History Characters / MartianManhunter

* DarkAndTroubledPast: Probably the most extreme example in the DCU (and that's saying a lot!), as he witnessed the fiery death of his entire species, wandered the ruins of his home planet for an untold amount of years and was transported to a strange alien world (Earth) by accident.

* RealMenWearPink:
** J'onn is a stoic but sensitive Warrior Poet who loves eating Choco cookies.
** Infamously, he had an identity named after Franchise/{{Sailor M|oon}}ars.

* ShellShockedVeteran: Picture this:
** You are a good police officer [[ApocalypseHow forced to fight in the war that devastated your entire civilization]].
** ...now you winded-up as [[LastOfHisKind the only survivor]].
** ...left to roam [[AfterTheEnd the wasteland that was your homeworld]] for [[AndIMustScream 500 years, or so]].
** ...one day you've been [[AlienAbduction sucked up by a radiobeacon signal]] that leaves you TrappedInAnotherWorld.
** ...involutarilly you [[FrightDeathtrap shit-scared]] the person responsable of this and he DiedInYourArmsTonight.
** ...and that's the run down of how we got... [[TitleDrop The Martian Manhunter]]!

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

*** {{Flight}}: The Martian Manhunter flies by manipulation of gravitons (a subatomic particle associated with the force of gravity), manipulation of magnetic fields and control of his absolute molecular movement. These give him the ability to fly great distances with little fatigue and at great speed.
*** SuperSpeed: Either through flight or natural movement, he can maintain speed and reflexes far in excess to that of even most superhumans. This is also accomplished by manipulating the magnetic fields of energy surrounding his body, as well as ambient gravitational particles. Traditionally, J'onn only uses his superhuman speed while flying. He has admitted that he is not as fast as most speedsters but this can be argued as he has shown speed feats that is nearly at Superman's level

*** LaserGuidedAmnesia: He can erase any awareness of particular memories or cause total amnesia.
*** MindManipulation: In the same sense of Superman's SuperStrength at its full extention, his is incredibly powerful. This is an ability he's not just not willing to but avoids at any cost to bring forward unless it is absolutely necessary because, at times, the effect can be irreversible.
*** MindProbe: He is able to read the mind of any human with no difficulties, and the only minds that can cause him trouble are insane minds. The Martian can read their subconscious mind as well even over great distances, or scan the mind of every person on Earth within a matter of moments.
*** PeoplePuppets: J'onn can control the thoughts and actions of others, and this is historically posed by martian standards as their most DangerousForbiddenTechnique possible.
*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

*** {{Flight}}: The Martian Manhunter flies by manipulation of gravitons (a subatomic particle associated with the force of gravity), manipulation of magnetic fields and control of his absolute molecular movement. These give him the ability to fly great distances with little fatigue and at great speed.
*** SuperSpeed: Either through flight or natural movement, he can maintain speed and reflexes far in excess to that of even most superhumans. This is also accomplished by manipulating the magnetic fields of energy surrounding his body, as well as ambient gravitational particles. Traditionally, J'onn only uses his superhuman speed while flying. He has admitted that he is not as fast as most speedsters but this can be argued as he has shown speed feats that is nearly at Superman's level

*** LaserGuidedAmnesia: He can erase any awareness of particular memories or cause total amnesia.
*** MindManipulation: In the same sense of Superman's SuperStrength at its full extention, his is incredibly powerful. This is an ability he's not just not willing to but avoids at any cost to bring forward unless it is absolutely necessary because, at times, the effect can be irreversible.
*** MindProbe: He is able to read the mind of any human with no difficulties, and the only minds that can cause him trouble are insane minds. The Martian can read their subconscious mind as well even over great distances, or scan the mind of every person on Earth within a matter of moments.
*** PeoplePuppets: J'onn can control the thoughts and actions of others, and this is historically posed by martian standards as their most DangerousForbiddenTechnique possible.
*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.

** TruthInTelevision fact: Most polymers, as those that compose J'onn entire organism, are imprevious to most of damage whitstanding pretty rough stuff, except extreme heat. Magnesium flares (Able to burn even underwater) can reach temperatures of 473 °C/883 °F, cutting torches on the other hand, well over 3,300 °C/6,000 °F. Mars average temperatures range from around -140° C/-220° F in wintertime at the poles, to 21° C/70° F. over the lower latitudes in the summer.

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

*** {{Flight}}: The Martian Manhunter flies by manipulation of gravitons (a subatomic particle associated with the force of gravity), manipulation of magnetic fields and control of his absolute molecular movement. These give him the ability to fly great distances with little fatigue and at great speed.
*** SuperSpeed: Either through flight or natural movement, he can maintain speed and reflexes far in excess to that of even most superhumans. This is also accomplished by manipulating the magnetic fields of energy surrounding his body, as well as ambient gravitational particles. Traditionally, J'onn only uses his superhuman speed while flying. He has admitted that he is not as fast as most speedsters but this can be argued as he has shown speed feats that is nearly at Superman's level

** TruthInTelevision fact: Most polymers, as those that compose J'onn entire organism, are imprevious to most of damage whitstanding pretty rough stuff, except extreme heat. Magnesium flares (Able to burn even underwater) can reach temperatures of 473 °C/883 °F, cutting torches on the other hand, well over 3,300 °C/6,000 °F.

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

*** {{Flight}}: The Martian Manhunter flies by manipulation of gravitons (a subatomic particle associated with the force of gravity), manipulation of magnetic fields and control of his absolute molecular movement. These give him the ability to fly great distances with little fatigue and at great speed.
*** SuperSpeed: Either through flight or natural movement, he can maintain speed and reflexes far in excess to that of even most superhumans. This is also accomplished by manipulating the magnetic fields of energy surrounding his body, as well as ambient gravitational particles. Traditionally, J'onn only uses his superhuman speed while flying. He has admitted that he is not as fast as most speedsters but this can be argued as he has shown speed feats that is nearly at Superman's level
*** SecondSuperIdentity: Since he's a shapeshifter who has been on Earth since 1955, J'onn has used a number of identities, including the superheroes The Bronze Wraith in [[UsefulNotes/TheBronzeAgeOfComicBooks the seventies]] and [[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Bloodwynd]] in [[UsefulNotes/TheDarkAgeOfComicBooks the nineties.]][[note]]Although [[TheRealRemingtonSteele there was a real Bloodwynd]][[/note]]. Creating not just alternate shapes, but full back-up mindsets without BecomingTheMask at the end of the day.

*** LaserGuidedAmnesia: He can erase any awareness of particular memories or cause total amnesia.
*** MindManipulation: In the same sense of Superman's SuperStrength at its full extention, his is incredibly powerful. This is an ability he's not just not willing to but avoids at any cost to bring forward unless it is absolutely necessary because, at times, the effect can be irreversible.
*** MindProbe: He is able to read the mind of any human with no difficulties, and the only minds that can cause him trouble are insane minds. The Martian can read their subconscious mind as well even over great distances, or scan the mind of every person on Earth within a matter of moments.
*** PeoplePuppets: J'onn can control the thoughts and actions of others, and this is historically posed by martian standards as their most DangerousForbiddenTechnique possible.
*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

*** {{Flight}}: The Martian Manhunter flies by manipulation of gravitons (a subatomic particle associated with the force of gravity), manipulation of magnetic fields and control of his absolute molecular movement. These give him the ability to fly great distances with little fatigue and at great speed.
*** SuperSpeed: Either through flight or natural movement, he can maintain speed and reflexes far in excess to that of even most superhumans. This is also accomplished by manipulating the magnetic fields of energy surrounding his body, as well as ambient gravitational particles. Traditionally, J'onn only uses his superhuman speed while flying. He has admitted that he is not as fast as most speedsters but this can be argued as he has shown speed feats that is nearly at Superman's level

*** LaserGuidedAmnesia: He can erase any awareness of particular memories or cause total amnesia.
*** MindManipulation: In the same sense of Superman's SuperStrength at its full extention, his is incredibly powerful. This is an ability he's not just not willing to but avoids at any cost to bring forward unless it is absolutely necessary because, at times, the effect can be irreversible.
*** MindProbe: He is able to read the mind of any human with no difficulties, and the only minds that can cause him trouble are insane minds. The Martian can read their subconscious mind as well even over great distances, or scan the mind of every person on Earth within a matter of moments.
*** PeoplePuppets: J'onn can control the thoughts and actions of others, and this is historically posed by martian standards as their most DangerousForbiddenTechnique possible.
*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.

** VoluntaryShapeShifting: He is able to literally control the entire molecular structure of his whole body's bio-polymer and make it resemble anything he wants. He can form clothing and weapons with non-moving or non-functioning parts. There does not seem to be any limit to the number of people the Manhunter can imitate and has stood in as a double for many famous people. He is also able to change colors.

*** NighInvulnerability: The bio-morphic structure of the The Manhunter's body allows him to absorb almost all kinetic energies such as high caliber-bullets, shrapnel, or flying debris easily. He can harden his bio-polymers by rebinding them and increase his durability to the point where he can turn even into ''diamond'', putting him nearly on par with Superman.

*** ShapeshifterLongevity: An incredibly versatile shapeshifter thanks to his Martian physiology. However, some stories indicate that his people are either immortal or just really long-lived: DependingOnTheWriter, he can be anywhere from a thousand years old to over a ''million,'' and in some plots, he's ended up surviving into the 853rd century.

* WeaksauceWeakness: Fire. How bad it is, and whether it is psychosomatic or not varies, but it is always a problem. The problem with fire is that martians are traditionally terrified of it, and just being near a lighter can render them helpless. J'onn J'onzz himself has been on earth for decades, and no longer has such an extreme reaction to it. The fear of fire is actually a psychic barrier the Guardians of the Universe put into the Green Martians to stop their [[SuperPoweredEvilSide psychotically powerful Burning Martian selves]] from taking over the universe.

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

*** {{Flight}}: The Martian Manhunter flies by manipulation of gravitons (a subatomic particle associated with the force of gravity), manipulation of magnetic fields and control of his absolute molecular movement. These give him the ability to fly great distances with little fatigue and at great speed.
*** SuperSpeed: Either through flight or natural movement, he can maintain speed and reflexes far in excess to that of even most superhumans. This is also accomplished by manipulating the magnetic fields of energy surrounding his body, as well as ambient gravitational particles. Traditionally, J'onn only uses his superhuman speed while flying. He has admitted that he is not as fast as most speedsters but this can be argued as he has shown speed feats that is nearly at Superman's level

*** LaserGuidedAmnesia: He can erase any awareness of particular memories or cause total amnesia.
*** MindManipulation: In the same sense of Superman's SuperStrength at its full extention, his is incredibly powerful. This is an ability he's not just not willing to but avoids at any cost to bring forward unless it is absolutely necessary because, at times, the effect can be irreversible.
*** MindProbe: He is able to read the mind of any human with no difficulties, and the only minds that can cause him trouble are insane minds. The Martian can read their subconscious mind as well even over great distances, or scan the mind of every person on Earth within a matter of moments.
*** PeoplePuppets: J'onn can control the thoughts and actions of others, and this is historically posed by martian standards as their most DangerousForbiddenTechnique possible.
*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.
*** SecondSuperIdentity: Since he's a shapeshifter who has been on Earth since 1955, J'onn has used a number of identities, including the superheroes The Bronze Wraith in [[UsefulNotes/TheBronzeAgeOfComicBooks the seventies]] and [[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Bloodwynd]] in [[UsefulNotes/TheDarkAgeOfComicBooks the nineties.]][[note]]Although [[TheRealRemingtonSteele there was a real Bloodwynd]][[/note]]. Creating not just alternate shapes, but full back-up mindsets without BecomingTheMask at the end of the day.

*** {{Flight}}: The Martian Manhunter flies by manipulation of gravitons (a subatomic particle associated with the force of gravity), manipulation of magnetic fields and control of his absolute molecular movement. These give him the ability to fly great distances with little fatigue and at great speed.
*** SuperSpeed: Either through flight or natural movement, he can maintain speed and reflexes far in excess to that of even most superhumans. This is also accomplished by manipulating the magnetic fields of energy surrounding his body, as well as ambient gravitational particles. Traditionally, J'onn only uses his superhuman speed while flying. He has admitted that he is not as fast as most speedsters but this can be argued as he has shown speed feats that is nearly at Superman's level

*** LaserGuidedAmnesia: He can erase any awareness of particular memories or cause total amnesia.
*** MindManipulation: In the same sense of Superman's SuperStrength at its full extention, his is incredibly powerful. This is an ability he's not just not willing to but avoids at any cost to bring forward unless it is absolutely necessary because, at times, the effect can be irreversible.
*** MindProbe: He is able to read the mind of any human with no difficulties, and the only minds that can cause him trouble are insane minds. The Martian can read their subconscious mind as well even over great distances, or scan the mind of every person on Earth within a matter of moments.
*** PeoplePuppets: J'onn can control the thoughts and actions of others, and this is historically posed by martian standards as their most DangerousForbiddenTechnique possible.
*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.
*** {{Flight}}: The Martian Manhunter flies by manipulation of gravitons (a subatomic particle associated with the force of gravity), manipulation of magnetic fields and control of his absolute molecular movement (a telekinetic effect). These combine to give him the ability to fly great distances with little fatigue and at great speed.

*** SuperSpeed: Either through flight or natural movement, he can maintain speed and reflexes far in excess to that of even most superhumans. Like the power of flight, this is accomplished by manipulating the magnetic fields of energy surrounding his body, as well as ambient gravitational particles. Traditionally, J'onn only uses his superhuman speed while flying. He has admitted that he is not as fast as most speedsters but this can be argued as he has shown speed feats that is nearly at Superman's level
*** {{Telepathy}}: He is the most powerful telepath on the planet and is one of the strongest telepathic beings in the DCU.
*** LaserGuidedAmnesia: He can erase any awareness of particular memories or cause total amnesia.

*** MindManipulation: In the same sense of Superman's SuperStrength at its full extention, his is incredibly powerful. This is an ability he's not just not willing to but avoids at any cost to bring forward unless it is absolutely necessary because, at times, the effect can be irreversible.
*** MindProbe: He is able to read the mind of any human with no difficulties, and the only minds that can cause him trouble are insane minds. He can even read their subconscious mind as well. He can scan the mind of every person on Earth within a matter of moments. He can read a mind over great distances.
*** PeoplePuppets: J'onn can control the thoughts and actions of others, and this is historically posed by martian standards as their most DangerousForbiddenTechnique possible.
*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can use his telepathy to pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.

*** NighInvulnerability: The bio-morphic structure of the Manhunter's body allows him to absorb almost all kinetic energies such as high caliber-bullets, shrapnel, or flying debris easily. He can harden his bio-polymers by rebinding them and increase his durability to the point where he can turn even into ''diamond'', putting him nearly on par with Superman.

** SuperStrength: He is one of the strongest beings on the planet. The Martian's superhuman strength comes from both, his plasmorphic structure formed from immensely long and complex molecular chains,[citation needed] augmented with his psionic and telekinetic abilities allowing him to lift incredible weights without these weights crumbling under the stress. The Martian has been seen lifting tankers out of the ocean for vast distances, stalemating powerhouses like Superman, and he has even helped tow the moon and objects as large as the Earth itself together with Superman.

* TheSpock: His composure is usually unbreakable as his mindset. He's so into this that even employs a maneuver akin to [[TheParalyzer "The Vulcan Pinch"]] whenever he faces an adversary as his most definitive SignatureMove.
* TheStoic: Very calm and collected, usually when he's NotSoStoic [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness it's shocking]] to a degree.

* SuperpowerLottery: Although the extent of his powers varies depending on the writer, J'onn is often called [[SuperheroSobriquets "The Swiss Army Knife of the Super-Heroes"]]. Usually portrayed as one of the half dozen or so heroes considered to have even more powers than Post-Crisis Superman (Pre-Crisis Superman was even too much for him). The FlyingBrick portion of his powers are roughly equal to that of The Man of Steel, plus there's [[ComboPlatterPowers all those other abilities he's got]]. Powers including:

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can use his telepathy to pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

*** MindOverMatter: J'onn possesses Telekinesis, the ability to move objects with his mind, which he described as ""molecular hypnosis" and "Martian mind-over-matter"
*** MindManipulation: In the same sense of Superman's SuperStrength at its full extention, his is incredibly powerful. This is an ability he's not just not willing to but avoids at any cost to bring forward unless it is absolutely necessary because, at times, the effect can be irreversible.
*** LaserGuidedAmnesia: He can erase any awareness of particular memories or cause total amnesia.
*** MindProbe: Can telepathically "sedate" any opponent so that, if already rendered unconscious, they remain so for as long as he continues "sedating" them.
*** PeoplePuppets: J'onn can control the thoughts and actions of others, and this is historically posed by martian standards as their most DangerousForbiddenTechnique possible.

*** {{Telepathy}}: He is the most powerful telepath on the planet and is one of the strongest telepathic beings in the DCU. He is able to read the mind of any human with no difficulties, and the only minds that can cause him trouble are insane minds. He can even read their subconscious mind as well. He can scan the mind of every person on Earth within a matter of moments. He can read a mind over great distances.

* MonsterModesty: If he wanted to, he could easily shape-shift a nice suit to wear. Instead, he runs around in underwear and a cape. This was his policeman's (or "manhunter's") uniform on Mars.

* {{Expy}}: Many fans thought of her as one of [[WesternAnimation/TeenTitans the cartoon's]] Starfire in terms of personality. She's actually supposed to be one for Supergirl, whom ExecutiveMeddling was preventing from joining the Teen Titans. Hence they created a new NaiveNewcomer alien with similar powers.

In the Post-Crisis world, Mars was retconned into having been devastated decades ago, and J'onn's time on Earth was lengthened considerably; he was now one of the few superheroes to have been operating from the 1950s until the dawn of UsefulNotes/{{the Modern Age|of Comic Books}}. A founder and core member of the JLA, Post-Crisis J'onn is regarded as the "heart and soul" of the team.

* SuperpowerLottery: Although the extent of his powers varies depending on the writer, J'onn is usually portrayed as one of the half dozen or so heroes considered more powerful than Post Crisis-Superman (Pre-Crisis Superman was even too much for him). The FlyingBrick portion of his powers are roughly equal to Superman, plus there's [[ComboPlatterPowers all those other abilities he's got]]. Powers including:
** NewPowersAsThePlotDemands: Had this bad in the silver age, from straining gold from seawater, to seeing into a future which will not happen to manipulating the earth's magnetic field to walk on water. Has been toned down since, but is still a living Swiss Army knife.

*** MindRape: In the same sense of Superman's SuperStrength at its full extention, his is incredibly powerful. This is an ability he's not just not willing to but avoids at any cost to bring forward unless it is absolutely necessary.

* TheSpock: His composure is usually unbreakable as his mindset. He's so into this that even he employs a maneuver akin to the "Vulcan pinch" whenever he faces an adversary as his most definitive SignatureMove.
* TheStoic: Very calm and collected, usually when he's NotSoStoic it's shocking to a degree.

*** SecondSuperIdentity: Since he's a shapeshifter who has been on Earth since 1955, J'onn has used a number of identities, including the superheroes The Bronze Wraith in [[UsefulNotes/TheBronzeAgeOfComicBooks the seventies]] and [[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Bloodwynd]] in [[UsefulNotes/TheDarkAgeOfComicBooks the nineties.]][[note]]Although [[TheRealRemingtonSteele there was a real Bloodwynd]][[/note]]. Creating not just alternate shapes but full back-up mind-sets without BecomingTheMask at the end of the day.

* TheSpock: His composure is usually unbreakable as his mindset.

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can use his telepathy to pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.
*** XRayVision: In older continuities, he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

*** SecondSuperIdentity: Since he's a shapeshifter who has been on Earth since 1955, J'onn has used a number of identities, including the superheroes The Bronze Wraith in [[UsefulNotes/TheBronzeAgeOfComicBooks the seventies]] and [[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Bloodwynd]] in [[UsefulNotes/TheDarkAgeOfComicBooks the nineties.]] Although [[TheRealRemingtonSteele there was a real Bloodwynd]].

*** ShapeshifterLongevity: An incredibly versatile shapeshifter and SizeShifter thanks to his Martian physiology. However, some stories indicate that his people are either immortal or just really long-lived: DependingOnTheWriter, he can be anywhere from a thousand years old to over a ''million,'' and in some plots, he's ended up surviving into the 853rd century.

*** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration or concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.

*** {{Telepathy}}: He is the most powerful telepath on the planet and is one of the strongest telepathic beings in the DCU. He is able to read the mind of any human with no difficulties, and the only minds that can cause him trouble are insane minds. He can even read their subconscious mind as well. He can scan the mind of every person on Earth within a matter of moments. He can read a mind over great distances.

*** PsychicRadar: The Manhunter can use his telepathy to pinpoint the location of a desired individual, at some pretty fantastic ranges. Just as well, since he generally has to fly up into orbit in order to not get confused by all the ambient thinking.

*** XRayVision: In the most older continuity he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

* SecondSuperIdentity: Since he's a ShapeShifter who has been on Earth since 1955, J'onn has used a number of identities, including the superheroes The Bronze Wraith in [[UsefulNotes/TheBronzeAgeOfComicBooks the seventies]] and [[ComicBook/TheDeathOfSuperman Bloodwynd]] in [[UsefulNotes/TheDarkAgeOfComicBooks the nineties.]] Although [[TheRealRemingtonSteele there was a real Bloodwynd]].

* NewPowersAsThePlotDemands: Had this bad in the silver age, from straining gold from seawater, to seeing into a future which will not happen to manipulating the earth's magnetic field to walk on water. Has been toned down since, but is still a living Swiss Army knife.

* ShapeshifterDefaultForm: By choice; J'onn's familiar "superhero" form is a compromise between a human form and his true alien appearance.
* ShapeshifterLongevity: An incredibly versatile shapeshifter and SizeShifter thanks to his Martian physiology. However, some stories indicate that his people are either immortal or just really long-lived: DependingOnTheWriter, he can be anywhere from a thousand years old to over a ''million,'' and in some plots, he's ended up surviving into the 853rd century.

** EyeBeams: Referred to as "martian vision". Has been depicted as a blast of heat, disintegration and concussive force DependingOnTheWriter.
** {{Flight}}: The Martian Manhunter flies by manipulation of gravitons (a subatomic particle associated with the force of gravity), manipulation of magnetic fields and control of his absolute molecular movement (a telekinetic effect). These combine to give him the ability to fly great distances with little fatigue and at great speed.
** HealingFactor: His regenerative abilities are so great that he has been able to completely regenerate from nothing but his severed hand. A result of his Shape-Shifting.
** [[IntangibleMan Intangibility]]: He can phase through solid matter, but no explanation of this power has been given.
** {{Invisibility}}: He can cause the bio-polymers in his body to lose their ability to reflect light, rendering the Manhunter invisible to normal light and human sight.
** NighInvulnerability: The bio-morphic structure of the Manhunter's body allows him to absorb almost all kinetic energies such as high caliber-bullets, shrapnel, or flying debris easily. He can harden his bio-polymers by rebinding them and increase his durability to the point where he is nearly on par with Superman.
** PsychicPowers

*** [[MindOverMatter Telekinesis]]: J'onn possesses the ability to move objects with his mind, which he described as ""molecular hypnosis" and "Martian mind-over-matter"
*** [[BizarreAlienSenses Nine Senses]]: J'onn possesses nine different senses. One of these senses could account for instances of the Manhunter's perceived precognitive abilities.

** SuperSpeed: Either through flight or natural movement, he can maintain speed and reflexes far in excess to that of even most superhumans. Like the power of flight, this is accomplished by manipulating the magnetic fields of energy surrounding his body, as well as ambient gravitational particles. Traditionally, J'onn only uses his superhuman speed while flying. He has admitted that he is not as fast as Superman but this can be argued as he has shown speed feats that is nearly at Superman's level
** SuperStrength: He is one of the strongest beings on the planet. The Martian's superhuman strength comes from his plasmorphic structure formed from immensely long and complex molecular chains,[citation needed] augmented with his psionic and telekinetic abilities allowing him to lift incredible weights without these weights crumbling under the stress. The Martian has been seen lifting tankers out of the ocean for vast distances, stalemating powerhouses like Superman, and he has even helped tow the moon and objects as large as the Earth itself together with Superman.
** VoluntaryShapeShifting: He is able to literally control the molecular structure of his body's bio-polymer and make it resemble anything he wants. He can form clothing and weapons with non-moving or non-functioning parts. There does not seem to be any limit to the number of people the Manhunter can imitate and has stood in as a double for many famous people. He is also able to change colors.
** XRayVision: In older continuity he's displayed this ability, but it's been phased out in the modern day in favor of his "Martian vision" or no eye-based powers at all.

* WeaksauceWeakness: Fire. How bad it is, and whether it is psychosomatic or not varies, but it is always a problem. The problem with fire is that they are terrified of it, and just being near a lighter can render them helpless. J'onn J'onzz himself has been on earth for decades, and no longer has such an extreme reaction to it. The fear of fire is actually a psychic barrier the Guardians of the Universe put into the Green Martians to stop their [[SuperPoweredEvilSide psychotically powerful Burning Martian selves]] from taking over the universe.

* CorruptedContingency: ''JLA: Year One'' shows that before he joined the League, J'Onn didn't really know who to trust and compiled data on every hero on Earth with the intent of using them to defend himself from them if they proved hostile to him. These plans are stolen by the invading aliens who use them to ambush and capture several heroes.

* SpiritualSuccessor: To Commander Blanx, being responsible for the same crime that he committed in UsefulNotes/{{the Silver Age|of Comic Books}}.

** ''Characters/YoungJustice2010OtherVillains'' [[note]]Despero, Ma'alefa'ak[[/note]]

[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/250px-despero_3553.jpg]]

->''"You let Mars burn! And Mars will forever smolder with the fire of your failure!"''

An alien tyrant who came into conflict with the JLA when he pursued two rebels to Earth, Despero has a long and ugly history with the Martian Manhunter, dating back to early in his conflict with the League. Reborn several times into a greater and greater engine of destruction, Despero lives for revenge against the League, with J'onn J'onzz at the top of his hit list.

* ArchEnemy: To J'onn in Post-Crisis continuity. While he's officially an enemy of the League as a whole, he truly despises J'onn and will go out of his way to kill him first whenever the League shows up. This is largely because J'onn is responsible for some of his more bitter and humiliating defeats, making him the one whom Despero, in his own words, "hates most of all." J'onn for his part fears and hates Despero right back, and the two have fought every few years from the 1960s into the present day, making them one another's longest running, most persistent, and most personal foes.
* DemonicPossession: Has made a habit of bodyjacking others when his own is unavailable.
* DependingOnTheArtist: His appearance varies a ''lot''. Sometimes his features can be a little more human-like. Other times, he's much more brutal, hulking, and monstrous, with razor-sharp teeth to boot.
* TheDreaded: ''Anything'' involving him is an "oh shit" moment. When he shows up, holding back is not an option, and it always takes multiple teams just to slow his progress. A single team going up against him is a suicide mission.
* EvilCounterpart: It's not as obvious as some, but Despero, with his history of isolation, longevity, religious ties, status as a leader on his world, PsychicPowers, and connection to fire is, at the end of the day, an evil version of J'onn J'onzz which is what makes the rivalry work. More on that can be found [[http://idol-head.blogspot.ca/2010/08/despero-fifth-most-important-martian.html here]].
* FullFrontalAssault: Following his second resurrection he usually wears a cape and nothing else.
* GalacticConqueror: Originally. These days he's more of a walking engine of destruction.
* GeniusBruiser: Originally he was a NonActionBigBad who couldn't come close to holding his own in a fight, but these days he's a hulking giant with an intellect to match.
* HeroKiller: Regularly bests the League and J'onn in particular.
* LargeAndInCharge: When he became a hulking giant he was this to any team.
* MotiveDecay: In-universe. Initially he was an alien despot looking for escaped rebels hiding on Earth. Then it was because he wanted revenge on the Justice League for humiliating him front of his subjects. As he got more-and-more powerful, this came up less and less. By the time [[RememberWhenYouBlewUpASun he stole the United Nations' flag to use as a cape]], he'd essentially abandoned anything else but revenge.
* NighInvulnerability: Since his rebirth.
* PersonOfMassDestruction: He frequently takes ''multiple'' teams to bring him down, and even that isn't always guaranteed.
* PhysicalGod: More or less became one.
* PsychicPowers: A staggeringly powerful psychic, with a full range of telepathic and telekinetic powers.
* PowerOfHate: He is driven by unadulterated rage - tempered by a certain amount of cold cunning and pure hatred. Martian Manhunter once defeated him by using his mental powers to make him hallucinate killing all the heroes, at which point he declared he was satisfied and let go of all his hate and anger, regressing to a baby. Unfortunately, when he found out he had been tricked, his hate and anger came back and he returned to normal.
* PlayingWithFire: Has gained pyrokinesis after being exposed to the Flame of Pytar.
* ReligiousBruiser: After undergoing his rebirth as part of the Cult of Pytar.
* SuperIntelligence: He was like an alien Lex Luthor when he first appeared, and he is still this.
* SuperStrength: Even by DC standards. He's easily one of the single most physically powerful beings in the entire DCU, second only to beings like Darkseid.
* TranquilFury: One thing that makes him dangerous is that he isn't just a hulking mass of fury, he's quite cold and clever about it.
* TokenEvilTeammate: Forced to work as a member of the League at one point, alongside J'onn J'onzz no less.
* UnstoppableRage: His utter hatred of the Justice League has made him driven by nothing more than fury.
* TookALevelInBadass: Originally a mental threat and nothing else, Despero has been repeatedly reborn in the Flame of Pytar, becoming more and more powerful with each incarnation.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:The Human Flame]]
[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/394320_195558_human_flame.jpg]]
->'''AKA:''' Michael "Mike" Miller

->''"Impossible? I'm the Human Flame, Milo. I eat impossible for breakfast and crap out unicorns!"''

A low-brow thug with just enough intellect to be dangerous to himself and others, Mike Miller was an absolute nobody, until he built a special flamethrowing suit in order to ward off the police and the Martian Manhunter. Incarcerated, he was eventually freed by Libra, who transformed him into a cyborg. Playing a pivotal role in the "death" of the Martian Manhunter, Miller had himself augmented again and again to try and ward of the JLA, eventually becoming a radioactive mass of living fire.
----

* ProngsOfPoseidon: He and J'onn fought their final duel with tridents.

* ShadowArchetype: A heroic one of Superman. While both J'onn and Superman are powerful, heroic aliens who suffered the loss of their respective races, they are very different in the respect that Superman considers earth his true home and sees himself as human. J'onn on the other hand grew into his adulthood on Mars. He accepts earth as his new home but will always have reverence for Mars.
* ShapeshifterDefaultForm: A strange example of this. J'onn's familer "superhero" form is a compromise between a human form and his true more alien appearance.

* TheSpock: His composure is usually unbreakble as his mindset.

* YouGottaHaveBlueHair: It was lilac in her first appearance.