WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for Justice League Unlimited #2!
Maybe there is only one Justice League hero of the DC Universe who can rival Superman abilities – and even surpass them in some aspects – making them one of the most powerful beings on the planet. However, that may no longer be the case, as DC has officially nerfed this hero, eliminating some of his most iconic and powerful abilities.
Mark Waid, Dan Mora and Ariana Maher Justice League Unlimited #2 continues the new status quo of DC's flagship superhero team, now expanded to include all of Earth's heroes – a truly unprecedented lineup. This issue specifically focuses on a team-up between Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Martian Manhunter, Dr. Occult, and several other heroes, with Manhunter and Occult assigned to search for the village's missing children.
During this mission, a surprising revelation comes to light: J'onn confides in Richard that he no longer possesses the full extent of his powers–something he has kept hidden from the rest of the Justice League.
Martian Manhunter reveals he lost some of his most iconic powers during Absolute power
“…After our powers were stolen, many of mine were unable to return.” –Martian Manhunter in Justice League Unlimited #2 (2024)
During the search for the missing children, Richard expresses his admiration for Martian Manhunter's impressive range of abilities, noting how J'onn “I could do almost anything [Superman] could and much more.” Instead of accepting the compliment, J'onn responds with a surprising confession: “After our powers were stolen, many of mine were unable to return.” He is referring to the events of Absolute power crisis event, during which Amanda Waller's power-stealing Amazo robots deprived heroes and villains of their abilities. Although the heroes eventually regained their stolen powers, not all abilities returned as they were, and some previously powerless individuals – such as Lois Lane – gained powers unexpectedly.
J'onn's admission makes it clear that he was among those whose powers did not fully return. In his conversation with Dr. Oculto, he reveals that he has lost his ocular abilities – everything related to his eyes and vision – as well as his telepathic powers. The loss of these abilities is a significant blow, especially his telepathy, which is one of his most defining characteristics. For a Martian, telepathy is not just an ability or power; it is an intrinsic part of your identity, similar to a human being who loses one of their five senses. This deeply personal loss could also explain why J'onn seems to be struggling emotionally and behaving a little unbalanced at the moment.
Something more than power loss is wrong with Martian Manhunter
J'onn J'onzz loses his cool Justice League UnlimitedAlmost beating a Parademon to death
As previously mentioned, J'onn is acting out of character at the moment. Most notably, he hid his loss of powers from the rest of the Justice League – an omission that could be critical, especially during high-stakes missions like the one he's currently undertaking. Additionally, J'onn has an unusual outburst, nearly killing a Parademon after he makes a nasty comment. This reaction is totally different from the typically calm and collected Martian. The situation worsens when Wonder Woman and Superman intervene to stop the aggressive attack on Parademon. Instead of addressing your concerns, Martian Manhunter runs away from his friends, signaling that something much deeper than the loss of his powers is bothering him – and badly.
Justice League Unlimited #2 is now available from DC Comics!