Roh Kar, First Lawman of Mars

Alter Ego: Roh Kar
Other Aliases: Martian Manhunter, the Manhunter from Mars
Occupation: Lawman of Mars
Known Relatives: None
Group Affiliation: None
Base of Operations: Mars
First Appearance: BATMAN #78 (Aug.-Sep. 1953)
Height: Approx. 5'10"
Build: Slight
Hair: None

History:
On peaceful Mars, a scientific civilization with almost no crime, Roh Kar assumed the role of "First Lawman of Mars." Using televisoscopes, Martians studied Earth language and culture, while Roh Kar was specifically interested in crime busters like Batman. One day, the distorted genius Quork began a crime spree that drew Roh Kar's pursuit across their desert world, to the southern canal cities. Having reached the Space Research Center, Quork escaped Mars in a secret experimental space ship. Roh Kar was forced to wait until another craft could be constructed, but deduced that Quork would travel to Earth due to its similar atmosphere.

Once Roh Kar reached Earth, his detection instruments led him to Quork's abandoned ship, where he was detained by Batman and Robin. The Dynamic Duo had been following a fantastic criminal of their own, known only as the Stranger, and deduced he and Quork were one in the same. Roh Kar was honored by the opportunity to join the great Batman on a case, but requested the involvement of Martians be kept secret to protect his civilization.

The trio traced Quork to the Gotham City Science Hall, where Quork attacked them and took Robin hostage. Using Martian science and Earth knowledge, Roh Kar and Batman were able to locate Quork, free Robin, and take the outlaw into custody. When last seen, Roh Kar swore he would return Quork to moon prison, then towed him and his ship off the Earth.

Powers & Weapons:
Roh Kar displayed no super powers typical of natural Martians, but had a variety of gadgets at his disposal which produced similar results. These included a "human compass," which allowed Roh Kar to track people by their brain waves; a detectophone device, which broadcast sound to a listening device; a personal jet-flight unit; and a pistol.

Weaknesses:
The air on Mars is much thinner than that on Earth, which caused Roh Kar to experience oxygen intoxication here if he inhaled too deeply.

Distinguishing Features: Roh Kar had green skin and two small nubs of undisclosed purpose at the top of his head.

Quote: "He must be caught before he uses Martian science to commit crime on Earth!"

Created by: Edmond Hamilton & Lew Schwartz

Man Hunt (1941)

Joe Simon and Jack Kirby created DC Comics' first Manhunter in 1942. According to a piece at Don Markstein's Toonopedia, Simon's inspiration was "the 1941 film Man Hunt, which starred Walter Pidgeon."

"Man Hunt" was based on the 1939 Geoffrey Household novel "Rogue Male," which was also adapted in 1976 with Peter O'Toole for the BBC. Per Wikipedia, "In a BBC Radio 4 interview on 26 January 2007, Peter O'Toole named this film as his favourite from his long career." The book also influenced David Morrell's 1972 novel "First Blood," which originated the character (John) Rambo.

"Man Hunt" was directed by the once German-based director Fritz Lang, best known for "M" and "Metropolis." It co-starred Joan Bennett, George Sanders, John Carradine and a tweenaged Roddy McDowall as Vaner.

Below is a detailed synopsis for the film, unavailable on DVD, taken from the Turner Classic Movies website.

"In July 1939, English big-game hunter Captain Alan Thorndike infiltrates Adolph Hitler's retreat Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps and takes aim at Hitler with his high-powered rifle. Although Thorndike had intended to carry out a "sporting stalk" only, and does not have bullets in his gun, he loads the weapon after locating the target. A German soldier surprises him, however, and his bullet goes astray.

Thorndike is brought to Gestapo Major Quive-Smith, to whom he explains that he did not intend to kill Hitler. Quive-Smith does not believe him, however, and orders him to confess that his assassination attempt was at the request of the British government. Although Quive-Smith promises him freedom, Thorndike refuses to sign the prepared confession and is tortured by the Gestapo. When Thorndike still refuses to sign, Quive-Smith arranges for him to be thrown off a cliff in what will look like an accident, but he falls into a river and survives.

The next day, the Gestapo searches for Thorndike but he eludes his pursuers and reaches a harbor, where he boards a boat bound for Britain. An intrepid cabin boy named Vaner hides him while one of Quive-Smith's men, Mr. Jones, boards with Thorndike's passport. Vaner keeps Thorndike hidden during the journey, but once he is ashore, Thorndike realizes that Jones and other Gestapo agents are following him, and he ducks into an apartment to escape. He appeals to the apartment's resident, a young Cockney woman named Jerry Stokes, for aid, and she helps him get to his brother's house.

Thorndike's brother, Lord Gerald Risborough, is an ambassador, who warns him that the German embassy is looking for him, and that England must acquiesce if Germany demands his extradition. Thorndike vows to disappear from England, then leaves with Jerry and sleeps on her couch. The next morning, Thorndike outlines his plans and does not notice that Jerry has fallen in love with him. She pouts until he takes her to buy a pin to replace the one she lost from her tam-o'-shanter, and she chooses a large chromium arrow. Jerry then accompanies Thorndike to the office of his solicitor, Saul Farnsworthy, where he tries to give her five hundred pounds. She refuses the money, and their squabbling is cut short when an assistant announces that Quive-Smith and Jones are on their way to the office.

Thorndike and Jerry escape to the Underground, where Thorndike is chased by Jones. After a fight, Jones is electrocuted on the third rail, and, because he still carries Thorndike's passport, his corspe is identified as the hunter. Realizing that the British police are now after him as well, Thorndike instructs Jerry to write to him at Lyme Regis in three weeks with any news. After a tearful farewell, Jerry returns to her apartment, where Quive-Smith is waiting for her.

Three weeks later, Thorndike, who has been living in a cave in the woods, goes to the post office to pick up Jerry's letter. When he returns to his cave, Thorndike discovers that the letter is from Quive-Smith, who has followed him and blocked the cave's opening. Through a small opening, Quive-Smith hands Thorndike Jerry's tam-o'-shanter and says that she was found dead on the street after jumping out her window.

Enraged by Jerry's murder, Thorndike finally admits that he did intend to kill Hitler, although he did not realize it at the time. Stalling for time, Thorndike agrees to sign the confession and constructs a bow while Quive-Smith opens the entrance to the cave. As Quive-Smith reaches for the signed confession, Thorndike shoots him with the arrow from Jerry's hat. As he dies, Quive-Smith shoots Thorndike with a pistol, but before he collapses, Thorndike destroys the confession.

Months pass as Thorndike recuperates and Europe is thrown into war. Once he has recovered, Thorndike joins the RAF, and on a reconnaissance mission over Germany, bails out with a high-powered rifle, intent on fulfilling his purpose this time."

Superman #253 (6/72)

In a story too complicated yet nonsensical to delve into deeply, Ferlin Nyxly was scouring the desert in search of a new source of super-powers. He had recently tangled with Superman, aided by a "Devil's Harp," but needed a new edge against the Man of Steel. Suddenly, a sort of super-science chapel materialized before him. Stepping inside, he found a suit of armor that conformed to his body, and came with a special sling attached to the back of his right gauntlet. The sling could be used to fire energy bolts, fly, move at invisible speeds, and track anyone Nyxly brought to mind. The sling led Ferlin Nyxly to Clark Kent's apartment in Metropolis, where he lay in wait. There was also this whole deal where the sling accidentally caused a boy named Billy Anders to switch minds with a lynx, and form a telepathic bond with his former self. It isn't resolved in this issue-- nor the next-- and is way more of a tangent than we want to be bothered with here.

Clark Kent was sent by his boss Morgan Edge to report on strange happenings at the Utah Salt Flats. After a brief and mostly pointless appearance by Lois Lane on the scene, Superman was led to where the strange building intermittently manifested out of the ether. Superman tried to fly into the building, but his timing was poor, and he ended up tossed about like a beanbag as the construct vanished. His x-ray vision revealed Ferlin Nyxly inside, which I guess makes this a good time to note this story was told out of chronological sequence, adding to the confusion.

Superman visited Dr. Farr at S.T.A.R. Labs, who explained "For years, we scientists have theorized that matter can be broadcast-- like television images! I'm guessing the stuff of the structure you described is being broadcast... perhaps from another planet! I'll further guess that it's caught in some sort of space-warp!" Superman returned to the Flats, where the building had reappeared. Inside, he found an alien arsenal of devices advanced beyond Earth's abilities. Superman flew back to Metropolis, where he visited a comatose Billy Anders at the hospital, who warned him about Ferlin Nyxly through telepathic lynx link (don't ask!) Superman ambushed Nyxly by bursting through the wall of Kent's apartment, ripped the sling off Nyxly's gauntlet, threw it into the sun, and dropped him off at a police station. An archnemesis, Ferlin Nyxly was not.

Superman sensed the answers behind Nyxly and Billy's condition were in the alien structure, which was vanishing as he tried to return to it...
"Superman! Help me..."
"A voice... A familiar voice! Can it be--"
"Hurry, Superman!"
"Yes! It's J'onn J'onzz... the Martian Manhunter! The hero who abandoned Earth two years ago! He's fading, too... My hand is passing right through his! Gone...! Leaving the greatest mystery I've ever grappled with-- a mystery I must solve!"

Because things weren't messy enough already, the story then diverged into two series-- one resolving Billy Anders' dilemma, while the other involving the Alien Atlas and the otherworldly devices, in Martian Manhunter's first appearance after three years in limbo...

"The Kid Who Saved Superman!" was by Denny O'Neil, Curt Swan, & Murphy Anderson.

Who's Who Vol.XXII: Steel (12/86)

Steel II is a character I didn't care for on first reading. Then, on second try, I still didn't care for him. Third time was the charm, as it was then I began to realize the potential of the character.

Hank Heywood II, like his grandfather, was a sort of roughhewn, inexperienced, right wing Captain America. In Hank Sr.'s case, that made him a bit redundant in the midst of the WWII bravado typical of Golden Age-styled super-heroes. With Hank Jr. though, it made him an intriguing anomaly. Here's this Reagan Era neophyte in a minority-skewing, lefty super-hero team based out of bombed out Detroit, Michigan. He was the stiff, sure, but also the sensitive Colossus sort under his rigid exterior. He had his own secret headquarters in "The Bunker," access to Heywood Industries gadgets and fortunes, the L.O.S.T. aircraft, a mentor in Dale Gunn, and adversaries/legacy tied to Commander Steel. Of all the new Detroit members, he was the one most ready made to stand on his own as a viable soloist.

Steel was also ahead of his time: Among the first of many old school super-heroes to loosen up by shedding a skullcap... the first to have a cybernetic endoskeleton, ala Steve Austin or "the Terminator," allowing him to take horrific battle damage... among the rare heroes with a clear political ideology... and of course he served on the prototype for misbegotten new line-ups replacing beloved super-hero teams. Steel's career is like a blueprint for '90s comics. All he needed was a brown bomber jacket, useless pouches, and a big gun.

So let's all shed a tear for the lost opportunity that was Steel. He certainly would have.

Art by Chuck Patton & Larry Mahlstedt

Justice League of America #260 (3/87)

Professor Ivo: Continued to be conflicted by his own murderous actions, seeing visions of himself in a padded room.

Vixen: Rented Orson Welles' "A Touch of Evil" and tried to take Hank's mind off things with pleasant conversation. Argued with Hank that the President's ban prevented their doing anything more, but was told her she sounded like the Manhunter. "Well, with Batman out of the picture, the Manhunter is the senior member of the team, and--" Hank became more forceful, grabbing hold of Mari's arms. "Take your hands off of me, Steel-- or I swear I'll dismantle you." The pair relaxed, and Mari explained, "...when it comes down to it, Mari McCabe is as big a fraud as Hank Heywood. I'm Vixen. I'm a hunter... a fighter. But all the breast-beating and self-pity in the world won't change anything." Hank decided to become Steel, and while Mari tried to stop him at first, soon relented. In fact, unable to keep Steel in check, Mari went on the hunt for Ivo by herself, though in plain clothes.

Steel: Couldn't stand idly by at Mari's apartment with Ivo on the loose. "Dammit, Mari! A friend of ours was murdered-- and because of that idiot G. Gordon Godfrey-- our hands are tied! Where's the sense in that? Where's the justice?" Mari threatened Hank when he got grabby, and things cooled down. "Funny. You got mad-- and called me Steel, not Hank. And that's who I really am... Steel, the unstoppable cyborg. Strong enough to give Superman a run for his money. But of course I can't use my strength. The President won't let me." Hank stormed off into a bedroom, and emerged in his Steel costume. Mari thought he was out of his mind, but Steel demanded, "Away from the door, Vixen-- or I'll dismantle you."

Walking the streets of New York in broad daylight, Steel expected to attract Ivo's attention. That and more, as Steel was dismayed by the fear and disrespect that greeted him from the G. Gordon Godfrey-influenced public. Police arrived and drew down on him. Steel gave a somewhat effective speech extolling the virtue of costumed heroics, until he attacked an Ivo android dressed as NYPD, dissipating good will in favor of panic. Steel hauled the manipulative automaton to a discrete alley to extract information, but received only head games and energy blasts. Steel valiantly pressed the Ivo into reaching critical mass with its energy projection, absorbing the resultant explosion with his own body to protect bystanders. Steel was severely damaged when found by the Martian Manhunter, in terrific pain, and barely conscious. "Got to go b-b-back... to... De... Detroit... Got... t-t-to go... home..." Hank Heywood Sr. cried as he found his grandson too badly damaged to function on his own, and eventually turned off his life support.

Martian Manhunter: Was attacked by the Ivo he found at Gypsy's house. "I don't want to fight you, android... There is no reason for this! 'Though your creator, Professor Ivo, sent you to slay Gypsy-- you spared her life! You have proven that you can transcend your programming-- and think independently!" The Ivo argued that Gypsy was harmless, while Manhunter was among those responsible for turning Ivo into "a reptillian grotesquerie!" Manhunter tried to explore the Ivo's mind to determine its master's location, but was hobbled by its lunacy. Out of gratitude for its sparing Gypsy, Manhunter tried reason one final time, and the Ivo tried wringing his Martian neck. "It... won't be that easy... machine... You won't do to me... what your "brother" did to-- VIBE!" Having boxed its head off, the Ivo still claimed Manhunter was responsible for Paco's death. Manhunter angrily pounded at the dismembered android, demanding it "SHUT UP!!"

Manhunter disallowed Gypsy from rejoining the former League members, requesting, "Please Gypsy... no tearful farewells. It's not the Martian way." Still, he turned back toward the girl and received her affectionate goodbye.

On finding what was left of Steel, among police offers who couldn't figure out what to do with him, Manhunter proclaimed, "You-- do-- nothing!" Manhunter knelt down to cradle the agonized Steel in his arms, intent on carrying him home to Commander Steel. The police thought otherwise. "And are you going to stop me? No-- I didn't think so." Manhunter tried to comfort Hank Sr., but learned there was nothing that could be done as the plug was pulled on Hank Heywood Jr. J'Onn, head in hand, despaired for the loss.

Gypsy: Looked on as Manhunter tore the Ivo that had befriended her to pieces, learning from taunts that Vibe had been killed. Intended to pursue Ivo with the Justice League, but was flat refused. Manhunter believed that the law was right, that the situation was too dangerous for her, and that she needed to focus on her family. "You've been away from them for too many months, away from the normal life you deserve... I know that you're all strong... that you love each other... and that, together-- you'll find a way to heal your wounds." Gypsy cried and hugged J'Onn goodbye.

The Creators: J.M. DeMatteis gave Steel a stronger and more character-specific send-off than Vibe. There are more precious moments between characters here than I'd be inclined to detail further, but am happy to applaud. Luke McDonnell continued to be passed round robin amongst inkers, this one being Steve Montano. The results were average, aside for a lovely page with a prowling Vixen.

J’Onn J’Onzz’s Nicknames of the Issue: "JJ" -Steel, Gypsy
"J'onn." -Steel, Commander Steel
"J'onn J'onzz." -Ivo
"The Manhunter." -Steel, Vixen
"Manhunter." -NYPD
"Mr. J'onzz." -Gypsy's Mom

Action Comics #366 (8/68)

As Superman's space-casket was plunging into the hottest sun in the universe, it was viewed by beings native to the star, Flammbronians. Like most of creation, they had been alerted to the Man of Steel's imminent demise, but determined from a distance that Superman's features were returning to normal. Using their modulators, they created a thermionic sheath around the casket to protect it from Flammbron's devastating heat. Radiation transport beams were used to redirect Superman's craft to the Crystal Planetoid, where the beings of living fire followed to orient the Man of Steel. Fully conscious and having seen his restored flesh reflected in crystal, Superman determined Virus X must have been a form of plant life killed by the White Kryptonite the Bizarros pelted him with.

An overjoyed Superman flew back to Earth under his own power, only to be shocked that flags were not flying at half mast for him, and a statue being erected in his honor was left unfinished. Children's Superman costumes were being marked down for easy sale, while politicians were claiming political endorsement from Superman he'd never given. Appalled, Superman was shocked to find he'd been replaced by some sort of impostor! The Man of Steel watched "himself" performing a variety of heroic acts, but quirks in "his" performance clued him in to the identity of his substitute.

Superman traced his cousin Kara Zor-El to a meeting table seating five duplicate Supermen! "It's my turn for a piece of the action, Supergirl! The party's over, boys! I know who you are! You can take off your masks now! You're all Justice League members! I figured I'd find you here at the Secret Sanctuary!" The removal of latex masks revealed the Flash, Batman, Green Lantern, the Martian Manhunter, and Aquaman. At first, his former teammates couldn't believe Superman was alive and well. "Oh, but I am... the real Superman! You can use your Martian vision to verify my identity, Manhunter!"

"It's true! I can see he's the McCoy! But we thought you were dead. How did you get out of Flammbron alive?" Superman gave his explanation, and then the Maid of Might responded in kind. She had wished to enlist a citizen of the Bottle City of Kandor to replace Superman, but had to wait until one was chosen through an election process. Meanwhile, crime had begun to run rampant on the assumption that other heroes couldn't keep up without the Man of Steel. "To bluff the underworld, the Justice Leaguers and I devised a plan..." While Batman used an anti-gravity belt, the other heroes endeavored to mimic Superman's powers as best they could to scare crime straight. It was through their individual abilities and limitations that Superman deduced their identities. For instance, "When my fourth stand-in stayed several feet away from lava, I realized he could only be the Martian Manhunter, who is weakened by fire! I should have known my Justice League buddies would go to bat for me! Thanks... all of you! You boys can relax now! I'll handle my jobs from here on in!"

Flash noted, "As understudies, we weren't bad! But let's face it... there's only one Superman!"

After dragging this Superman leprosy story out to a fourth issue, you'd think there was enough story here for yet another. The Manhunter from Mars could have used the exposure, as his stint in House of Mystery was over, and he was no longer appearing in Justice League of America. In fact, he probably only rated inclusion here because of his powers resembling Superman's more than active Leaguers like Hawkman and the Atom. So basically, he was only useful for his lack of originality, then cast aside for a year.

"The Substitute Superman!" was by Leo Dorfman, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito.

Action Comics #365 (July, 1968)

A Superman epic began in Action Comics #363, a story called "The Leper from Krypton." Continuing into the following issue's "The Untouchable of Metropolis," we learned Lex Luthor had infected the Man of Steel with Virus X-- incurable Kryptonian leprosy that could potentially spread to all mankind. For the good of the Earth, Superman had to be launched in a rocket powered "space-casket" into Flammbron, the hottest sun in the universe, to contain any potential outbreak!

Lying in a deathly state, his skin ravaged and green, Kal-El used his super-vision powers to view planets he passed on his way to cremation, many already mourning him. Even Lexor, a world that worshiped Lex Luthor, tore down statues of the villain in recognition of the magnitude of his crime. As Kal-El passed Bizarro World, its idiot residents pelted his craft with Red and White Kryptonite.

The Man of Tomorrow's life began to flash before his eyes, and he considered what might have been, had various points in his life turned out differently. In his final moments, Supergirl arrived carrying a "space bubble" with the loves of Superman's life: Lois Lane, Lori Lemaris, and Lana Lang, who all wished to say their goodbyes as the "space-bier" plunged into the sun.

Martian Manunter's role in this issue was very small, as he was barely seen crying behind Batman and Robin and the Justice League of America's memorial service. The Dark Knight asked, "Members of the Justice League... let us bow our heads in sorrow... to honor our gallant comrade, Superman... who gave his life in the fight against evil!"

I expect milking four straight issues of Action Comics in the '60s was probably as ridiculous then as the months long "Death of Superman," "Funeral For A Friend," and "Reign of the Superman" was for the rest of us in the '90s. "Superman's Funeral!" was by Leo Dorfman, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito.

Justice League of America #61 (3/68)

“OPERATION: Jail the JUSTICE LEAGUE!”

The Martian Manhunter’s last Silver Age adventure as a member of the League began with J’onn actually attending the regularly scheduled meeting of the team again. Green Arrow arrived late, only to announce his resignation. “I’m giving up my secret identity as Green Arrow! And I strongly advise the rest of you to go back to your own civilian identities-- abandon your role as super-heroes!” Manhunter seemed more mildly amused than shocked at this declaration, though his fellows were clearly concerned. As a group, the League decided to observe Green Arrow’s wish that they not investigate his motivations or an additional warning of disaster he hinted at. As individuals, however, they all donned Green Arrow disguises and began patrolling their respective cities in his name. “From green-skinned Martian to green archer...” A Green Arrow patrolled Gotham, falling victim to the Penguin, of all Batman’s foes. Lex Luthor, Tattooed Man, Cutlass Charlie, Captain Boomerang, and Mr. I.Q. are similarly more effective against their usual foes, seemingly handicapped by the Arrow guise.

Following Jack Miller's pattern, Martian Arrow found himself “in a city somewhere on the Atlantic Coast,” where he spied Dr. Light robbing an armored car. Not Professor Hugo or the faceless Mr. V mind, but a random League foe, clearly not following the Miller pattern. Manhunter was also back to having his alien powers while in human form, as evidenced by his adoptive weapon of choice shattering in his hands. “I forgot my Martian strength is too great to handle a wooden bow unless I ease up on it.” When “Green Arrow” then leaped several stories to confront the villain on a rooftop, it didn’t take all of Dr. Light’s genius to deduce this was an impostor. A distortion beam affected the “Emerald Archer’s” eyesight, causing him to punch wildly. Manhunter adapted by spraying bricks he’d dislodged throughout the area, following the sound of Light’s cry of pain to add right-hook to injury. The Alien Archer pulled his punch so that he could interrogate Light, who recovered in time to ensnare Manhunter in spiral-light-coils from a ray gun, before exposing him to... sigh.... fire. Dr. Light then switched bodies with the Martian, leaving his own seeming form to be carted off to jail.

Like the rest, the shrinking Atomic Archer was overwhelmed by plant master Jason Woodrue, but in his case, the future Floronic Man was felled by the real Oliver Queen, quiver in hand. Queen switched off a device Woodrue had been carrying, causing the illusion of villains in a local jail to dispel, revealing a gaggle of wrongly imprisoned archers. The liberated Leaguers, joined by a Wonder Woman who’d passed on cross-dressing, answered Oliver Queen’s signal device for an Ellery Queen revelatory summation.

Doctor Destiny, still performing acts of grand villainy in a sports jacket, had been using his fantastic Materioptikon to perform the switches. He specifically targeted Green Arrow as his first victim, considering him the author of his initial defeat against the League. However, the improved Materioptikon still had a bug, allowing Green Arrow to revert to normal prematurely in his jail cell. Arrow rushed to the League meeting to unmask Destiny, but the doctor could have assumed the form of any of the other Leaguers in his absence. Therefore, Arrow “resigned” and began following the Leaguers in secret. Man, what happened to this sneaky, scheming Oliver Queen of the Silver Age? I guess turnabout is fair play, as the Batman Queen stole much of his m.o. from ended up assuming this role within the League as the years passed.

Anyway, Destiny and the latest version of his unnamed villainous collective burst on the scene. Say-- what exactly happened to this version of Dr. Destiny? Oh, right, the British. I’m sure Floronic Man can relate. Getting back on track, Leaguers paired off with their—is there a term for someone permanently designated as a non-arch-foe? ...and Dr. Light, who shot fire-bubbles at the Martian Manhunter. Effective Fox teamwork meant our heroes changed partners and danced in a two page spread with Superman capturing Cutlass Charlie, Aquaman bopping Boomerang, and so on. Snapper Carr even got to slug the Tattooed Man. J’onn J’onzz? Um, he stopped a boomerang with his chest. The kind thrown by the Captain that Aquaman already handled. It was also the one boomerang. Green Arrow snagged another while wrapping up Woodrue and a third was still aloft.

The plus: Martian Manhunter was the second hero to falter after Batman, meaning his story was allotted three pages, where Superman, Aquaman, and Green Lantern shared a single panel of defeat (Flash and Hawkman got one a piece.)

The minus: No one, not even me with my liberal entry policy for the Vile Menagerie, considers Dr. Light a member of the Manhunter rogues gallery. Maybe I’ll loosen up when I re-read their retroactive rematch from the Silver Age fifth week event, or maybe Light's involvement in "Final Crisis will finally do the trick? Further, Manhunter never gets to beat anybody here, as the Atom actually put the kibosh on both Light and Destiny. That how you get a handle like Tiny Titan, am I right? Three issues later, the Fox/Sekowsky creative team were finished, leaving Manhunter as a punk on their last use of him, and turning the screw with the two-part introduction of his eventual usurper, Red Tornado. Thanks guys. At least for my money, the creators went on to better work in “Red Wolf” and “Diana Prince: Wonder Woman” respectively. Admittedly, my opinion may just be in the minority there.

By Gardner Fox, Mike Sekowsky, and Sid Greene

Martin Smith

Martin Smith was an alternate identity employed by the Manhunter from Mars in JLA Annual #1 (1997.) Smith was a very large, imposing figure, much closer to the Martian Manhunter's typical dimensions than most of his aliases. Smith was late middle-aged, with a graying flattop. He was often seen in rectangular sunglasses, fashionable black suit, and trench coat. Smith claimed to have ties to the United Nations over the course of an investigation, but pregnant pauses while making this assertion brings the likelihood into doubt.

The Smith identity was exceptional in that it inspired J'Onn J'Onzz to, in his own words, go deeper "into character" than ever before. Smith was a provocateur, surly and intimidating. He openly threatened a police sheriff during their first meeting, and talked his way into a fistfight with a deputy. Smith was also more libidinous than J'Onzz, as he painfully lusted for the flirtatious wife of a suspect. Smith even slipped mention of his dead wife and fire vulnerability into his clumsy courtship.

With initial reservation, Smith reveled in a violent brawl with a mob of angry rednecks. Smith was later felled by a larger group of the same, and left to die tied to a chair in a burning boathouse. The Martian Manhunter escaped, and in bringing media attention to his attackers, also tipped his hand that he and Smith were one and the same. "A lonely, human fool had died in the blaze. I was a manhunter, an avenger... and I had unfinished business."

Sample Dialogue: "You have my word, Sheriff, I'm not interested in starting any trouble... but I'll finish any that gets thrown at me. Good day..."

"I'll go when I'm ready, Deputy. And get your hands off me... I don't want a fight-- and you'll regret it if you start one--"

"It would be a pleasure to speak to someone in this town who wants to talk."

Manhunter from Mars #400 (November, 1997)

"I've suffered a good deal of ridicule over the years regarding the inordinate amount of time I serve on monitor duty. It was a habit I developed during my years with the International League, over the many times I would find Booster Gold trading stocks or Blue Beetle engaged in "Pong" rather than their individual duties. Never mind that instance of Dinah and Ollie making use of our video conferencing technology in a manner... most unbecoming.

'A little neglect may breed great mischief... for want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost.' As a detective, I recognize the devils in details, and endeavor to scour them as the opportunity presents itself. We Justice League stand at the ready within this Watchtower for menaces that threaten all creation, but most can be determined well in advance with careful attention. Nipped in the bud, as it were.

For example, I've just found an article about a suicide in Denver-- a hanging death. Nothing exceptional about that, until the journalist notes the noose was fashioned from linked scarves..."

The Martian Manhunter returned to his old stomping grounds to investigate, only to be struck by a potent flashback once he neared the scene of the suicide.

"It was during my years on the police force, when I was often paired with a fellow officer, Diane Meade. She was the beautiful daughter of the police commissioner, and had taken an interest in me both as a super-hero, and most especially as an apparent human male. We had just finished a case in which Diane had briefly developed super-powers. My own Martian abilities had been temporarily lost, forcing me to remain in my John Jones persona in order to aid her. The events seemed to have left Diane in a state of pique; perhaps inflamed by her brush with the metahuman and my heightened virility in her eyes.

Back at my apartment, she tried to seduce me. For a moment, I was intoxicated by her form... her actions... even her simple interest. Still, I pushed her away, droning on about official conflicts and complications. I could see how I'd wounded her, after months of building tension between us. Alone, I considered every misgiving about the situation... professional considerations, questions about the necessity of revealing my dual identity... even indulging in useful prejudices about the 'bestiality' inherent in a potential interspecial mating.

In truth, I had been isolated for so many years, the thought of intimacy frightened me, above all other considerations. I had grown comfortable in my role as detached observer and secret aid. Meade's interest threatened the life I had built for myself on Earth. Also, despite the falsehoods that enshrouded my true memories in those years, I believe somewhere in my heart was guilt at entertaining the company of any woman after the death of my wife.

My relationship with Diane never recovered from my slight, and we drifted out of one another's circles... I suspect by design. Soon, John Jones appeared to have been 'killed' by a manifestation of the Pandora's Box known as the Diabolu Idol-Head. Jones could have miraculously recovered with ease had I so chosen, but I instead exited my former life under the pretext of pursuing that infernal device...

Martians are possessed of a mixed blessing of total recall; the ability to revisit a memory in the most intricate detail. As such, my sudden remembrance of that time with Diane struck me with full force-- the sweet smell of her skin... the warmth of her breath. I found myself anxious and irritated. Again, total recall is an expectation among Martians... something we are trained through life to manage with ease. This wave of sensory nostalgia was beyond my control."

Manhunter eventually collected himself, and realized there was a massive psychic resonance left in the wake of the suicide, though he was unable to delve deeper. Unsure that it would be safe to resume the form of John Jones, the Sleuth from Outer Space instead became Martin Smith to continue the investigation, which picked up with another body.

A woman at a mill had managed to saw herself in half. "Smith" briefly spoke with investigating officers, until being struck by another overwhelming flashback.

"From early childhood, Martian children are telepathically imparted a racial memory. We are allowed to develop into individuals, but are guided by historical knowledge, a base skill set and the assumptions of communal existence toward independent competency. I continue to be perplexed by the disparity of ability between humans.

My nostrils flare and eyes water at the toxic stench emitted from Hank Heywood's artificial flesh and synthetic hair after the attack by Professor Ivo that left him brain dead. I recall the shuddering anguish Paco Ramone's mother succumbed to as I presented her the corpse of her son. I'm sucked into a gaping maw of numbness as my mind touches Queen Olaf's at a glacial graveside, taking me back slightly further... To the horror and betrayal felt by Cindy Reynolds as I abandoned my surrogate daughter to her own potential frigid tomb, other matters pressing. I see myself through her eyes... I experience my own desertion, and consider dying alongside her."

The Manhunter managed to shake loose of the vision, only to find one of the policemen had managed to penetrate his own skull with his baton. Another had used blades to detach his jaw, left arm at the elbow, and both legs at the knees... making himself resemble a human chicken. Both were rushed to hospital, but lost causes. However, through the dismembered man's flickering mind, Manhunter managed to re-tap into the remembrance stream, and search out a source. The Martian followed the path closer to the point of greatest intensity with the city, and stumbled upon another time past.

"When my memories of my true life on Mars were first restored, I endeavored to reclaim my former existence as a peaceful mystic-- the last living representative of my race communing with our surviving god of fire and creation. I struggled to relinquish my role as leader of the JLI, and devote myself to spirituality full time. However, material existence conspired against me... the need to protect my compatriots from the fates of those we had lost... to defend innocence from the horrors of the universe... to strike with unimaginable fury at those threats. What use is a pacifist to anyone in the face of such adversity? Where was H'ronmeer, the deity who reawakened my true nature, as I attempted to walk this path? Was it simply to lead me to death, finally completing the work of the plague? Were our beliefs a failure, or worse, an aberration in the grand scheme? These were questions I asked myself even in the old days... inquiries that troubled my wife, and kept us apart at times. Why, when there was a matter to be confronted, or an enigma to be uncovered, was I compelled to take the lead? Where was my acceptance, and had it cost me a shared afterlife with my family, or was faith itself a delusion disproved by their fate?

I recall an instance of atrocity... Martian corpses covering a hillside... Gathering a search party into caverns long abandoned to superstition... A momentary touch of primordial fear... childhood dread of the Howling One..."

Manhunter broke his reverie with a cry, "NERON!" To his left and right, people were failing to levitate off the sides of buildings. J'Onn J'Onzz caught those he could before slipping back into the psychic plane. The Martian Detective was surrounded by darkness, except for a pinprick of light in the distance, toward which he moved.

"Backslider. That's what my father would have called you, the way you question God. I certainly heard it enough myself, as he racked my backside with a switch. We all have those sorts of stories, though... we villains. It's what turns us, I imagine." Manhunter recognized the voice as that of the Conjurer, a magic-themed thief from his earliest years on Earth. "The parlor tricks were supposed to liberate me from the badlands, you see, but the 'boob tube' ruined that for we slight-of-hand artists. Then the heists, but you saw to the end of that run. All these years later, I was given another angle... Just light a rather unique candle, and you may receive your heart's desire."

Through his heightened vision, Manhunter could see the distinctive green bougie of Neron, the demon lord known for brokering Faustian deals with super-villains to increase their power.

"I wanted to be the greatest conjurer of all time, and all it would cost me was my godless soul. I thought I could live with that, but there was a rub. Lucifer is a lawyer, you know, so he always gets you in the fine print... the language. I can conjure alright. Memories; only the worst, and nonstop. At first, they were only my own... the taste of blood in a victim's mouth... virtue I once stripped from a girl for a price... on and on, every hour of the day and night. Then, I realized I could share, like that time I just spent with you on Mars."

"What do you want?"

"I was there, Manhunter. I felt your pain... everybody's pain. I can't give mine away, but I can take anyone else's on... I don't want this... I can't live like this. I want you to fix me. Take it all away, right this minute, because I've had my fill."

As Manhunter grew closer to the Conjurer and his candle, flames surrounded his eyes and entered his mind. "I can't! I can barely think myself! This is mystical... beyond my abilities!"

"I don't care! Do your worst! Lobotomize me if you've got to!"

"It's impossible! Even if I were psychically capable, it would be immoral. "

Thanks to their simpatico, the Conjurer knew better than to carry on arguing against an insurmountable truth.

"Ah, well. I've got one last trick for you, then. Watch me pull a revolver out of my hat."

There was a flash-- a quicksilver halo about the Conjurer's head, before he and his candle flickered out.

The second half of the '90s began a golden period for the Martian Manhunter, as he experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. While his spin-off "Justice League Task Force" had been canceled alongside most related titles, it was to make way for the hugely popular "JLA" relaunch. Grant Morrison and Howard Porter introduced the Alien Atlas to a whole new audience, but they were only helping to pay off groundwork laid out with the character since the mid '80s. Also of great help was James Robinson, whose strong working relationship with reconstructionist editor Archie Goodwin led to the Brit's taking on "Manhunter from Mars." Steam had been building for some time, but after his two years, the book was a bona fied hit for the first time in its existence.

While DC was ending other series left and right, or riding out rough patches on mainstays, talks began at this point about a second solo title for the "Martian Manhunter," by another critically acclaimed creative team. Certainly, the pencils on this book by Jeff Johnson, one of my favorite Manhunter artists, couldn't have hurt the momentum. The vulnerability and depth of emotion Johnson was able to imbue complimented Robinson's scripts fantastically. I also have to congratulate the pair in ending their run on such a grim and ambiguous note. On an ascendant title, to take such a creative leap took serious guts on everyone's part.

Martian Manhunter's Silver Age Costumes

1. Detective Comics #225: The original costume, which appeared on only two pages in this first appearance. Standards set include: blue cape & cavalier boots, red chest straps and belt, as well as eight-slice "pie" belt buckle. Variants include the "pie" symbol colored with Green Martian flesh tone, and black briefs instead of blue.
2. Detective Comics #227: The Martian Manhunter appeared in only one monochromatic panel in #226, and only five colored panels in this story. Throughout, J'onzz's trunks and belt are colored white.
3. Detective Comics #231: In #228, J'onn J'onzz only appeared in one monochromatic panel, and in #229 retained Detective John Jones' plainclothes while briefly reverting to Martian form. In #230, the Manhunter was only shown once from behind. It seems the colorist plain forgot what the costume looked like by that point. In this single panel, Manhunter's straps and trunks were pink, with blue leggings, a black belt, alongside a light brown cape and boots. The Martian villain of the issue, a "Magician-Thief," was colored in much the same fashion. Note also that Dr. Erdel was given Green Martian skin color.
4. Detective Comics #236:The Martian Manhunter surrendered all appearances to John Jones in issues #232-235. Manhunter then returned to his original costume, except for his belt buckle turning red. #237-238 returned to John Jones, while #239 was back to basics. However, Manhunter's Martian features had begun to shift, as his head was more proportionate to his body, with brow and overbite less pronounced.
   
5. Detective Comics #240: The Martian Manhunter dominated this issue, though invisible. Even when his powers failed in the presence of flame, Manhunter was colored entirely in yellow and white, except for black briefs. Marvel's "The Vision" looked very much like this for much of the late '80s through early '90s. In #241, under the same m.o., Manhunter was colored grey-blue. In #242, it was all white.
   
6. Detective Comics #243: During a flashback sequence, all Martians were colored a pale blue-green, while J'onn J'onzz wore a dull red-brown outfit with black briefs. In the present, Manhunter remained absent until #246, where he began another series of invisible adventures. As in his earliest appearances, he sometimes appeared entirely in monochromatic green flesh tone. Detective John Jones didn't transform in #249.
   
7. Detective Comics #251: Two years after his first appearance, the Martian Manhunter's trunks finally turned blue, marking his "official" look for nearly fifty years.
8. Detective Comics #252: Then, in the very next issue, his boots turned red, and not for the last time. Two monochromatic adventures followed.
   
9. Detective Comics #255: Red trunks, looking rather odd and baboon-like during this story.
10. Detective Comics #257: While there were several invisible adventures with some variation on the greens between flesh and clothing, in this issue the contrast was so pronounced as to constitute another costume. Also, with this issue J'onn J'onzz lost the beetle-brow and overbite, while generally filling out, to more strongly resemble a conventional super-hero. In fact, he's pretty much a bald John Jones in costume. #s 258, 260, & 285 saw the return of red trunks, while #259 was monochromatic. #261 revisited the "official" costume, while #262 & 275 were red boots' return. #263 onward mostly kept with the "official" suit, though color variations on the belt and cape clasp were common (usually white, red, or blue.)
    

Who's Who Vol.X: Gypsy (12/85)

Like most of the new Detroit League, my first reaction to Gypsy was "eh." Since I had dropped JLI before her appearances there, I first made her acquaintance in the first issue of "Justice League Task Force." Like I suspect a good many readers at the time, my thought was "who is this person?" She kept popping up though, and I started raiding back issues, filling in the gaps of my knowledge. I paid special attention to Gypsy in light of her connection to J'Onn J'Onzz though, and with time his affection toward Gypsy rubbed off on me.

I believe the character has a great deal to offer now, and in retrospect I find her very influential. She was like the anti-Kitty Pryde: Secretive... spiteful... sarcastic... as often the cause of problems as the solution... quite often the damsel in distress very much needing a save from teammates. No Wesley Crusher showboating for Gypsy!

I can see where that wouldn't play with fans of the Justice League in the mid-80's, but I can just as easily see the genesis of characters like DKR's Carrie Kelly, the X-Men's Jubilee, and every other Joss Whedon creation. While I can understand her Cyndi Lauper/Stevie Nicks/Madonna shtick rubbing people the wrong way, I find it interesting that she's one of the very few super-heroes dating back a quarter century for whom snarky dialogue is entirely appropriate, as opposed to forced. She was both behind and ahead of her time at once.

I don't know that I'd be as excited about a Gypsy mini-series as I was Vixen, but still, a character deserving of less animosity and even, dare I say it, TLC? I imagine Gypsy being a "Cloak & Dagger" type for the DC Universe-- a street-level heroine dealing with teen runaways, junkies, alternative lifestyles, and prostitutes alongside a helping of "teh wierd." You may laugh, but try to remember Gypsy counts Lady Shiva, Vandal Savage and Despero amongst her personal foes, and still carried a membership in the Birds of Prey last I heard. You've come a long way, baby...

Art by Chuck Patton & Bob Smith.

Justice League of America #259 (2/87)

Gypsy: Encouraged teen runaway prostitute Pamela Cross to return to her family home, only to find it empty. Gypsy kept Pam from bolting until her parents arrived, comforting her with a hug. Gypsy made way for the group hug, as Pam and her folks reunited, and Gypsy silently hit the road. "...Oh, and if it wasn't for Gypsy, I would've never come back so soon! ...My friend... My best friend. Wait a minute, I'll introduce you to-- her... I don't get it-- why'd she leave?"

"I'm going home," the once and future Cindy Reynolds thought to herself. She knew she needed to reconcile with her family, instead of using the Justice League as an excuse to avoid the issue. To steel her resolve, she ignored a League emergency signal, and hitched a ride with a mysterious stranger in a yellow VW Bug. "Something creepy about his voice. But he looks normal. Anyway, if he's really some drooling maniac looking for a helpless young thing to molest-- he's gonna be in for a big surprise."

Along the drive to New Paltz, NY, Gypsy opened up to the stranger about her troubles and decision. "Hey, uh, thanks for letting me ramble like this... So, um, what about you? You have a family." He had no mother; a cold, self-involved father... and was truly sorry that it was time for what he'd been programmed to do.

Professor Ivo's self-modeled robot blasted Gypsy through his car door. Injured, Gypsy tried to escape into the forest. "Please, Gypsy-- don't resist me! Surrender to me-- and I promise I'll make your death as quick and painless as possible!" Gypsy was again blasted off her feet. "Y'know, I don't know whether you're a man... or some kinda machine... or what-- but you just got me mad! GO TO HELL!" Gypsy's powers briefly affected the Ivo's sensor, until it adjusted for conflicting data. As she ran, Gypsy thought, "Gotta remember what J.J. always says: 'Where there's life, there's-- hope.'"

Struck by another blast, Gypsy lay at the Ivo's feet, who blasted a hole through the belly of the young girl. An Ivo death mask was placed over her lifeless face...

Professor Ivo: Watched Martian Manhunter through an undetected camera as the League discovered Vibe's body and the Professor's culpability. "Keep that name at the forefront of your consciousness, Manhunter. Let it haunt you... Let it hound you-- just as the Justice League has haunted and hounded me. One by one, Manhunter-- I will murder the members of this new League-- and, in so doing, hurt the original Justice League far more that a direct attack ever could. You will all know pain... It's a pity the Manhunter is so directly involved in this... He could prove to be a minor annoyance. Ah, but the rest of the original Leaguers who still have ties to the JLA won't get in the way... Which just leaves J'Onn J'Onzz... and those children... Children... Oh, and Gypsy... she... she's the youngest of them all. How can I--?"

Ivo was conflicted between his obsession with punishing the Justice League for a crime they didn't actually commit, and the monstrosity of killing an innocent girl. He discussed the issue with an Ivo robot that had served as his psychiatrist. "Vibe-- he was arrogant-- like the rest of those super-heroic scum! But Gypsy..."

Ivo instilled this confusion in his own "son," who he'd sent after Gypsy. As Professor Ivo watched Gypsy die from his monitor, he was at first elated, then collapsed in horror at what he had done. Once Professor Ivo stopped monitoring his robot, it told Gypsy his "father" no longer had to be fooled by the young heroine's illusion of her own demise. "I said before that I was very well made. That was something of an understatement. Although my father's mind is... unbalanced, his genius is unparalleled... Professor Ivo had doubts about murdering you. Great doubts-- that were born in me, as well." The Ivo drove Cindy home to a tearful reunion.

Vibe: Had his body gently kicked by a pedestrian trying to figure out what his deal was. Had the still steaming Ivo death mask peeled from his face. Had his body carried back to the Secret Sanctuary, where it was placed in a cryogenic chamber for preservation until it could be returned to Paco's family.

Vixen: Was irrational as she seethed at a witness at Vibe's murder scene. Briefly calmed, only to launch a snarling attack on two policemen who pulled up with guns drawn, convinced by G. Gordon Godfrey of the threat super-heroes posed. Back at the Secret Sanctuary, Vixen tried to shake Manhunter into a confession. "You keep saying that! Who is he? Who is Ivo? Answer me! If you know who killed Vibe..." Vixen though Manhunter had lost his mind when he reiterated that the League had been disbanded, and could not pursue Ivo.

Steel: Pulled Vixen off a bystander, explaining that G. Gordon Godfrey's lies were making people frightened enough without heroes turning on people. When police arrived to spout more of Godfrey's fear-mongering garbage, Steel smashed their squad car. On his knees, tearfully expressed disbelief Vibe was dead. Thought the body needed to be returned to the Ramone family, but distracted when Manhunter revealed who the murderer was. "Don't worry, J.J.-- we'll find Ivo! We'll make that animal pay for what he did to Vibe!" Angry when Manhunter denied him vengeance due to the U.S. ban on super-heroic activity. "Mister, I don't give a damn about the President's order!"

Martian Manhunter: Approached Vibe's body and the bystander looking over it cautiously. "There is no reason to be afraid. We are the Justice League. We won't hurt you." While Vixen and Steel dealt with the bystander, Manhunter knelt at the side of Vibe's body, determining that he was dead, and who was responsible. "Professor Ivo." Tried and failed to calm Steel through Vixen's example of overreaction. Carried Vibe's body back to the Secret Sanctuary. Manhunter told the current League about Ivo's history with the old, his creation of Amazo, his cursed pursuit of immortality, and his misplaced blame of the League for his plight. "It's so demented... that it's almost funny." With that, even Manhunter allowed himself to lash out as an inanimate object. However, he still would not allow the League to pursue the case. "With the national situation such as it is, we cannot do anything... I have always believed in the law... on Mars... and on Earth. We violated the law by appearing on the streets in costume tonight. We will not do so again. The Justice League of America has been disbanded-- and it will remain disbanded. Is... that... clear?" However, Manhunter himself flew off with Ivo on his mind and the Reynolds' home in his sights-- where he found the Ivo android looking on...

The Creators: J.M. DeMatteis blessedly did not kill off Gypsy, but wrung the threat and Vibe's passing for all the impact he could. Ivo's never been as interesting outside this story. Bill Wray returned to ink Luke McDonnell-- an improvement over other hands, but not as dramatic a difference as earlier in the run. McDonnell himself was all over the nine panel grid this issue, continuing a trend on his part.

J’Onn J’Onzz’s Nicknames of the Issue: "J.J." -Gypsy, Steel, Vixen
"J'onn." -Steel
"Manhunter." -Vixen, Ivo
"J'onn J'onzz." -Ivo

Most Embarrassing Vibe Quote of the Issue: ...

The Vile Menagerie: THE CONJURER

Alter Ego: Unknown
Occupation: Thief
Group Affiliation: None known.
Base of Operations: Middletown, U.S.A.
First Appearance: Detective Comics #263 (January 1959)
Eyes: Dark
Hair: Black

History:
Using "magical devices," the Conjurer began a string of robberies in the city of Middletown, bringing him to the attention of the Manhunter from Mars. In his role as Detective John Jones on the local police force, the Manhunter requested the Conjurer's case, but was saddled with a documentarian during his pursuit. Stymied by an inability to use his Martian powers while being filmed, Jones was repeatedly thwarted by the Conjurer's chicanery, as the criminal made off with a variety of ill-gotten goods. During a final heist at the Yardly Toy Company, the Conjurer knocked out the filmmaker with a model airplane, allowing the Martian Manhunter to bring his full power to bare. The Conjurer was beaten unconscious by giant Jack-In-The-Boxes guided invisibly by Manhunter and taken into custody by Det. Jones.

Powers & Weapons:
According to Martian Senses, the Conjurer possessed no actual super-powers, just slight-of-hand. Regardless, the Conjurer's skill as a magician and paraphernalia were impressive. Smoke bombs enabled him to "vanish," his top hat could release dozens of blackbirds, and he could move any number of objects at once through no clear means.

Quote: "Ha, ha-- So a detective has come here in the vain hope of stopping me, eh? We shall soon see about that!"

Created by Jack Miller and Joe Certa

House of Mystery #173 (3-4/68)

This is it! After months of vaguely homoerotic cat and mouse games between Mr. V and Marco Xavier, the final encounter commences! Both men will stand naked before one another-- all their secrets revealed! Prepare for the last solo Martian Manhunter story for nine years: "SO YOU'RE FACELESS!"

In an underground VULTURE unit, "Marco Xavier" was once again in teleconference with Mr. V, who offered a one million dollar fee for, "...This! The ultimate weapon!" Developed by the Carré Company, the futuristic pistol would surely be attainable by an old friend of Pierre Carré himself! "With that weapon, Xavier, I can at last realize my life-long ambition to control the world!" The faux Marco thought to himself, "*Whew* That's all the world needs right now!"

Xavier did indeed exploit his friendship with Carré to see the "ultimate weapon," switching out the real thing for a model he'd brought with him. Xavier then turned the pistol over to VULTURE members, whom he followed by air as Manhunter. "That's it... Keep going-- straight to Faceless! This time, it's got to work-- It's just got to..." Boy, it's sure a good thing I placed that line in an acceptable context, huh? It's not like J'onn J'onzz sounded like an over dramatic schoolgirl with a crush, right? Manhunter followed the car to a "broken-down farm shed," but was rendered powerless by a grass fire caused by a discarded cigarette butt. "I'm so weak right now, I couldn't fight a bunny in a fixed fight!"

"By the time the hapless alien recovers his strength..." the VULTURE goons were long gone. "I really gummed up things this time-- putting the most powerful weapon on Earth in the hands of the most evil man on Earth!" Well now, I think that's a tad bit of an overstatement, seeing as Mr. V was more like a precursor to Dr. Claw. Marco Xavier hoped to recover the gun when his payment came due, but was instead pursued by French police. "Do not let him escape! Ze whole world hangs in ze balance!" Xavier rounded a corner, then transformed into a gray house cat. "Okay-- this gambit saved Marco Xavier from being arrested, but unless I keep my identity as Marco, VULTURE will never be able to contact me." The cat hilariously swatted its head with its paw. "...That means-- I can't contact FACELESS!!"

Wearing a black and white fedora recalling the earliest Detective John Jones stories and slinking through exotic streets recalling early Dr. Strange, Marco Xavier hoped VULTURE would find him before the authorities did. No such luck, as Xavier grasped a pole overhead to evade one French officer's leap, then swung his feet forward to kick two more in their faces. Xavier fled, with the police in hot pursuit, but ran straight into a pair of VULTURE agents with a car waiting. "Well, well, well-- will wonders never cease?" One explained, "Mr. V never forgets his friends, as well as his enemies, Mr. Xavier!"

Xavier was escorted to a boat and taken to a minuscule island he had overlooked in previous searches for VULTURE bases. An elevator hidden in a tree trunk would take Xavier underground, "With more pleasure than I can say! And I'm not kidding!" Xavier would finally meet Mr. V in person, whose face no one had ever seen. Xavier thought, "You soon will, buddy-- Just stick around!"

"A moment later-- the confrontation..."
"Well, Mr. V..."
"Well, Marco Xavier-- or should I say... MARTIAN MANHUNTER?"
"WHAT??! Y-you knew--?"
"Yes, I knew-- all the time! But fair is fair, Manhunter-- and you deserve to know my identity as well! Go on-- tear off the mask!"
"MARCO XAVIER! B-but this is impossible! You died!"
"Not quite! The so-called 'gendarme' who pronounced me dead was actually one of my own men, Manhunter! I permitted your masquerade to continue, in order to lure you into the perfect trap!"

Ingenious! Xavier pretended to be dead this whole time, insuring Manhunter would never suspect who Faceless truly was, and fed him pawns until he could determine Manhunter's weakness! Except, Xavier just sat behind a desk and invited an Alien Atlas to rip the mask off his face? How perfect a trap could it be if Xavier was at risk of leaving his neck a bloody stump? Plus, look at how slack Mr. V's uniform hangs off Xavier's lithe frame? He isn't even wearing a fat suit? How could this possibly be the true Faceless? Wait-- the cornerstone of Xavier's "perfect trap" was to draw a blowtorch from under his desk? Wha-aat?

Manhunter thought, "Great suns! Not only is my career as Marco Xavier finished... and also my value as a crime-fighter on Earth... but worst of all-- MY VERY LIFE!"
"HA-HA! And now, while there still remains a breath of life in you, I shall test the ultimate weapon-- on my favorite target-- you!"
"F-fool! Wait! The weapon-- it isn't perfected yet!"

"But, insane with power, Marco Xavier fires... And instantly..."
As he laughed madly, the weapon backfired, causing a massive explosion!

"Amidst the wreckage stands a sole figure..."
"Ironic-- my life was saved by the very weapon Marco Xavier hoped would enable him to control the world!"

So ended Martian Manhunter's thirteen year run of solo adventures, as he would appear only sporadically for the next fifteen years. Was Marco Xavier actually dead this time? Was he really Mr. V/Faceless? What became of VULTURE? Zook? Questions largely unanswered to this very day, forty years hence! Will we ever know the truth?