The Martian (DCAU)
From Pop-Cult Guides
| DC animated Universe: Chronology |
| Batman: The Animated Series | Superman: The Animated Series | Batman Beyond | The Zeta Project | Static Shock | Justice League | Movies |
|
| Justice League Unlimited | Characters: Heroes • Villains • Supporting • Cameos • Organizations • Evil Organizations | Settings | Episodes | Cast and crew | Movies | Comics | Video games | Broadcasting | Awards | DVD releases |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Characteristics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Created by | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
J'onn J'onzz a. k. a. The Martian is a fictional character DC Comics adapted to the DC animated Universe in the Justice League TV series.
In the Justice League animated series, J'onzz' history is even more closely tied with that of the League. In the series, the Justice League originates as a temporary uniting of Earth's heroes against an alien invasion; the invaders had previously invaded Mars, wiping out all the inhabitants except J'onn J'onzz, who travels to Earth to warn of the invaders and join the fight against them. He is captured by the aliens, but manages to summon Batman and Superman to come to his aid, then, when the aliens pursue them, he also calls Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Hawkgirl to the battle as well, effectively forming the initial League. When the invaders are defeated, he remains on Earth as a member of the League. His addiction to Choco/Oreo cookies is referenced in the Holiday special Comfort & Joy where he pretended to be Santa Claus for a young girl, coming down a chimney and snatching one of the familiar cookies so that she'll believe Santa had eaten them (and he clearly enjoyed eating it).
For the animated series, executive producer Bruce Timm revised and reduced J'onn's powers somewhat; his superstrength was vastly downplayed (though he was still seen performing great feats of strength on occasion), his superspeed and Martian Vision removed altogether and emphasis was placed on his telepathy, shapeshifting and density alteration, specifically his ability to become intangible. J'onzz only increased his density sporadically on the series, usually noticeable by a glowing blue aura surrounding his body; he actually became diamond hard once in a single episode, season 1's "A Knight of Shadows".
In the comic books, the Martian Manhunter/J'onn J'onzz has a power called "Martian Vision" which has been shown both as a beam of pure force (an extension of the telekinesis that allows him to fly), and essentially the same as Superman's heat vision. Neither power was ever shown in the series, dropped presumably in favor of his phasing power, shapeshifting, and telepathy. The Martian Manhunter was only referred to by that name in one episode and otherwise called simply J'onn.
The character, voiced by Carl Lumbly, is referred to as J'onn J'onzz -- and not Martian Manhunter -- until the series was recreated as Justice League Unlimited, and he is always listed as "J'onn J'onzz" in the show's closing credits.
After the Watchtower is destroyed during a Thanagarian invasion, the League reforms, enlisting more than 50 new members. J'onzz assigns and monitors many of the missions. J'onzz remains on the Watchtower for two years without leaving, and begins to dislike humanity. When Wonder Woman points this out, J'onzz resigns from active duty to live among Earth's citizens and learn more about them. His duties as Watchtower moderator are passed to Mr. Terrific. In the series finale, "Destroyer," J'onn, apparently living with a middle-aged human woman in China, joins the fight against Darkseid's forces.
