting that the Martian Manhunter stands with them. One of the League’s founding , the Martian Manhunter may also be one of DC’s most powerful heroes. One of his powers is the ability to change forms. Since his first appearance in 1955’s Detective Comics #225, the Martian Manhunter has used this ability to among humans. While his native Martian form is still humanoid in nature, it is still intimidating to most humans, so he opts for something more friendly and inviting.

While his native Martian form is still humanoid in nature, it is still intimidating to most humans, so he opts for something more friendly and inviting.

However, the Martian Manhunter’s more human appearance could be viewed as a form of a compromise. Deep down, the Martian Manhunter is one of the most moral of the Justice League. His wisdom and counsel are often sought by other heroes. The Martian Manhunter has a solid reputation as both a solo hero and a member of the Justice League. Despite commanding the respect of his peers, his normal appearance is still off-putting to many. Thus, the Martian Manhunter compromises a little part of himself every time he takes a more human appearance.

Will the Martian Manhunter Retain His New Appearance?

It Would be a New Beginning for the Martian Manhunter

Martian Manhunter in space looking hurt in DC comics

Ironically, now that the Martian Manhunter has lost his powers, he has assumed a form that could be his best. For the moment, he cannot shift appearance, meaning those in his orbit must accept the Martian Manhunter for who he truly is. They will learn that no matter how he looks, the Martian Manhunter is truly a hero and worthy of dignity and respect. After Absolute Power ends, and his powers are restored, the Martian Manhunter will hopefully retain his new appearance, as it indicates a new sense of openness and trust for this Justice League icon.

Absolute Power #1 is on sale July 3 from DC Comics!