Showcase Presents: Martian Manhunter #1

In "The Strange Experiment of Dr. Erdel," a curious scientist's accidental creation sends a Martian to Earth, where he's left stranded after the inventor's death. Now living among humans, the Martian chooses to use his alien abilities to protect the city as a police detective.

In "The Phantom Bodyguard," Drexel Mansfield's paranoia takes a sinister turn when he believes his business partner is plotting to kill him—only for Detective John Jones to uncover a far more unsettling truth. As the line between victim and villain blurs, Jones must untangle a web of deception that reveals Drexel’s own dangerous game.

In this 2007 Showcase Presents tale, a Martian fugitive crash-lands on Earth with a mysterious power belt that could send him back home—if he chooses to share it. When he offers it to a wary Jones, the offer becomes a test of trust, not just in a single moment, but in the kind of choices that define who we are.

In "The Crime Conjurer!", Martian Manhunter, known as John Jones, finds himself caught between duty and disguise when a magician turns the city into a stage for daring heists—while a documentary crew films his every move. Forced to play the role of a regular detective, he must outwit the illusionist without revealing his true abilities.

In "The Challenge of the Masked Avenger," Martian Manhunter finds his routine patrols disrupted by a surprisingly persistent newcomer—no hero, just a man in a mask trying to prove himself to the woman he loves. Written by a team known for their sharp storytelling and brought to life with expressive art, the story explores what happens when fame becomes a personal mission.

In "John Jones' Farewell to Earth," Martian Manhunter is called upon by the Jovians, who are hunting a fugitive on Earth but can't risk the constant rain due to their vulnerability to water. With a rare offer of passage home, Jones agrees to assist—though his true motives may lie deeper than just a simple favor.

In "The Unmasking of J'onn J'onzz," a Martian fugitive's arrival on Earth forces the Martian Manhunter to confront his hidden identity. Trapped by a weapon that strips him of his powers while he remains invisible, J'onn faces a crisis that threatens to expose him completely.

In "The Menace of the Martian Mandrills!", Martian Manhunter faces a bizarre threat when alien mandrills from Mars crash-land on Earth and are exploited by criminals. Though he returns the creatures to their ship, he decides to stay on Earth to finish what he started.

In this 2007 tale from Showcase Presents: Martian Manhunter #1, Jo attempts to repair a broken robot brain, only to accidentally summon his long-lost brother to Earth—stranded with just one charge left in the machine. Now, with no way to return home, the two must navigate their unexpected reunion before time runs out.

In "The Case of the Honest Swindler," Martian Manhunter steps in when Larry Loder falls for a con orchestrated by the charming but dishonest Jed Peters, who sells him three fake magical gadgets. Using his shapeshifting and mental powers, the Manhunter stages a clever illusion to make the fakes seem real—turning a scam into a lesson in trust and deception.

In "J'onn J'onzz -- Witch Doctor," the Martian Manhunter travels to Asia to track down the elusive Gang Boss Moss, forcing him to adopt the guise of a witch doctor to infiltrate the secretive tribe where Moss is hiding. Disguised and relying on his alien intellect, J'onn must navigate the tribe's customs and suspicions to uncover the truth.

In "Lights, Camera -- and Doom," a movie set becomes a battleground when sabotage threatens to derail production, prompting Diane to take on a dangerous stunt role to uncover the culprit. Martian Manhunter quietly watches over her from the shadows, ensuring her safety without her knowing he's there.

In "The Mystery of the Martian Marauders," Jo stumbles upon a mysterious robot brain that, once repaired, unleashes the Martian Marauders on Earth. When Jonzz tracks Alvin Reeves back to Mars, the journey opens a new path—now Jonzz can return to Earth at will.