Martian Manhunter has achieved a new state of power to aid the Justice League in their battle against Darkseid, and it may look oddly familiar to some fans.
The latest issue of Justice League: Last Ride featured the team facing off against a reborn incarnation of Darkseid. Having previously been thought dead, Darkseid revealed his ultimate plan to rejuvenate Apokolips. However, his moment of triumph was short-lived, as the Martian Manhunter shockingly appeared alongside Wonder Woman in a fiery state of being. This new form indicates that J'onn J'onzz has undergone a physiological change that has some striking similarities to the Super Saiyans of Dragon Ball Z.
In Dragon Ball Z, certain members of the Saiyan race have the ability to go "Super Saiyan." This helps them achieve otherwise-impossible feats of strength, agility and endurance. In addition, their powers and energy projectiles become more dangerous. It can be triggered by intense meditation, bouts of rage or near-death experiences. Those who wield this power also undergo a visual transformation, which can include (but is not limited to) a glowing aura, changes in hair color and physical mutations like increased musculature. Martian Manhunter's appearance in Justice League: Last Ride is consistent with many of these traits, as it seems to have been triggered by a near-death experience, physically changed his body and has given him a fiery green glow.
This new look is a first for the Martian Manhunter, who has showcased many unique designs over the years. As an alien shapeshifter, J'onn constantly hides his true appearance from humanity. In his natural state, he has an elongated head, ridges across his body and disproportionate limbs. Since this makes many humans uncomfortable, he masks his presence by appearing as different people at different times. However, this new design hints at something unlike anything the Martian Manhunter has previously achieved.
Justice League: Last Ride is an eight-issue miniseries by Chip Zdarsky, Miguel Mendonça, Enrica Angiolini and Andworld Design. In it, the Martian Manhunter sacrifices himself to destroy Apokolips, leading the Green Lantern to kill Darkseid. This series of events causes the Justice League to splinter and eventually disband. Years later, the return of Darkseid threatens the planet, forcing the Earth's heroes to put their differences aside in the name of Justice, once and for all.
Outside of comics, 2021 has been a big year for the Martian Manhunter. In March, he made his long-awaited big screen debut in Zack Snyder's Justice League, played by Harry Lennix. Additionally, the hero is heavily featured in The CW's Supergirl. Played by actor David Harwood, he will be a core part of the show as it marches towards its series finale.
Source: DC Comics