May '08 Martian Sightings

Sorry these are so late, but I had to have a replacement copy of my Previews catalog shipped to me...

JLA: NEW FRONTIER T-SHIRT BY COOKE
With the release of the new DVD, together with the action figures, the TPB and Absolute editions, it seems only natural that shirts get added to the mediums conquered by Darwyn Cooke`s New Frontier. Featured this month are the new JLA: New Frontier and Flash: New Frontier T-Shirts. Both are based on art by Darwin and are screenprinted in full-color on a black and a deep red heavyweight 100% cotton shirts respectively. Also available are the Classic Superman Symbol and New Frontier: Flash Symbol T-Shirts. Darwyn is on fire! NOW AVAILABLE for sale in Canada and UK. M-XL $17.95 XXL $20.95



CONFIRMED EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY:
BOOSTER GOLD #9
Written by Geoff Johns & Jeff Katz
Art and cover by Dan Jurgens & Norm Rapmund
"Blue and Gold" continues as the Justice League International returns! In a desperate attempt to correct time, Booster Gold and Blue Beetle are forced to rebuild the team that defined them so long ago! But can what's left of the JLI stop Max Lord and save the world from his O.M.A.C.s?
On sale May 14 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 2 HC
Written by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and John Ostrander
Art by Kevin Maguire, Bill Willingham, Luke McDonnell, Al Gordon, Bob Lewis and others
Cover by Maguire
The second hardcover volume collecting the classic JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL comics of the late 1980s, co-written by 52 mastermind Keith Giffen! Included here are JUSTICE LEAGUE ANNUAL #1, JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #8-13, SUICIDE SQUAD #13, featuring Batman, Blue Beetle, Martian Manhunter, Guy Gardner, Black Canary, Mister Miracle, Dr. Fate, Booster Gold, Doctor Light, and the power of Shazam!
Rediscover the book that redefined the term "super-hero team" for a generation.
Advance-solicited; on sale August 6 o 208 pg, FC, $24.99 US

VILE MENAGERIE (MONGUL):
DC UNIVERSE SPECIAL - SUPERMAN: MONGUL
Written by Roger Stern, Mark Waid, Michael Jan Friedman and Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Oscar Jimenez, José Marzán Jr, Kerry Gammill, Dennis Janke and others
Cover by Ryan Sook
Witness Mongul's greatest moments in this 80-page Special collecting stories from THE FLASH #102, SUPERMAN #32 and SHOWCASE '95 #7-8!
On sale May 21 o 80 pg, FC, $4.99 US

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #24
Written by Peter J. Tomasi
Art by Patrick Gleason & Prentis Rollins
As their quest to track down Sinestro Corps rings continues, the Green Lantern Corps discover to their horror that fellow Lanterns Sodam and Arisia have been captured by Mongul and subjected to the dreaded Black Mercy, causing their deadliest fears to be dragged into the light.
On sale May 14 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

VILE MENAGERIE (HUMAN FLAME):
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #21
Written by Dwayne McDuffie
Art and cover by Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merine
Meet Libra and the Human Flame, two central villains in the upcoming FINAL CRISIS! Where'd the Human Flame come from, and who does he hate more than anything in the universe? As Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman assess the future of the Justice League, their days
may be numbered.
On sale May 21 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

MISS MARTIAN:
TEEN TITANS #59
Written by Sean McKeever
Art by Eddy Barrows & Ruy Jose
Cover by Barrows & Julio Ferreira
It's Teen Titan versus Teen Titan when Clock King's plan reaches its final, twisted stage. With teammates missing or presumed dead, can Robin and Wonder Girl put the pieces together before Clock King's Terror Titans finish them off?
On sale May 28 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

TINY TITANS #4
Written by Baltazar & Franco
Art and cover by Baltazar
Find out what happens when Robin's life goes to the birds! Meet the Little Tiny Titans as they show Wonder Girl just how tough babysitting can be! See why being Beast Boy's dentist isn't all it's cracked up to be! All this and more Tiny fun than you can shake a stick at!
On sale May 14 o 32 pg, FC, $2.25 US


DUBIOUS EVIDENCE:
DC UNIVERSE: ZERO
Written by Grant Morrison & Geoff Johns
Art by George Pérez, Tony Daniel,
J.G. Jones, Aaron Lopresti, Ivan Reis, Philip Tan and Carlos Pacheco
Cover by various
This is it! The greatest DC characters! Your favorite writers and artists! Everything leading to Final Crisis and beyond starts here for just 50¢! Take a journey through the past and present of the DCU, and witness the emergence of the greatest evil in the universe - and the stunning return of a force for good! You dare not miss DC Universe: Zero!
Retro-solicited; on sale April 30 o 32 pg, FC, $0.50 US

FINAL CRISIS #1
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and covers by J.G. Jones
Witness the historic start of the final chapter in the Crisis trilogy that could only spring from the mind of Grant Morrison - Final Crisis, featuring stunning art by J.G. Jones (52 Covers)! Worlds will live and heroes will die in this epic tale spanning the beginning and end of the DC Universe!
The entire Multiverse is threatened as the mysterious Libra assembles an army of the DCU's most terrifying super villains. But what is the ultimate plan, and who will live to find out?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by J.G. Jones that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale May 28 o 1 of 7 o 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

FINAL CRISIS: SKETCHBOOK
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and cover by J.G. Jones
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating Final Crisis! Featuring sketches and character designs by J.G. Jones and script notes and designs by Grant Morrison, this special issue will give readers a sneak preview of what to expect in Final Crisis.
On sale May 14 o 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #45
Written by Alex Gradet
Art by Scott Cohn
Cover by Zach Howard
Metropolis is under attack thanks to some serious monkey business! And somehow, the League is powerless to stop the threat. How will Mary Marvel and Booster Gold save the day?
On sale May 7
32 pg, FC, $2.25 US

2005 San Diego Comic-Con International "Natural Martian" Sketch by Darwyn Cooke

Click To Enlarge


Sorry. I'm working way too much. I had my best day for hits ever this week, and recently surpassed the total hits I received for my old site "Martian Manhunter: The Rock of the JLA," which was up for over two years. The thanks you get? Filler from another site and advertisements. I am not worthy.

Things you've missed if you haven't been visiting my sister-blog, ...nurgh...

1. Cursing. Lots of cursing. It's uncouth.
2. A review of Dwayne McDuffie's work on Martian Manhunter's former team who now hate and spit upon him, the Justice League of America (featuring Human Flame and members of the Cadre.)
3. A review of Garth Ennis' earliest work on the Demon Etrigan, an occasional MM foe.
4. Reviews of both the book and film versions of "Slaughterhouse-Five"
5. A brief lament about the new Incredible Hulk trailer.
6. A new feature called Audio Neurotic Fixation, reviewing albums track-by-track. First up: Prince's "Love Symbol"
7. More crossovers in the future, like that review I have planned for the Ross/Dini DC tabloid editions.
8. The only place you'll be getting heavy text from me tonight, as I'm tired and out of pre-packed material for the week. Tomorrow night, we'll do 50's day...
   
   

House of Mystery #164 (1/67)

VULTURE --world-wide crime syndicate-- stole a case containing ten million dollars in jewels from a charity bazaar in the wealthy resort town of Deauville, France. Its owner, Aldo Szuzi, took many precautions, going outside of Inspector Marchal's police forces. Szuzi had contacted the Manhunter, repeatedly described as an old friend of his, and the "Alien Ace" quickly recovered the loot the from thieves. As automatic rounds bounced harmlessly off his chest, Manhunter once again chided, "You must be kidding!" Previously borne aloft by a helicopter with a crane attachment, its propeller now wrenched terrifically, the VULTURE hoods were turned over to French authorities. "Next week-- for the ball in your honor, I shall invite the most 'in' people..."

"Marco Xavier" returned to his "posh villa overlooking the gentle Mediterranean," but was contacted on arrival by Mr. V's people. Xavier was also an old friend of Signor Szuzi, so "Faceless" wanted "Marco" to smuggle in a gun to Aldo's party capable of killing the Manhunter. Testing the gun in a secluded area, "Xavier" determined the weapon was indeed as potentially lethal as advertised, as it fired a concentrated burst of flame. Xavier couldn't figure out how Mr. V learned his weakness, but had a way around getting blasted with it all worked out. Xavier was never a gunman, so his only order was to deliver the weapon to the scarred waiter-hitman at the party. By keeping an eye on the waiter, Manhunter figured he could keep his cover and stay alive to benefit from it.

Manhunter "arrived" as the guest of honor at the party after Marco, not noticing the gun to be used against him had changed hands to another triggerman named Darvin. J'onzz barely missed being singed, then masqueraded as Szuzi for cover. Once Darvin passed "Szuzi," Manhunter was able to take the assassin by surprise. "Szuzi" tossed Darvin into the waiter, making the real Szuzi look like a hero as a result. Once Manhunter resumed his heroic form off-panel, he shared a wink with his old pal. "With such a powerhouse around to protect your guests, Szuzi-- you don't need me around any longer!"

Later, "Xavier" spoke with Mr. V... "I do not blame you for the failure, Xavier! It was the fault of those stupid fools! Surely, you must realize my agents gave you the wrong weapon-- Nothing but an ordinary portable flame thrower! They should have given you our new laser-ray--"

World's Finest Comics #245 (June-July, 1977)

Continued from Adventure Comics #451: "The Suspects"

The stunning conclusion to the 1970's Martian Manhunter mini-series! Well, Michael Netzer calls it a mini-series. I see three back-up features and a book length. Denny O'Neil continues the story that revitalized the Manhunter from Mars! Well, as an editor, since for some reason he couldn't write this issue's story, not that the same problem didn't stop his cashing a check on the previous installments. 20 more pages of glorious artwork by Mike Nasser and Terry Austin, joined by superstar writer Gerry Conway! Well, on two interconnected spotlight stories for Green Arrow and Black Canary (seemingly pitting them against ManBearPig.) An instant classic too big for one book, so we made it an 80-Page Giant! Well, I'm not sure anyone remembers the actual story so much as Nasser's art, which again isn't seen on the concluding chapter, bounced from Adventure Comics to World's Finest Comics. Also, it only takes up a standard 20 pages, although that is over three times the length of any of the individual back-ups. I'll also note the issue was all new material, instead of the usual Golden Age reprints.



We returned to the action aboard the Thanagarian patrol ship of Hawkman and Hawkgirl...

"You've seen proof of our innocence in the Visiglobe, J'onn J'onzz! Are you convinced now?"
"Yes... Shiera... Hawkman! I've been acting like a madman!"

No doubt, as we were treated to yet another, but this time very necessary, flashback to recent events. As remembered in this edition, J'onn J'onzz was at an indoor ceremony with a host of other Martians, more reminiscent of the Mars seen in the early Silver Age than the near-barbarism characterized by Denny O'Neil stories. Re's Eda, Keeper of the Sacred Martian Symbols, was now a virile, hairless and fully clothed soldier, rather than the balding and mustachioed take from the back-ups. Before R'es Eda could pass along the Sacred Sceptre of State for J'ozz's "inspired leadership," he was again struck by a ray blast from an unknown assassin. "That decent, wise Martian's killer had to be an Earthling!" His mind clouded by grief and rage, J'onzz went AWOL for Earth, prompting military chief N'or Cott to blow him out of the sky over Metropolis. Two poorly motivated fights with Supergirl and the Hawks later, Manhunter had finally come to his senses. This mattered not a wit to N'or Cott, who sent a booby-trapped Superman robot after his former commander.



"Superman" boarded the Hawk's Thanagarian spaceship, though Katar Hol was made suspicious when his craft's sensors detected a "powerful servo-grid" motor nearby. Hawkman hipped the suddenly savvy Manhunter to Cott's ruse with "gibbering" alluding to a Trojan Horse, and after scanning "Superman" with Martian Vision, J'onzz tossed the robot into space, where it exploded. A happy side effect was the temporary disabling of N'or Cott's ship, forcing his landing on Earth. The "unholy fuss" caused by all this brought the attention of the totally legitimate World's Finest duo. Batman deduced there was something rotten on Mars II, and sent J'onn J'onzz and Superman there. "I and the Man of Steel a team? Fantastic!" Yeah, well, Batman later noted, "Old Greenskin is all heart and guts... but he blundered!" Why was N'or Cott so keen to kill, after all? The Dark Knight had Hawkman return him to Earth in pursuit of N'or Cott to investigate, since the Hawks themselves needed to "tend our own garden!"



Having traveled billions of miles through a space warp, the Last Son of Krypton and the Alien Atlas arrived on the tiny surrogate for Mars' former glory. The Martian's city was completely abandoned, with all weapons and military supplies gone as well. The Martian Marvel couldn't fly on Mars II, so Superman had to carry him while following tracks into the desolate "Primitive Zone." The pair found J'onzz's fellows encamped in the desert, preparing to invade the underground city of Baltaz, previously discovered by N'or Cott. More curiously, the Martian forces were being led by a very much living R'es Eda-- the only person N'or Cott had revealed his find to. "I knew conquering it was our colony's one hope of survival! But I knew you, J'onn, would never approve such a conquest... so I devised a grand plan to get rid of you! The Martians would revolt if you were killed... their hero! So before you could accept the Sceptre of State... I had N'or Cott shoot me instead-- Of course, I'd taken a bio-serum to counteract the ray blast's effects..." Manhunter's hotheaded crusade allowed R'es to usurp his position, "And N'or Cott follows so he can eliminate me 'legally'-- as a traitor abandoning my people! Very clever! What a fool I've been--!"



Superman protested, "Wait! Baltaz? I have heard of it... A legendary city of peaceful, highly civilized beings... not corrupt and evil??" Re's replied, "Yes, I had to feed the other Martians that lie so they'd eagerly follow me to conquer the city..." J'onn J'onzz cursed, "You rotten schemer, R'es! You're leading our people into evil! We have no right to invade the city!" Re's snorted, "Would you rather they sweat and starve in our colony... with no future?" J'onzz tried to confront his people outside with the truth, but the combination of their own wants and the incredulity of recent events turned them hostile. The soldiers attacked our heroes with their swords, prompting the Martian Miracle Man to declare, "You forget... I can be bruised-- but not cut-- by Martian steel." As Manhunter had a blade of his own, it can be assumed this was true for all Martians, their steel effective only against other beings. Otherwise, it would mean that Manhunter had powers not inherent in other Martians, and a willingness to turn a potentially lethal weapon against fellows he'd just expressed horror at having to combat at all.

While he was "just not as super" on this planet, the Man of Steel still soundly walloped the Martian troops. They then turn their ray blasters on Manhunter. "ENOUGH, YOU MARTIAN MURDERERS!" Superman cradled J'onn in his arms and flew him to safety. Maybe J'onzz did have powers beyond those of normal Martians, after all?



Back on Earth, it took the Caped Crusader two days to follow N'or Cott's slowing tracks from his desert landing. Despite the Martian's still superior strength, the Darknight Detective managed to take him by force. Cott's green flesh was mottled with large pink spots, and he was visibly ill. "Yes... Earthling... I'm dying... The results of my own greed and lust for power--! When I alone... entered the city of Baltaz... on Mars II... marveling at its wonders..." N'or Cott revealed that after he murdered a citizen of Baltaz to keep his arrival in the city secret, he was told by his victim the "very air shall avenge my death." Martians are severely allergic to it, causing their cells to slowly die. "I realized it... after my Superman robot failed to kill J'onn J'onzz...! Now all the Martians... including J'onn are in mortal danger!" Batman couldn't reach Superman because the space warp stopped all radio transmission, so the pair made their way to an old mine in search of material to repair Cott's ship.



While his friend recovered on Mars II, the Strange Visitor from Another Planet met with Baltaz's Council. The azure-skinned race spent their wealth on their people, rather than weapons, because they were guaranteed protection by the Old One 4,000 years ago in their holy text, the Tablet of Tal. Actually reading it was no longer an option, written as it was in a dead language, though Superman could! As in their previous team-up, Manhunter mostly stood by while Superman used his might to reach the Old One, a Baltazian of advanced years who would activate a gyrometer to destroy his people before they should be conquered. Surprisingly, when the Man of Steel smashed the Old One's crystal palace, he seemed to have inadvertently killed the Old One (referred to by Manhunter in the past tense as he lay unmoving amidst rubble.)

As R'es Eda's force marched toward Baltaz, their path was blocked by the arriving ship of Batman and N'or Cott. "R'es Eda! As its rightful commander, I order the army to halt!" N'or Cott's wretched visage and final words convicted R'es Eda and swayed the Martian army from its path toward certain doom. "Yes... I die, comrades! But hear my last words... R'es Eda is a traitor... He plotted to kill J'onn J'onzz, our true leader!" Restored as leader of his people, J'onn J'onzz declared, "Haven't you heard enough? Seize R'es Eda? I order it!"



Later, back at the Spacefort, J'onn J'onzz congratulated Superman and, "with you and Batman helping, we Martians have learned a powerful lesson! Revenge... violence... aggression... all become the enemies of whoever uses them!"

Writer Bob Haney then concurred, "Amen to that, old greenskin! Goodby to the Martian Manhunter for now..." from this adventure, and from print for most of the next seven years. Haney handled this finale in a far more appealing fashion than Denny O'Neil could have mustered. You can judge from the length of this synopsis how much more plot Haney had to contribute. Haney had been a DC standby throughout the Silver Age, joined here by the artist that defined Superman for a good quarter century, Curt Swan. As inked by Murphy Anderson, this crew kicked it old school in direct contrast to the shorts that preceded it. I've never really warmed to Swan, but Anderson's Lou Fine-influenced inks make the work very palatable. His Hawks were, of course, especially tasty. One or both men had a problem with drawing J'onn J'onzz with gloves like the other Martians, but thankfully Jerry Serpe colored over the errors. All this action was under a cover by Neal Adams, just to turn the screw that much harder on fans expecting Nasser goodness.

Who's Who Vol.V: Commander Steel (7/85)

Just to keep things from getting too heavy with text, and to post something before it's too far removed from relevancy, here's the bio page for right-wing nutjob and former Detroit benefactor/frienemy Commander Steel. Click the pic for full information.

Showcase '95 #9 (10/95)

Two men in a small submersible were being chased by Navy ships near the resting place of the U.S.S. Titanic, when they ran straight into the red cross hairs of a green alien. "Even down here they find something to fight about... Where's Arthur when I need him most?" Forcing the craft back to the surface, the Navy and a businessman with salvage rights wanted to arrest the pair, but J'Onn took off with them to learn the answers to his own questions. At their launch ship, he found a withered old man watching the scene from a monitor bank. "J'Onn J'Onzz. JL Task Force. We have a situation here, sir." Harold Jean Thomas survived the sinking of that infamous ship, but did so without his beloved wife Georgia. This prompted memories of Manhunter's own loss. "Some of us never get a chance to say goodbye. I can still feel them both in my arms."

"I understand your pain all too well." With the man's permission, J'Onn telepathically probed his memories, and watched the last terrifying hours aboard the Titanic unfold. Now, before he dies, Harold wanted to see his love again. Carrying a pressure resistant camera, J'Onn explored the ship, until he found Georgia's body in her room. Too far down to return in time, J'Onn "hears" Harold turn the valve on his oxygen tank, and found his lifeless body upon emerging. Again ignoring the military's demands not to place any new objects within the Titanic, J'Onn took Harold down to rejoin his wife, leaving their hands locked in an eternal embrace as per his final wishes. "Eighty-three years... is a long wait... to be with the one you love."

"Deep Down" was a well-meaning if sometimes morbid script by Peter J. Tomasi. Sadly rushed art with some affected "Image" touches by one of the artists most closely associated with Martian Manhunter in the modern era, Eduardo Barreto.

DC: The New Frontier #6 (2004)

THE BOY SCOUT’S LAST
“What has happened to this country of ours? ...This country was founded on the notion that a person should be free to follow their destiny... I will no longer be party to any form of oppression or persecution... It is my destiny... my goal, to tak part in reclaiming this country. For free men and women everywhere. And I know in your hearts that you all want this too.”
“...certainly... I think we... back your play. By the way, Superman, allow me to introduce America’s newest “landed” immigrant. This is John Jones. He’s from Mars.”
“Er... a pleasure Mr... Jones.”
“Likewise sir. I greatly enjoy your animated adventures at the cinema.”
His handshake is like a balm for my troubled mind. So calm and confident. So proud of these people he’s with. Seeing Superman and King together on this... they’re ready now. He turns to address them again, his voice charged with emotion.
“It’s up to us to stop it, whatever it takes. WHO’S WITH ME?!!”
They answer him as one. And with a smile and a wave, he’s gone. My Martian mind is oddly cross-connected between the two of them. The Centre’s prsence percolates in my conscious mind now, but I can see Superman as well, a bright blue arrow knifing through the murk. Several of the creatures detach and attack him. He gauges their strength and then dispatches them with due speed. A split second before it happens, he knows the attack was simply a distraction. It is like using an atomic bomb to snuff out a candle. My mind explodes into Alizarin Flowers of Pain. Shared pain.. confusion... then nothing... Nothing but darkness.

SHALL EARTH ENDURE?
“I appreciate the help, June. John is very susceptible to telepathic attack, but his link to the Centre could be valuable.”



THE DAWN PATROL
“Now let me get really crazy. For the last few weeks, I’ve been in contact with an alien whose telepathic abilities are very sensitive. He calls himself John Jones. Some of you met him yesterday. Before he collapsed, he was getting very strong mental waves from the Centre. The reason it’s appeared here is simple. It wants the rich store of exotic fuels we use for the rockets. It wants this fuel to aid its journey into space... Make no mistake. This thing intends to exterminate us. It has decided that mankind poses a threat to its home. So it wants to do a little housecleaning before it goes on holiday... JUDAS PRIEST! What the hell is that?”
“No. Oh, no.”
“This is way too hot. We have to get you somewhere safe.”
“Please, King, you must get me away from its pull! I fear--- I--- IIIIAAARRGH! I can fight it no longer! King! You must kill me! Kill me before—IIIIAAAARRGH! Ants! Warm-blooded vermin.”
“Jesus, John—“
“You should have killed him, King Vermin. I have the alien’s mind now.”
“John! Listen-- Give it to me. Let me take it from you.”
“NOOOO!”
I feel King’s consciousness knife into my mindscape. With a will I wouldn’t have thought possible, he locks onto the Centre’s essence and draws it out of me, like poison from a wound. For the first time in weeks, I am clear. I awaken like a curtain has been drawn away from my mind. The Centre’s hold had been greater than I thought. But so was the cost of my freedom. My last rational thought is to shift into a “kinder” shape to avoid friendly fire. During my time here on Earth, I have done my best to repress my abilities and live as much like the men around me as possible. I feared if mankind knew of my power, they would seek to destroy me. But the time has come for J’Onn J’Onzz to join the fight. As I tear the last monster in half, I utter an oath of rememberance. My friend King Faraday will not have died in vain. Today we will triumph.

-By Darwyn Cooke. “When KING FARADAY gets behind SUPERMAN’s leadership, our American heroes are able to see past their differences and act as a group. For this moment at least, all the lines are redrawn, and everyone’s on the same side... King pays the price, and J’ONN “comes out” with all his awesome power.”

Back to DC: The New Frontier #5 (2004)

Check out more Imaginary Stories

2005 Humberto Ramos Head Sketch

Click For Full Enlarged Image


I managed to get home early today with the full intent on getting down to serious bloggy business, when a knock came upon the door. One of my best friends was all "where've you been, man? We've got to hang out." I have been absent, and I did run the streets. Good friend... lousy keeper of the Martian Manhunter fandom flame. Er, bad turn of phrase there. Hey, ...nurgh... didn't get a post at all last night, so it's not like the Idol-Head isn't still my priority.

Anyway, I'm given another opportunity to show off a sketch from the Comic Art Fans, this time by Humberto Ramos. For a brief moment, around the type of "DV8," Ramos was my favorite new artist. I loved his heavily detailed manga-centric style, which unfortunately became increasingly haphazard and free from complexity with time. However, I think I could come around again if he went to the other extreme, as he does with this sketch. One of the criteria I've heard for great, iconic heroes is the ability to recognize them in silhouette, or at least with the most impressionistic simplicity. Ramos proves J'Onn J'Onzz's potential for that status here, defined by his brow, dark eyes, and large folded collar.

I encourage artists to never allow Martian Manhunter to fall into the trap of being represented in the fashion of a style guide, as his looks are custom made to allow for maximum individual interpretation. However, I hate when artists give Manhunter a high scalloped collar, like every fifth arch-villain since Ming the Merciless. I find it terribly derivative and unimaginative. If there should be a collar, it should be as depicted here, folded and high in a manner dissimilar from anyone I can think of off-hand.

So again, kudos to Ramos for invoking all you need to "get" the Martian Manhunter in a headshot, and a mighty pretty one at that. Sometimes, less is so much more.

Ajax (Martian Manhunter) Tattoo by Fernando Shimizu

As I was saying yesterday, when I'm grossly overworked and underpaid, I have to get creative to fill this (or any) blog with regularity in the sparse time remaining. That includes riffing on other blog's posts, as I'd hoped to do regarding the Tiny Titan's "Hombre Atomico" Argentine McDonald's Happy Meal card. I failed to find the Detective Marciano card of same, but upon locating another Martian Manhunter temporary tattoo (this one animated series related,) I thought, "Hey, has anyone ever cared enough to get a honest-to-god permanant tattoo of J'Onn J'Onzz?" Sure enough, I found one on an image search, inked by the Brazilian artist Fernando Shimizu at Floripa Tattoo Fest 2007 (July, to be exact.) In Brazil, the Manhunter is known simply as "Ajax," and first appeared in "Homem no Espaço nº 12, Ano 2" (Man in Space #12, Year/Vol. 2.) I don't recognize the specific image, but I'd assume Alex Ross was referenced in some way here. I'm not geek enough to go down the same road myself, but I'm mighty proud of the fellow who took this wicked sweet image upon his flesh.

Justice League Switchplates

One of the things I like to do when I have free time while visiting other super-hero blogs is to say to myself, "Hey, some entrepreneur, likely without an official licence, made a Ray Palmer Atom lightswitch plate. I wonder if perhaps there's something on eBay involving my boy as well? Perhaps I should run a similar term on Google or Yahoo?" This is the sort of thing I find when the idea pans out. When not, well, I'm thankful the various safesurf options keep the more heinous images of men who enjoy gladiator movies at bay...

Houston Press Vol.20 #9 DC: New Frontier Review

1. I haven't seen it, and won't for a little while yet.
2. Synopsis? Review? Beats me. We'll see.
3. Luke's Review at El Jacone's Comic Book Bunker.
4. Adama's review at Dispatches from The Arrowcave
5. I rarely get to link from here to those guys, so very nice.
6. Ticked to hear "John Henry" got shafted.
7. Hopefully back on track next week. Working lots. Go read ...nurgh...
8. No mention of Martian Manhunter in my hometown alternative weekly newspaper's review, but lookit tha pitcher! A star is born? Considering said paper crops him out of said picture in the online version, not so much...
   
   

The Superhero Book: Martian Manhunter Entry, Part 2

The Superhero Book: Martian Manhunter Entry, Part 1

I just checked out "The Superhero Book" (2004, Visible Ink Press) from the library, and I was immediately impressed by the depth and candor of the book. I suppose I'm so used to the white-washed official history given by publishers for this type of book, that entries so knowledgable and free of agenda are tremendously refreshing. The Martian Manhunter's entry by Michael A. Martin is surprisingly long (spanning three pages,) and informative, so my scans will run for several days. It gives a solid impression of what you can expect from this 725 page tome.

DC: The New Frontier #5 (2004)

NELLIS AIRFORCE BASE: THIRTY HOURS LATER
“Evening. You were pretty banged up by the blast. The MP’s found us, and we rigged firethrowers before you came to. No point. You were out for over a day.”
“What is this place... some kind of zoo?”
“Never mind that. Tell me... You were free to leave. Why did you save me?”
“I am not a murderer. It would have... diminished me to let another creature die unnecessarily. But I also saw into your mind, and by extension, your heart. I could see that you are a man on conviction and I know you believe you are doing the right thing. You are not... evil. Within your mind, I can see that your struggle is in the name of good. You believe it is a struggle that will end. In your heart, you honestly believe there will be a better day, when all of this won’t be needed. To find that within you, King Faraday... it has filled my heart with hope.”

TOWARD THE CENTRE
“Now, I may be wrong, John, but I get the impression you have the ability to escape this cell any time you please. Why is it you stay?”
“I enjoy this game we play. This chess.”
“Now really, John, what is your plan?”
“It is we that need to plan, King. I feel the menace grow louder every hour now. It busies itself in the back of my mind, like a creature preparing to strike. “
“You don’t have to convince me, John. The reports are coming in nonstop.”
“This thing in the most powerful creature on Earth... It can’t be avoided. It may take the combined efforts of all Americans to meet this challenge. Is your government... are you... ready to accept that? It is your move, King.”



THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT
*signal... broadcast... the only word I can find to describe the scale of this situation is... biblical. What we’re seeing is what looks to be a giant reptilian creature.... it has to be at least 25 miles across... transmitting... mental interference... entire surface of this monstrocity is bristling with smaller life forms that attack... vacuum-like ports... discharge intense blasts of energy... oh Jesus... or they can pull everything in its path up in itself...pull an aircraft carrier like an ant...food for this horror...OUT OF HERE NOW...COWARDS...CCLLLLIKKK! Kzzzt*

DANGER IS OUR BUSINESS
It has become impossible to mask the mental images this leviathan is transmitting. Its power, its magnitude has a vastness that bends my ability to comprehend. I sense King’s approach far later than normal.
“John--- I’m going to take my flyboys out to the cape, see if we can’t help mount some kind of counterattack. I thought you might like to come along for the ride.”
“Faraday, don’t be a dimwitted fool. I too am receiving premonitions. I HAVE BEEN TO THIS ISLAND! FARADAY!”
“Do I look retarded to you, Savage? Shut up or I’ll tell them to gas you twice an hour from now on.”
“King, it occurs to me... the last time I appeared in front of someone suddenly, they died of fright. I thought I should alter my appearance, but I don’t want to pretend I’m human anymore.”
“This is fascinating, John, but if you could get to the point--“
“Perhaps I could take a friendlier appearance, and be more like the hero, Superman.”
“Suit yourself, John. But real men wear pants, y’know?”
“How about this?”
“Now you’re talking! Give me a sec, here. Airman Stone... prep our Betty... Oh, and have them gas Savage twice an hour ‘til we get back.”
“Bastard!”
“King, I fear this monster has a deep hold on my mind. It would be best to watch me carefully.”
“That’s what I do, John. Anyway, cheer up. I don’t figure either of us will be alive this time tomorrow.”

-By Darwyn Cooke. “This wing of FARADAY’s menagerie houses VANDAL SAVAGE, CAPTAIN COLD, AL PRATT (THE GOLDEN AGE ATOM), HOURMAN, AND J’ONN J’ONZZ... In a drama such as this, the character’s actions tend to define them in the reader’s mind as “good” or “bad...” The most obvious “bad” guy is KING FARADAY, but... Right or wrong, his intentions were sincere...”

Back to DC: The New Frontier #4, Part Two (2004)

Forward to DC: The New Frontier #6 (2004)

Showcase '93 #10 (October 1993)

J'Onn J'Onzz, former philosopher and poet, now a Martian Manhunter who'd faced "countless villains who still rue the day they first crossed his path," was on a mission of incomperable importance: Must. Find. Oreos!

Struck with a case of the midnight munchies, J'Onzz couldn't find a single bag after hitting countless all-night markets in Manhatten. Martian Manhunter stumbled upon a robbery in progress, and invisibly snatched bullets in midair before they struck the store's owner. "Hey, I know this dude! He's that Martian Manhandler guy from the Justice League--!" Manhunter clasped the barrel of a pistol, which the idiot young punk then backfired on himself. J'Onzz then assumed the turk's visage to confuse his multicultural partners (black-white-Asian) before stuffing them in a cooler. Instead of gratitude, the owner gave the Martian flack about making a mess. J'Onzz threatened to mop the floor with the ingrate. All he wanted was some damned Oreos!Unfortunately, an elderly woman had swiped the last bag in the confusion, so J'Onn followed her home.

Revealing his presence in her living room, the Super-Sleuth with a sweet tooth learned that she had to steal groceries to survive while her stock broker son was living large. Her husband was long dead, and at least in jail she would receive three square meals a day. J'Onn couldn't bring himself to take her in, and was touched by her loneliness, which he understood only too well. Reliving all of her heartbreaks gave the poor woman a massive coronary, as seen through Martian Vision. Before she died, J'Onn granted the woman's wish to see her son one last time...even if it was only MM assuming his shape. "Gone. Sleep long, sweet lady. Sleep well. You know...sometimes being a telepathic shapeshifter...can be a first-class pain!" He left without his cookies.

Len Wein's script was cute, even though it seemed like colorist Calvin Armstrong went out of his way to make a painfully stereotypical Korean vender look occidental. Maybe to keep the Asian American Justice Center from calling? Not only do we have broken English and the media's distinctly Korean brand of antagonistic consumer relations, but he even screamed "AIIIEEE!" when fired upon. I think he maybe had a Coolie hat under the counter somewhere.

The ten page "Help Me Make It Through the Night!" was Stuart Immonen's first mainstream professional work, and it would appear that the artist has an affection for the character. This may also stem from Adam Hughes' run drawing the character in Justice League, which was an obvious influence on the artist. Immonen has drawn a great many Martian Manhunter appearances over the years since-- more than just about anyone not directly associated with the character.