DC Just Confirmed That an Absolute Hero has Superpowers (So How Strong Is He?)

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DC’s ‘Absolute Universe’ is a popular alternate reality story where Darkseid’s evil has completely overtaken the world, instead of Superman’s optimism. This has drastically altered everything, especially the heroes. The story focuses on stripping these characters down to their most fundamental traits and then reimagining everything else about them. While their core personalities remain, major parts of their identities have been changed – Wonder Woman was raised in Hell, the Flash lacks his usual support system and powers, and Superman didn’t have the same upbringing. The most significant transformation, however, is arguably that of Martian Manhunter.

There are two versions of the Manhunter story. In the main universe, J’onn J’onzz is the last surviving Martian who came to Earth and uses his powers to protect it. But in an alternate universe, things are very different. Here, John Jones is an FBI agent struggling with his personal life. After an accident, he connects with a Martian consciousness, becoming a being of pure thought focused on promoting empathy. Initially, it was believed he could only influence thoughts, but a recent comic issue revealed John possesses even greater powers.

Metaphor Equals Reality

The Martian was apprehended by Agents skilled in both psychological and physical combat. Without the Martian’s optimism, John fell into a deep depression, tormented by a force that pushed him towards complete surrender. This led to a mental crisis, causing John to be labeled as insane by those around him. Meanwhile, the Agency learned the Martian’s identity through interrogation. Agent Rainbow, accompanied by a surreal and powerful team, located John at a motel – his soldiers were as convincingly real as a vivid hallucination.

John struggled against his captors, but was ultimately caught. Rainbow, his enemy, lectured him on the importance of borders and power, then ordered him to be executed. Just as things seemed hopeless, a firefly sent by the Martian found John, giving him a renewed sense of hope. Rainbow opened fire, but the bullets passed harmlessly through John. He broke free, bursting through Rainbow and a wall. Following a connection to the Martian, John drove into a strange, metaphorical realm and reached Nihilo Bay, a prison of despair where the Martian was held. Together, they escaped the endless darkness.

The Martian’s Imaginary Strength Possesses Real Power

Throughout the series, John has consistently demonstrated extraordinary feats, starting with his initial connection to the Martian. He’s survived seemingly impossible situations – like walking through fire and teleporting – and performed incredible actions, such as defeating an intangible opponent and linking minds. However, these powers have always felt more symbolic than literal. It’s been left open whether these abilities are actually real or simply manifestations of John’s deteriorating mental state. If you re-examine the story, disregarding the supernatural aspects, everything John does can be explained as the actions of a remarkably insightful, but otherwise normal, person.

When he walked through bullets and a wall unharmed, it clearly showed he has real superpowers that can impact the physical world. This goes beyond simply influencing people’s thoughts or feelings. He and the Martian can actually change things, truly earning the title of “superhero.” While their powers aren’t exactly the same as those of the original Martian Manhunters, they do share some similarities – like the ability to control their density and use telepathy, though they express these abilities in unique ways. Instead of heat vision, this duo has “Martian Vision,” which allows them to see thoughts and memories.

Unlike the Martian Manhunter, John and the Martian are significantly less powerful. They don’t have abilities like shapeshifting, super strength, or flight, making them the weakest of the Absolute heroes in terms of physical power. While Absolute Batman could likely defeat Bane in a physical fight, John and the Martian wouldn’t stand a chance – at least, not in a direct confrontation. Their strength lies in their mental abilities; they can enter and alter the minds of others. Now, John can even follow the Martian into these mental spaces, greatly amplifying the damage they can inflict.

John Jones is recovering from a difficult past and is developing into a remarkable hero. He has a unique ability to connect with people on a deep level, almost reading their minds, and uses this to help them overcome their challenges and see the world in a new light.

Absolute Martian Manhunter is on sale now!

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2026-03-29 22:14