Summary
- Superman considers Martian Manhunter the most powerful being in the universe, and admits he would be scared to face him in battle.
- Despite Superman's own remarkable abilities, he recognizes and respects Martian Manhunter's strength and versatility.
- The Justice League grapples with how to handle their teammate gone rogue, highlighting the significance of Martian Manhunter's dark alter ego and the potential danger he poses.
Superman is near-invulnerable, faster than a speeding bullet, and capable of otherworldly feats of strength. But Kal-El of Krypton once admitted he was only scared of fighting one of his fellow Justice League heroes, placing the Martian Manhunter atop his list of five opponents across the entire universe he would fear taking on in battle.
In JLA #86 by Joe Kelly, Doug Mahnke, Tom Nguyen, David Barron, and Ken Lopez, the Justice League of America were attacked by Martian Manhunter's dark personality known as Fernus - who promised to set the Earth on fire. After the Justice League almost lost to the Martian, the team decides how to handle their teammate gone rogue.
While they struggle to understand how Fernus could truly be Martian Manhunter, Superman says they can't handle the situation with "kid gloves," as out of all the beings in the universe he would be scared to face one-on-one, J'onn J'onzz would rank atop that list. Kal-El calls Martian Manhunter the "most powerful being on the face of the Earth."
Superman Knows Martian Manhunter Can Beat Him
Martian Manhunter is one of the original members of the Justice League and first debuted in Detective Comics #225. J'onn J'onzz was created by Joseph Samachson and Joe Certa and appeared in a number of DC Comics adaptions, including most recently in Zack Snyder's Justice League. The Green Martian was born with a number of incredible powers, including the ability to shapeshift and telekinesis. Over the years he's been a key member of the Justice League, but this one story ultimately turned him against his fellow heroes - leading Superman to admit the truth about Martian Manhunter's incredible powers.
It might seem hyperbolic for Superman to call Martian Manhunter the most powerful being, but the superhero's powers are so strong and versatile, he definitely ranks atop his fellow Justice Leaguers when it comes to incredible abilities. Although, given Superman's weakness to magic, you'd think he'd fear Doctor Fate more. Still, Superman's not wrong by placing Martian Manhunter atop his own list.
Superman is afraid of Martian Manhunter and his abilities because he understands just how powerful he can be at full strength. The Man of Steel truly respects Martian Manhunter's powers and won't ever underestimate him in battle.