Martian Manhunter, aka J’onn J’onzz, is one of the most powerful figures in DC comics. He was created by Joseph Samachson and Joseph Certa, who introduced him 70 years ago in Detective Comics #225 (November 1955).

In the original story “The Strange Experiment of Dr. Erdel,” J’onn J’onzz crash lands onto Earth. To hide his true identity, he adopts the persona of John Jones, a detective living in Middletown while searching for a way back to his family and home on Mars.

Eventually, J’onn reveals his existence and becomes one of the seven original members on the Justice League of America. In an unfortunate accident, John Jones is ostensibly killed in action by Idol Head of Diablo. Forced to abandon his civilian identity, J’onn dedicates his time and energy to defeating Idol; which he eventually does.

His powers include superhuman strength, speed, durability, endurance, regenerative healing, flight, invulnerability, intangibility/phasing, invisibility, shape shifting, telekinesis, telepathy, Martian vision, nine senses, and genius-level intellect.

Later on, J’onn appeared very sporadically throughout the DC Universe before permanently resurfacing in 1984. Choosing to reassume his identity as Jones, J’onn is forced to contradict his death story and explain a 20-year disappearance. Not an easy task by any standards, but he manages.

Throughout his character history, J’onn has been edited numerous times from countless deaths and resurrections to origin story retellings. One theme that has remained consistent is his dedication to helping people. From the billions of humans on Earth to the heroes of the Justice League.