Matthew Phillion - Author
Welcome to the 

Indestructi-Blog

  • Home
  • Indestructi-Blog
  • About the Books
  • Purchase Signed Copies
  • Pro Game Master Sessions

12/27/2024

If they ever let me write... Martian Manhunter

7 Comments

Read Now
 
Had fun reposting my pitch for an Aquaman project  few days ago, figured it'd be fun to share my Martian Manhunter pitch as well. This was back in 2014. I never did put a shapeshifter into the Indestructiverse. Adding that to the list with archers, speeders, and psychics. 

If they ever let me write... Martian Manhunter

Premise: The Martian Manhunter is an entirely different take on the Superman Mythos. If Superman/Clark is the adopted foreigner, raised looking and acting like his adoptive family only to discover he is different, J'onn is the adult immigrant, who finds himself in a new country not aware of the culture or language, overqualified for any job he might apply for but unable to fit in because of his differences. The Martian Manhunter is an immigration story. 

He's very much like Superman in a lot of ways: an alien among humans who could be a force of destruction or dominance but instead decides to show them by example how to be better than what they are. He's a god who takes on the face of a man and solves little crimes, changes one life at a time.

The series should play into his telepathy. He is alone in the universe, the last of his kind, but is tied in through telepathy to the human condition, a million little thoughts, good and evil and everything in between, at his fingertips whenever he wants it.

Story arc: Let's look at the first four seasons. It's an ambitious arc but each season could represent a theme in his journey as accidental immigrant to Earth. 

Season 1: What does it mean to be human. How does he mask his differences. How does he use them to his advantage. How do they create a barrier to his understanding the human condition and all its beauty and darkness. J'onn explores this through taking on a private detective's life. He will need a guide, a connection to humanity to help him translate his experiences.  

Season 2: Embracing humanity, he becomes an inspirational force. He shares more of himself. He becomes both Martian and Earthling, like an expatriate in another country taking on their culture and becoming part of their fabric. J'onn's heritage contributes to the fabric of the Earth the way every new culture becomes a piece of America's always-changing face. 

Season 3: Humanity disappoints him. He is betrayed, by friends, by the government. Terrible decisions are made he cannot stop. War, death, crime. He starts to feel his connection to mankind slipping away. Spends more time in his Martian form, alienating himself from those who know him. Stops being a detective, starts being a superhero. Fixes bigger problems. Interfering, not fixing.

Season 4: Humanity rejects him. We do not want this green man trying to tell us how to be better. J'onn returns to the stars. Retires to Mars, alone with the ghosts of his dead kin. We feel his absence; only when his adoptive family really needs him does he return home to take on the role of both brother and protector. J'onn is called home, where he is needed. To make his adoptive home a better place. 

Themes: J'onn is inherently well equipped to learn about Earth. He can read minds, he can change shapes. Martian Manhunter should be the anti-Orphan Black--where Tatiana Maslany's chameleon-like ability to shapeshift into entirely new people with the same face, J'onn's face should change episode to episode--different actors playing him with different faces, so that the Martian can experience different races, genders, creeds, colors. He will see first hand how we treat those who are different from us--not just green-skinned, but a different hue of humanity. The Martian Manhunter can be a one-character ensemble cast. Clearly there must be a central actor to be his true face, and he will have recurring personas, but it will also be an experimental role--what would an alien being with an expansive ability for empathy be like? He wouldn't pick just one face. He would choose to be all of us. 

The biggest barrier to entry is his name. Neither Martian Manhunter nor J'onn J'onzz is particularly sellable. He arrives on Earth, lost and confused, and he takes the identify of a dead man, his first stolen face. John Jones. Private detective, deceased, mourned by no one. And the Martian Manhunter's first case is to find out why and how someone could die so very alone. 

What do you think? This is all for fun, but I'd love to hear what readers would want to see in their OWN version of Martian Manhunter. Are you a fan of the big green shapeshifter? 
​

Share

7 Comments
kodi.software link
4/26/2025 05:30:26 am

I wanted to express my gratitude for your insightful and engaging article. Your writing is clear and easy to follow, and I appreciated the way you presented your ideas in a thoughtful and organized manner. Your analysis was both thought-provoking and well-researched, and I enjoyed the real-life examples you used to illustrate your points. Your article has provided me with a fresh perspective on the subject matter and has inspired me to think more deeply about this topic.

Reply
Thobes uk link
5/29/2025 06:19:36 am

What used to be a niche offering is now a full-fledged fashion segment catering to a wide range of cultural and stylistic preferences. Over the past year, I’ve noticed how the market for thobes has expanded both online and offline.

Reply
San diego armed security link
5/29/2025 06:28:49 am

Many businesses in the San Diego area recognize that a basic security presence isn’t always enough to deter serious threats. That’s why armed security has become a vital component of many security strategies.

Reply
What does a digital marketing agency do link
5/29/2025 06:40:45 am

They take the guesswork out of digital growth by tracking performance, analyzing audience behavior, and fine-tuning campaigns. To really appreciate, you need to look at the wide array of services they offer.

Reply
Circle chain link
5/29/2025 06:51:25 am

The construction felt sturdy yet comfortable, making it ideal for daily wear. There’s something effortlessly modern about a chain that makes it a standout in any jewelry collection.

Reply
Diamond necklace link
5/29/2025 07:18:19 am

From office wear to evening dresses, it adds that extra touch of sparkle without being overwhelming. A necklace is also incredibly personal the one I chose reflects my own minimalist aesthetic while still making a strong impression.

Reply
Property management agencies near me link
5/29/2025 08:09:50 am

Hiring professionals was the best decision I made after acquiring a fourplex last year. I was nervous about taking on so many tenants, but finding a few great property management agencies completely changed my outlook.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

Details

    About the author

    Matthew Phillion is the author of the Indestructibles YA novel series, its spinoff Echo and the Sea, and the Dungeon Crawlers series of RPG-style novellas. 

    Archives

    November 2023
    October 2023
    June 2023
    December 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    September 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Indestructi-Blog
  • About the Books
  • Purchase Signed Copies
  • Pro Game Master Sessions