Jack Reed

"In my secret identity of John Jones, I'm an accomplished detective with the Middleton police force-- but Jack Reed set the standard there. He was as brave and skilled an officer as I've ever known. If only that had been enough to keep him safe. Jack made plenty of enemies. Vengeful mobsters murdered Jack and his wife. Their son Robby was barely two-- not old enough to realize what had happened-- only old enough to feel a great and inexplicable sense of loss. Not long after, Robby's maternal grandfather moved the boy to nearby Littleville. I can see now that I should have stayed in touch-- since i can't fathom what could have turned the boy into a-- super-hero?"

See Also: Silver Age: Dial H for Hero #1 (July, 2000)

Mars & the Duke of Deception

In the Golden Age, the Roman God Mars ruled from the planet bearing his namesake, where he gathered the souls of dead men to serve as eternal slaves to his kingdom. Under Mars were three commanders, Lord Conquest, the Earl of Greed, and the Duke of Deception (along with General Destruction and Lya.) Mars and his lieutenants often deployed forces from the planet Mars against their sworn enemies, the Amazons, and their greatest champion, Wonder Woman. Initially, these "Martians" appeared to be Caucasian humans, perhaps related to those enslaved souls, but later, native Martians were clearly deployed. 

At one point, Duke Deception overthrew Mars to rule their planet, and later commanded a fiefdom over Yellow Martians, whose form he assumed to lead them in a combined invasion force alongside armies from Saturn and Jupiter. This was after Deception had gathered representatives from planets throughout the Solar System in a bid to join together to invade Earth, but they were put off when Princess Diana made an impressive demonstration of potential resistance in "The Olympics of Terror." Later still, after an unexplained separation from his prior army (which may have involved the machinations of Morpheus,) the Imperator of Illusions assumed a green-skinned form, and was surprised to make the acquaintance of actual Green Martians. For a sprawling arena of natives, the Master of Matter tasked Wonder Woman in the Martian Olympics of the Doomed, but the Amazing Amazon bested him in the crooked competition. In revenge, the Green Martians destroyed the Earth, but with the help of a Jovian, Princess Diana traveled back through to prevent the destruction before it began.

Mars himself pitted against Wonder Woman the Crimson Centipede, a powerful green-skinned being, and a Martian creation bearing roughly sixteen arms and legs. Meanwhile, the Duke of Deception disfigured Wonder Girl, and tried to use her as bait for the Wonder Family to be cut down by a Martian fleet, but was thwarted. After a final invasion attempt on Paradise Island with Martian saucers disguised as an Amazonian Swan Fleet, the Duke of Deception was commanded by the Lasso of Truth to return to the Red Planet, from which the Martian incarnation of the Imperator of Illusions never returned. This final return took place before the seeming destruction of Mars in the inferno of The Blue Flame.

The Robot Brain and the Observatory-Lab

The Observatory-Lab was the workplace of Professor Mark Erdel and his lab assistant, Fred Schneider. It appeared to be developed from out of a lighthouse, based on its unusual shape and location near a cliff. Within the lab, Erdel constructed "The Robot Brain," a "strange, humming contraption, dotted with twinkling lights," which "crackles and buzzes" when in full operation. The bulky equipment filled much of a room, with its purpose being to explore "the cosmos... other dimensions... reach into space-- time-- or the fourth dimension..." How close it came to fulfilling its directives is unknown, but it most famously plucked out a scientist from just one planet over, teleporting J'onn J'onzz from Mars to Earth over long moments in a vivid flash. Erdel suffered a fatal heart attack soon after, and J'onzz struggled for years to decipher the Robot Brain's workings.

While the Observatory-Lab's location was long kept vague, it eventually became clear that it was near Middletown, U.S.A., serving as the home of J'onn J'onzz for several years during his stint in the identity of local police detective John Jones. The lab suffered a terrific fire in 1959 during an altercation between J'onzz and the forces of his archenemy, Commander Blanx. The Robot Brain appeared to be rendered slag, although J'onzz later made use of a similar device, so it was presumably rebuilt for his 1960s adventures.

The Observatory-Lab was also restored at some point, but had been long abandoned before being revisited by Hawkman and Hawkgirl in 1981. The former Thanagarian policeman Katar Hol had decided to investigate discrepancies in the death of Mark Erdel. He eventually learned that Erdel had in fact been murdered by the Robot Brain, which had gained some semblance of sentience. Desiring to teleport its intelligence "to roam the universe at will," the Robot Brain sent an electrical shock to trigger Erdel's heart attack to allow itself unfettered access to travel. It is unknown how J'onn J'onzz's work on the brain had impacted its designs, or why it proved more inhibited in addressing the Martian.

Regardless, the Robot Brain teleported a wyrdbeast from Alpha Centauri to kill the Hawks, but the intelligence was instead seemingly destroyed by Hawkman's mace, which caused the wyrdbeast to disappear.

Powers & Weapons:
According to Erdel, the Robot Brain required a "thinking plot" to be directed toward a specific location. After blindly teleporting J'onn J'onzz to Earth, Erdel feared it would take "weeks-- months-- even years" to change the thinking plot and return J'onzz home.

Killer Fisk

Alter Ego: Monte Fisk
Occupation: Criminal
Group Affiliation: Boss of a pair of unnamed murderous goons
Base of Operations: Middletown, U.S.A.
First Appearance: Detective Comics #227 (January, 1956)
Eyes: Dark
Hair: Black

History:
Lieutenant Saunders and the Office of the Chief of Detectives were stymied by the dangerous criminal Monte Fisk, believed beyond any reasonable doubt to be responsible for a dozen murders, but too cunning for it to be proven in a court of law. "He covers his tracks like a fox!" On June 4th at noon, Killer Fisk had an alibi of being asleep during a shooting that Middletown Police couldn't crack, but was swiftly revealed to Detective John Jones. Secretly an extra-terrestrial, Jones used a technique unknown on Earth of retracing "thought processes" to draw out Fisk's criminal memory, but still lacked for evidence. Jones confronted Fisk with the knowledge that he'd used a clock's chime to cover his gunshot, which rattled the hoodlum enough to decide Jones needed to perish in an engineered accident.

Killer Fisk dispatched a pair of goons to run down Jones with their car, but the Martian Detective turned immaterial before impact. They next tossed Jones over the railing at High Gate Bridge to no greater effect. The hoods were spooked, but Killer Fisk presumed Jones was just too clever for them, and set about erasing the detective himself. Fisk dropped a safe on Jones, but when no body was found underneath, Killer decided Jones was too much for even him to tangle with. Planning to flee town, Fisk was visited by a spectral Jones who passed through a wall and soon hung from the hood of his speeding car. Killer Fisk was so disquieted that even after shaking the "ghost" of Jones loose, he decided to turn himself in to police.

Quote: "Say listen, Mr. Cop... I've got rights as a citizen! Either prove I killed somebody and arrest me or... beat it!"

Created by Joe Samachson and Joe Certa

Trigger Tom Taylor

Trigger Tom Taylor was the first apprehension of a named criminal suspect by Middletown Police Detective John Jones in the "Manhunter from Mars" comic strip. He was preceded by a gang of three unnamed hoods in the panels immediately before those that made up Taylor's first and only appearance in Detective Comics #226 (December, 1955). Taylor was shown firing a revolver down a rooftop staircase at Jones, who was pressed against a wall around a corner. Jones turned invisible, walked up the stairs, and reappeared with his service pistol planted into the small of Taylor's back.

Quote: "Come and get me-- if you think you can!"

Created by Joe Samachson and Joe Certa

Brad Devon

Devon, pictured at center, flanked by two members of his gang.

Brad Devon and his gang attempted to extort a poor performance from Big Bob Michaels as he pitched for the Flamingos baseball club against the Wonders, but was thwarted and arrested by Detective John Jones in one of his earliest cases. Appeared in Detective Comics #226 (December, 1955).

Quote: "It's not the weather! He's got another kind of heat on him! If he tries to win this one, it's the end of his career!"

Created by Joe Samachson and Joe Certa

High Gate Bridge

The High Gate suspension bridge in Middletown U.S.A. was the site of the attempted murder of Detective John Jones but hirelings of Killer Fisk during one of his first recorded cases. After falling a perilous distance, Jones discretely transformed into the Manhunter from Mars and carried himself over the water to safety.

First Appearance: Detective Comics #227 (January, 1956)

The Vast Stadium

A baseball stadium in Middletown which has hosted games featuring the Flamingos and Wonders big league teams. Presumably, the Flamingos were the local team, although it was never explicitly stated. Pictured are a Wonders batter amidst the Flamingos, including rookie pitcher Big Bob Michaels. Appeared in Detective Comics #226 (December, 1955).

Big Bob Michaels

While serving a little publicized term for an unrevealed crime, Big Bob Michaels developed into a remarkable pitcher on the prison baseball team. Following his release, Michaels joined a minor league ball club, until the majors came calling. Michaels signed with the Flamingos, but they weren't the only ones with Michaels' number, as criminals attempted to extort a sour performance out of him during a match against the Wonders. "Lose the game, and you'll get a lot of dough," or win and have his dark past revealed to the fans. Michaels refused to play along, but the stress adversely affected his performance, which was compensated for through the mind-over-matter powers of guardian angel Middletown Police Detective John Jones. The blackmailers were arrested by same, after an "assisted" home run for Michaels won the previously 0-0 game. Appeared in Detective Comics #226 (December, 1955).

Defense Drones

Sentinels used by the White Martians to guard their bases.

The Flower of Wrath

"The Flower of Wrath" was a torture and execution device employed by White Martians. Though it has not been shown in use to date, the Martians believed it powerful enough to affect the JLA. "When the petals close, the agonies are indescribable."

John R. Collins

John R. Collins was a collector of ancient artifacts, some of which he kept on display in his lavish home. At one time, his rare collection included the Diabolu Idol-Head and its companion volume The Book of Diabolu. The former was stolen by Vince Durskin, and the latter turned over to Middletown Police Detective John Jones to aid in his investigation of the crime.

First Appearance: Detective Comics #326 (April, 1964)
Quote: "Stop, thief!"

Created by Jack Miller & Joe Certa

Martian Mountain M'mannix

The Martian Mountain M'mannix was a "dumb beast" that was "wild and deadly," described as being as indestructible as a more humanoid Martian but "twice as powerful!" The creature has not appeared in any comics, but a group of Martians once shape-shifted to take on their form as part of an invasion plot against Earth. A non-canon splash page showed a "M'mannix" breathing a spray of flame out of its nose, a power not demonstrated by the regular Martians featured in the story.

First Appearance: House of Mystery #171 (December, 1967)

The Transfer-Ray

After a decade of development, top scientists from the international criminal organization Vulture completed the "transfer-ray," which could transform agents into large, vaguely canine anthropomorphic "monsters." For reasons unrevealed, Vulture would only alter three agents at one time, individually, through one known transfer-ray. Two recorded heists were performed before the Grecian base housing the ray was uncovered by J'onn J'onzz, the Manhunter from Mars, and the known transfer-ray was destroyed. A short time later, Vulture appeared to be dismantled and its once faceless leader Mr. V unmasked, so it is unknown if any additional transfer-rays were ever produced.

First Appearance: House of Mystery #169 (September, 1967)

Cluzot

Cluzot was the leader of a French unit of Vulture local to the base of operations for Andre Rennay. Cluzot enjoyed roulette at the casino, smoking cigarettes, and speaking with a comically heavy accent. He did not suffer fools gladly, expressing a willingness to kill if a subordinate was indiscreet. Such was the case when "Rennay" revealed Cluzot's role in Vulture to international playboy "Marco Xavier," though both identities actually belonged to the Manhunter from Mars. As Xavier, J'onzz used Cluzot to inform Vulture kingpin Mr.V of a Mercurian renegade spotted in the area. Mr. V dispatched Cluzot and a group of Vulture goons to find the Mercurian and procure his disintegrator ray gun. Cluzot would also be field testing Vulture's long in development Captive-Ray Gun to meet the task. Cluzot and the Mercurian initially fought, but once Cluzot successfully captured the Martian Manhunter, he was able to convince the renegade that a partnership was in their mutual best interests. However, the Martian Marvel managed to trick and disarm both Cluzot and the Mercurian. Cluzot and his men were then turned over to the police.

First Appearance: House of Mystery #163 (December, 1966)

Quote: "It gives one a great feeling of security to know we are associated with such genius, eh, Rennay?"

Created by Jack Miller and Joe Certa

Andre Rennay

Andre Rennay was a French outlaw associated with the world-wide criminal syndicate known as Vulture until a fatal gun battle with police. After Rennay's demise, the Manhunter from Mars deciphered the code in his notebook containing the location of the local Vulture headquarters. Since his former associates were unaware of Rennay's death, J'onn J'onzz was able to assume his identity and infiltrate Vulture. This gambit allowed J'onzz to discover the existence of Vulture's "Captive-Ray Gun." In his last recorded appearance as Andre Rennay, J'onn J'onzz shifted out of the form to confront a Mercurian Renegade.

First Appearance: House of Mystery #163 (December, 1966)

Quote: "Oui, oui, Cluzot! You can say that again!"

Created by Jack Miller and Joe Certa

Captive-Ray Gun

The captive-ray gun was a powerful weapon developed by the scientists of the world-wide criminal syndicate Vulture. According to their leader Mr.V, "It is... capable of overcoming any force on Earth! It's basic component is a microscopic element so rare, it has taken 15 years to extract and refine it for use!" After thousands of tests, the weapon proved capable of projecting an imprisoning sphere around a target of such resilience that even the Martian Manhunter could not break out of it. Mr.V made the gun available to Vulture's members, and it was field tested against the Alien Atlas by Cluzot, but failed to win the day due to human error. J'onn J'onzz destroyed Cluzot's captive-ray gun, but it is uncertain whether it was the only working model.

First Appearance: House of Mystery #163 (December, 1966)

Created by Jack Miller and Joe Certa

Prince Rudolph

Alter Ego: Rudolph
Occupation: Monarch
Marital Status: Engaged
Known Relatives: Unnamed father (deceased)
Group Affiliation: None
Base of Operations: Harovia
First Appearance: Detective Comics #286 (December, 1960)

History:
In the tiny European kingdom of Harovia, Baron Brujo jockeyed for position against the ruler's own son, Rudolph. Abandoning his claim to the throne and his fiancée Princess Eloise, Rudolph appeared to vanish from the face of the earth. Fearing for his life, Rudolph had escaped into the secret catacombs within his own ancient castle, where he hid for four years.

After the King passed away, Harovian ministers searched the globe for his heir in order to prevent the succession of the tyrannical Baron Brujo. They thought Rudolph had finally been located in Middletown, U.S.A. Police Detective John Jones was the spitting image of Rudolph, and unable to answer questions about where he had been four years earlier (living his life as J'onn J'onzz on the planet Mars,) Jones agreed to "return" to Harovia.

A series of attempts were made on Jones' life orchestrated through complex death traps built into the castle itself. Jones survived through the use of his Martian powers, located Prince Rudolph, and compelled him to accept his duty to rule. Meanwhile, the Baron had been emboldened by Rudolph's return, and stormed his castle with his superior forces. Inspired by John Jones' willingness to imperil himself to defend Rudolph's reign, the Prince led resistance against Baron Brujo's assault, which succeeded thanks to the clandestine aid of the Manhunter from Mars.

Powers & Weapons:
Prince Rudolph carried a sword and rode a horse.

Quote: "You are willing to risk your life for my cause? That has given me the courage to fight! My sword!"

Created by Jack Miller & Joe Certa

Barry Clark

Alter Ego: Barry Clark
Occupation: Impersonator
Marital Status: Unknown
Known Relatives: None
Group Affiliation: None
Base of Operations: Mobile
First Appearance: Detective Comics #298 (December, 1961)

History:
Barry Clark was once a famous impersonator whose own celebrity had faded. Hoping to make a comeback, Clark staged a new show in which he would not only impersonate the Manhunter from Mars, but appear to perform mighty feats beyond human ability. As with a magic show, this was all to be performed through trick props and slight of hand.

The night of his debut, Clark met with the real Martian Manhunter before the show, discussing his techniques as he applied make-up and costume. Clark tripped and sprained his ankle in his trailer, so J'onn J'onzz agreed to go on in his stead, relying on props rather than his Martian powers. The performance was well received, but J'onzz was put in a bind when robbers showed up at a nearby exhibit of rare royal crowns. To save the lives of security officers, J'onzz discretely foiled the crooks in their heist and attempted retreat. The gang took refuge in Barry Clark's trailer, and figuring out who stood in for the injured actor, threaten to expose Clark's fraud if he didn't provide assistance. Instead, the Alien Atlas made it appear as if Barry Clark was the "real" Martian Manhunter, and knocked out the band of thugs with none the wiser.

Powers & Weapons:
Barry Clark used numerous elaborate props to present a facsimile of Martian marvels. Clark could appear to pass through a solid block of steel intangible, but the block was really made from a self-sealing plastic. Clark could seem to fly via a thin, virtually invisible cable attached to his belt. Finally, Clark could replicate Martian Lung Power by "blowing" inflated dummies into a paddy wagon that concealed stagehands reeling them in.

Quote: "This was to be my big chance, Manhunter! I--I may as well give up forever!"

Created by Jack Miller & Joe Certa

Dirk Giles

Alter Ego: Dirk Giles
Occupation: Millionaire Playboy
Marital Status: Single
Known Relatives: None
Group Affiliation: None
Base of Operations: Middletown, U.S.A.
First Appearance: Detective Comics #291 (May, 1961)

History:
Dirk Giles may have lived on the swank side of town with a large personal fortune, but that didn't earn him the heart of his best girl Hazel, who saw him as a useless coward. Knowing Hazel was a great admirer of the Martian Manhunter, Giles create a suit in his likeness to impersonate the hero. Giles then set up a series of phony "feats" to perform, so that he could claim to be the hero. The scam attracted the attention of the true Manhunter from Mars, as well as the Buggsy Baines Gang, who were looking to test a rumor that the Alien Atlas was vulnerable to fire. J'onn J'onzz confronted Giles, then used him to convince the gangsters that they were wrong about their theory while aiding the playboy through secret Martian interventions. Hazel was impressed by Giles' daring, but made him swear never to risk his life in that way again.

Powers & Weapons:
Dirk Giles employed a variety of gimmicks to convince people that he was the Martian Manhunter, including a midget dirigible disguised as a runaway truck, and a fake flaming meteorite made of brittle plastic.

Quote: "Cost me a fortune, too!"

Created by Jack Miller & Joe Certa