The Martian Manhunter Pro/Con Workshop

[CRaymond]

Wherein DCU/CBR folks can post creative, constructive solutions and thoughtful analysis of the seemingly problematic character of J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter.

First appearing in a 1955 issue of Detective Comics, "John Jones" is a strange blend of Batman's super-sleuth and Superman's laundry list of powers. Over time, he's served as the moral compass and backbone of a variety of Justice League incarnations, being one of the longest serving members to not hold a consistent solo book.

There are several anachronistic issues with J'onn's presentation in contemporary comics, as science education and fiction expectations have grown in nuance, depth and breadth.

1. Powers
Superman + Professor X + Kitty Pryde + Invisible Man + Plastic Man + Mystique + ?

The Martian Manhunter's powers include:

Body
Superhuman strength, speed, and durability
Mass manipulation, including shapeshifting, invisibility, and intangibility
Regenerative healing factor

Mind
Genius-level intellect
Photographic memory
Flight
Telekinesis
Telepathy

Both
Martian nine senses
Plasma beam projection

While several have suggested reducing his powerset to merely telepathy and telekinesis, or other combinations --I wonder if there's a solution that allows for these multiple powers in a way that makes him special among Martians. IE: Do we want all Red, Green, and White Martians to have J'onn's overwhelming powerset as well?

Maybe J'onn's role as a manhunter(police) on Ma'aleca'andra(Mars), awarded him a variety of abilities that aren't standard among Martians. Maybe there are distinct powers/proclivities between the various colors of ancestral Martian peoples.

So, what powers do you expect from M'gann M'orzz? What do you expect from Jemm? What about Yellow Martians or Klaramarians? Koolars? Hyperclan? Are each of these examples of their people, or enhanced specimens; superhuman to our human?

[Trey Strain]

Make him what Superman isn't. He should have powers that Superman doesn't. And not a zillion of them.

[CRaymond]

Make him what Superman isn't. He should have powers that Superman doesn't. And not a zillion of them.

Like shapeshifting and psychic talents.

Does Miss Martian also have those abilities? Do the White Martians?
Is there something J'onn is better at? Is there something M'gann is better at?
How is green different than white?

[Phoenixx9]

And isn't there a Yellow Martian as well? What can they do?

[stephens2177]

Miss martain should have her EXACT powerset from the YJ show period.

Jonn should have all the same powers as miss martian,BUT instead of TK have him use self TK,which he can mentally amp his strength,speed,and durability

Malefic should have no telepathy at all,but have all the other powers,and better at them than Megan and jonn

White Martians should have limited telepathy and limited shapeshifting.they should be more brick beasts,more brutal fighters than other Martians who use their powers like a scapel.

Don't know any other Martians,but I gave 4 different unique,but at the same time connected powersets.

[scary harpy]

Don't forget the weakness to fire.

[Lee Stone]

First, I'd drop 'Martian' from his name, making him simply, 'The Manhunter'. This would plant him into the Manhunter name legacy, making him the prime character in it and giving him a DC 'family'.

Second, I'd keep the origin and most of the powers but I'd base his Martian abilities on the Predator. He'd have invisibility, shape-changing, some super-strength (stronger than all humans but not as strong as Superman, Wonder Woman or Captain Marvel. More about Aquaman's strength. Or maybe just shy of Donna Troy in strength.
No x-ray vision, no heat vision, no super-breath and stretching would be limited to fingers only, allowing him to ensnare his prey or make claws.
He'd have flight, infra-vision and ultra-light vision, some tracking abilities, super hearing, telescopic vision.
His telepathy would be limited to hearing brainwaves and sensing emotion. Everyone would sound kinda like the characters in Sims with the tone of the Sims-speak dependent on their enotion. This would allow him to find or track someone simply by hearing their thoughts.

All of these abilities would also be beneficial as a private investigator, and I'd make Cindy Reynolds (Gypsy) a permanent supporting character for him, assisting him as his secretary and helping him adapt to Earth customs while he serves as a father figure for her.

As for costume, I'd keep the New52 look but give him back his classic cape.

[SJNeal]

First, I'd drop 'Martian' from his name, making him simply, 'The Manhunter'. This would plant him into the Manhunter name legacy, making him the prime character in it and giving him a DC 'family'.

The "Martian" part is essential to the character, I think. Most writers seem to think so too, as without that he *is* kind of just a green Superman.

While giving him a DC family to belong to might in some way increase sales (he "matters" now!), his feelings of isolation are also a key component. Taking that away would diminish him as well. IMHO