Martian Manhunter, aka J’onn J’onzz, is one of the most intriguing and enigmatic characters in the DC Universe. As the last survivor of Mars, his tragic origin story and his role as both a hero and an outsider often place him at the center of the DCU’s most mysterious and thought-provoking events. While he is a founding member of the Justice League, J’onn’s connection to his home planet, his powers, and his deep sense of loss often leave him grappling with his own identity and purpose.
His abilities, which range from shapeshifting to telepathy, make him one of the most versatile and mysterious characters in the DC Universe. But it’s not just his powers that make him fascinating—it’s his personal struggles, his often-solitary nature, and his involvement in some of the most bizarre and puzzling events in DC Comics history.
#10: “The Manhunter from Mars” (Detective Comics #225, 1955)
Martian Manhunter’s first appearance in Detective Comics #225 introduced the mystery of his arrival on Earth. J’onn J’onzz, the last of his kind, is transported to Earth from Mars and assumes the identity of a police detective, John Jones. His tragic origin is explored as he grapples with his loneliness and the loss of his people. While the story introduces him as a hero, it also sets up a core mystery surrounding the destruction of Mars and J’onn’s struggle to find his place in a strange world.
What makes this storyline so mysterious is the fact that the entire concept of Martian Manhunter is rooted in a tragedy—his entire species was wiped out by a plague, and he is the sole survivor. The story doesn’t just showcase his heroism, but it also introduces an ongoing mystery about his past, one that would be explored and deepened in later storylines. It is his first step toward embracing Earth as his new home, but it’s also the beginning of an eternal quest for understanding and closure regarding the fate of Mars.
#9: “The Mystery of the Martian Manhunter’s Powers” (Justice League of America #71-72, 1969)
In Justice League of America #71-72, Martian Manhunter faces a unique challenge when his powers begin to falter. He struggles with his ability to shapeshift, and his telepathic abilities become unreliable. This storyline explores the mystery behind his powers, suggesting that something is interfering with his Martian physiology. As J’onn searches for the cause, it becomes clear that something or someone is targeting him—leading to the revelation of a hidden force from his past.
This mystery not only delves into the nature of his powers but also explores the potential vulnerabilities of a hero who is often seen as nearly invincible. The story highlights the internal conflict of a character who has always relied on his abilities but must now face the terrifying possibility that something fundamental to his being could be eroding. The plot uncovers a deeper, more complex aspect of Martian Manhunter’s identity: the possibility that his connection to Mars, his greatest source of power, could be a double-edged sword.
#8: “The Killing of the Martian Manhunter” (Justice League #140-141, 1977)
In this two-part storyline, Martian Manhunter is seemingly killed by an alien race known as the “Zarn.” The Zarn are shown to have technology capable of destroying him, forcing the Justice League to search for answers regarding J’onn’s fate. The mystery here lies in the possibility that Martian Manhunter may not be as invulnerable as everyone believes.
The story challenges J’onn’s reputation as a near-immortal hero and explores the emotional weight of his potential loss, not just for the Justice League but for Earth. What makes this storyline mysterious is that J’onn’s death—though temporary—reveals just how much of his power is tied to his alien origins, leaving readers questioning how his true limitations might come into play. The mystery of his apparent death also plays on the tragic nature of his character: the last survivor of Mars, continually facing challenges he cannot fully overcome.
#7: “J’onn J’onzz’s Greatest Secret” (Justice League #228, 1984)
One of the most mysterious aspects of Martian Manhunter’s character is his deeply hidden secret: his true feelings about his survival on Earth. In Justice League #228, this secret is explored as J’onn grapples with his role as the last of the Martians and the burden of carrying his species’ memory. While J’onn is an ally to the Justice League, he often feels like an outsider and keeps parts of his true self hidden, even from his closest friends.
The mystery centers on J’onn’s internal struggle and the complexities of being the last Martian. His true feelings of guilt, loss, and his constant struggle to fit into a world that is not his own provide a fascinating, hidden layer to his character. This storyline reveals that even the most powerful beings have secrets, and J’onn’s mystery lies within his heart and mind—where he must deal with the emotional trauma of losing everything and never truly belonging anywhere.
#6: “The Martian’s Curse” (Justice League International #22, 1989)
In Justice League International #22, the Martian Manhunter is cursed by the power of an alien artifact, which prevents him from accessing his Martian abilities. For J’onn, this curse represents a terrifying loss of power and control. What makes this storyline mysterious is the fact that it hints at a deep and hidden part of Martian culture: the idea of a curse placed on the last Martian. The curse itself is a symbolic reminder of his deep-seated fears about his identity and his place in the universe.
The mystery of the curse ties into J’onn’s long-standing trauma of being the only Martian left alive, and the idea that some greater cosmic force is punishing him. His struggle with the curse brings to the forefront his vulnerability and the emotional toll of being alone in the universe. The story also raises questions about his alien origins and the nature of the power he possesses, deepening the enigma surrounding him.
#5: “The Secret of Mars” (Martian Manhunter #0, 1998)
In Martian Manhunter #0, readers are given a glimpse into the lost history of Mars and the secrets behind its destruction. This storyline delves into the hidden lore of the Martian people, revealing that the true cause of Mars’ downfall was not a simple catastrophe, but a deep conspiracy that involved the Martians themselves. J’onn J’onzz is forced to confront the truth about his people’s downfall and their own dark history.
This mystery unravels not just the tragedy of Mars’ destruction, but also the complexity of J’onn’s relationship to his past. The revelation of Mars’ dark secret forces J’onn to reconcile with the legacy of his people and the decisions they made. The sense of mystery and loss is palpable, as J’onn uncovers the truth behind the downfall of his civilization, making it one of the most poignant and mysterious arcs in his history.
#4: “J’onn J’onzz’s Identity Crisis” (Identity Crisis #1-7, 2004)
In Identity Crisis #1-7, Martian Manhunter is put through an emotional and personal ordeal when he becomes involved in a mystery surrounding the deaths of several prominent characters. This storyline focuses on the identity of the villain behind the deaths and explores the deep emotional toll it takes on J’onn, particularly when it’s revealed that his telepathic abilities have been compromised.
What makes this storyline particularly mysterious is the revelation that the villain responsible for the killings has manipulated the memories of the Justice League members, including J’onn. The mystery surrounding who can be trusted and who has been altered is at the heart of this arc, and J’onn’s struggle with his role as both a detective and an emotionally torn character makes him an essential figure in the story. The emotional toll of the investigation also sheds light on the hidden aspects of his personality, making this one of his most mysterious and difficult storylines.
#3: “The Manhunter’s Return” (Justice League #71-72, 1993)
In this storyline, Martian Manhunter’s mysterious origins are explored as a new, dangerous version of himself appears. This “Manhunter” is a twisted, malevolent version of J’onn J’onzz, one who embodies his darker, more primal instincts. The return of this version of J’onn introduces a deep psychological mystery—can the real Martian Manhunter survive the threat of his own dark side?
The mystery lies in the duality of J’onn’s character, as he must confront the parts of himself that he fears. The emergence of this darker persona represents the hidden dangers of his Martian heritage and the struggle between his noble, heroic side and the darker aspects of his personality. The storyline questions the nature of J’onn’s identity, highlighting the mystery of his origins and his potential for both good and evil.
#2: “The Death of J’onn J’onzz” (Final Crisis #7, 2008)
In Final Crisis #7, the death of Martian Manhunter is one of the most shocking and mysterious moments in the DC Universe. J’onn’s death, at the hands of an alien invader, is a moment of profound loss not only for the Justice League but for the entire universe. The mystery of his death stems from the fact that J’onn’s demise is surrounded by enigmatic circumstances, with his final moments shrouded in uncertainty.
The mystery behind his death lies in the implications for the Justice League and the heroes of the universe. J’onn’s loss creates a hole in the team that cannot be filled easily. His death is a heartbreaking and mysterious moment that sets the tone for the greater conflict of Final Crisis, making it one of the most profound storylines in Martian Manhunter’s history.
#1: “The Secret History of Mars” (Martian Manhunter #1-6, 2006-2007)
The Secret History of Mars is the most significant and mysterious storyline in Martian Manhunter’s entire history. It reveals the hidden truths behind Mars’ destruction, the history of its people, and J’onn’s place in the cosmos. As J’onn uncovers the truth about his people, he learns that the catastrophe that destroyed Mars was not just a natural disaster—it was the result of a deep, tragic conflict among the Martians themselves.
This storyline unravels the layers of J’onn’s backstory, shedding light on the secrets of his past and the ultimate cost of his survival. The mysterious and tragic elements of Mars’ history are explored in great detail, giving fans a deeper understanding of J’onn’s complex character. His role as the last survivor of a doomed planet adds a layer of melancholy and mystery that has shaped his entire journey as a hero. The revelations in this storyline redefine Martian Manhunter’s legacy and are central to understanding his role in the DC Universe.
Martian Manhunter’s history is steeped in mystery, from the destruction of his home planet to the secrets of his own identity. These top 10 storylines showcase the most enigmatic moments in his journey, highlighting his struggles with his powers, his origins, and his role in the universe. Whether dealing with the loss of his people or confronting the dark sides of his own nature, Martian Manhunter’s mysteries continue to shape his character and legacy in the DC Universe.
