Martian Manhunter – Targets – Ryan K Lindsay

1. Two trick-or-treaters walk down a street in Anytown, USA holding hands. One is dressed as Martian Manhunter, the other is Darkseid.

Caption: People say they want to be different.
Caption: They say they celebrate difference.
Caption: But it’s a lie.

2. A car speeds down the street coming from behind these two fun-loving characters.

Caption: Anything outside the norm is an aberration.

3. A young redneck leans out the window, his rat-tail flapping in the wind, a brick in his hand.

Caption: That’s how nature works.

4. The redneck has thrown the brick and we see it colliding with the back of “Martian Manhunter’s” head.

Caption: While people want you to believe that difference is what makes us individuals.

5. “Martian Manhunter” is on the ground, blood pooling out, “Darkseid” is reacting in horror.

NO COPY

6. “Darkseid” has removed his mask, it's still in his hands. He weeps openly.

Caption: Difference is actually what makes us a target.

J’onn J’onzz: The Martian Manhunter – Grounded: Part Forty-Seven – Sime McDonald

PANEL ONE
J’onn J’onnz and Superman are in space, looking down at Earth. Superman looks uncomfortable, his arms crossed, frowning. J’onn is smiling proudly as he gazes at his adopted home.

SUPERMAN (1)

(telepathically)

I know they look up to us for hope,

but I wonder whether they know how often we

look down on them for the same.

SUPERMAN (2)

(telepathically)

I should go.

PANEL TWO
J’onn is still smiling, but there’s a slight hardness to his expression now as he challenges his Kryptonian friend. Superman’s eyes are bulging in their sockets.

J’ONN J’ONNZ (1)

(telepathically)

Ah, yes.

J’ONN J’ONNZ (2)

(telepathically)

Your inspirational tour of America continues.

SUPERMAN

(telepathically)

It’s not ---

PANEL THREE
Superman’s expression softens.

SUPERMAN (1)

(telepathically)

I need to be down there on the ground with them, J’onn.

I’ve lost sight of the goodness of mankind, and I --

SUPERMAN (2)

(telepathically)

I need to find it again.

So I can find myself again.

PANEL FOUR
J’onn drifts in front of Superman, one hand placed reassuringly on his shoulder, the other pointing at the ‘S’ symbol on his chest.

J’ONN J’ONNZ (1)

(telepathically)

I don’t question the validity of your walkabout.

People think, because of who we are, because of what we can do,

that we don’t experience moments of doubt; crisis’ of confidence;

questions of faith.

J’ONN J’ONNZ (2)

(telepathically)

Of course, we do.

We’re as entitled as they are down there to experience a

maelstrom of emotions.

J’ONN J’ONNZ (3)

(telepathically)

But you’re a symbol, Kal-El.

PANEL FIVE
J’onn is prodding his finger into Superman’s chest, the S-Symbol taking centre stage.

J’ONN J’ONNZ

(telepathically)

Of truth and justice.

Of hope.

You inspire us to be better than we are.

To achieve more than we can.

PANEL SIX
On J’onn, his expression stern.

J’ONN J’ONNZ

(telepathically)

You want to see the best of mankind, Kal-El…

PANEL SEVEN
Pull back. Superman’s mouth is a hard line. We’re seeing some of that old steely determination.

J’ONN J’ONNZ

(telepathically)

(off panel)

… but is mankind seeing the best of you?

Why J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter?

I love J'onn J'onzz

But I don’t know a thing about him. Not really. Not like I do the majority of DC’s other Justice League Members. Oh, sure, I know he’s a Martian. From Mars, in case you were wondering. He loves cookies. Seriously; loves them.  I know his biggest weakness is fire. And I’ve been told - umpteen times - he’s the heart of the League. Seriously, if I hear that one more time...

Aside from that, though? He's a mystery. I know bits and pieces; snippets of his backstory. And yet, somehow, I care about J’onn J’onzz. He reminds me of that friend we’ve all had in our lives, who is loved by everyone. If I was on the Justice League – and I am sure it’s only a matter of time – J’onn would be my best friend. He’s so compassionate. So nonjudgmental. Chatting to him would be therapeutic. Plus, we’d have a lot in common. Fire’s one of my biggest weaknesses, too.

Y’know something, else though? Take away those character elements, strip him down to the bare bones, and what’ve you got?

You’ve got a Martian with badass powers, man.

Telepathy? Yup. Shapeshifting? You better believe it. Super strength? Uh, duh. What else? Oh, just intangibility. Invisibility. Heat vision. Flight.

And a little something called Martian Vision. Now, I don’t know exactly what that is, but comparing that to Superman’s X-Ray vision? His telescopic vision? Please. I know which vision power I’d want.

So, after Green Wake, writing J’onn J’onzz should be a cinch. He’s a complicated character, sure. There's a lot of continuity there. You want to deal with that, go for it. But he also provides the perfect canvass for a classic action-packed super-hero page; the kind that allows a writer the chance to forget the backstory and just write a fun yarn.

And after the depressing – albeit finely crafted, and possibly some of our best - scripts from last week, I think we could do with some good old fashioned super-hero goodness.

But as always, dear Thought-Ballooner, the choice is yours.