It’s great to see Martian Manhunter taking the spotlight in the current comics right now. His solo series by Steve Orlando even shapes up to be an impressive one-take of a maxi-series. That means quite a lot when most people know about the character due to him being a team player. The Underrated DC Comics list I have on here details some of those solo runs too. One of them in particular, American Secrets is the very definition of a Hidden Gem. But why is this series not in collection or even featured online? For that matter, why is it so good? Let’s solve the case.
Background
J’onn J’onzz the Martian Manhunter before his time on the Justice League begins his role as an extension of Detective Comics. Note that long before this became a Batman centric series, it was a superhero detective anthology.
J’onn’s story follows very closely on the meaning of being an immigrant. J’onn unlike his usual comparison Superman comes to Earth as an adult fully aware of his alien heritage. Heck, for a while he’s not even the Last Son of Mars. He’s was just passing his time solving cases as Detective John Jones in Middletown, Denver while waiting to go home.
Martian Manhunter: The 1950s
All of the above in mind, the mini-series’ setting during the 50s era is brilliant. The Cold War is a time when people are at their most suspicious. J’onn hopes that Mars’ advancements in technology would allow him to go home. But Earth is making advancements in forensics. One day it can even allow the world to see J’onn’s true nature.
However the series’ threat comes not from truth seekers, but people who hide in plain sight. J’onn begins to uncover a conspiracy that feels all too familiar. For Martian Manhunter, shapeshifting lizardmen come to his attention. As it turns out, there is a lot riding on when it comes to commentary. From UFO sightings, the Red Scare, to the Comics Code, it all starts to come together. J’onn doesn’t even have his trademark telepathy to help out so he relies on his detective skills.
(Spoilers) They’re Just Like Him
In the pages of the conflict, the lizards all seem to want the same thing as J’onn. They wish to live in the same world as mankind but have to conceal their true nature. Unfortunately, their view is a very narrow window that limits the truth of what it means to be human. They’ve basically been brought up on television and try to make the world more like it. But even the lizards can’t tell when they themselves are under impression. Their leader is secretly a martian who is attempting to mold Earth into his own paradise. An environment where J’onn could actually thrive in without fear of being found out.
J’onn unlike the lizards or the leader however had already assimilated with Earth’s culture. With a growing respect and love for mankind, he desires to protect them. While J’onn realizes that this makes him a stranger to other martians, it is his identity.
The Influences
The lizard’s plans on domination and control involve control of several forms of media. For example, gameshows are rigged where the audience follows a script and are killed if they deviate. Stardom itself has to follow a role on and off the camera. On camera, children have to look prim and proper. When not on TV, some of the performers are subject to shady deals like grooming. All from abusive parents, conforming studios, and the corrupt who thrive in this industry. This all tells people not to think for themselves and just do as they’re told.
Then there is a comic book writer who shows J’onn just how far back things go. However, he is under supervision not to be explicit. As compensation, he lives a comfortable life with comics they approve of. If that’s not a metaphor for the Comics Code, I don’t know what is.
The National Alliance heroes of the Golden Age also make a small appearance, but now have to work with government organizations like the FBI. Doctor Mid-Nite might seem like a government stooge, especially with his psychology skills; but he continues to be a force of good influence that pushes J’onn to be a true hero. Anyone who glimpses life in the 50s sees this need for change. But perhaps the writer is the one who wants to change the most.
Martian Manhunter Reveals All
When it comes to how writers put themselves into their work, Gerard Jones has something to confess. Jones much like J’onn knows that he is keeping secrets in order to walk about in comics. He also knows that when it gets out, things will turn out very badly. However, I believe J’onn gives Gerard courage to accept the consequences when the time comes. When a child pornography collection is found, Gerard eventually turns down his lawyer’s suggestion to plead not guilty. He even uses his earnings to help the people affected by his actions.
But honestly, that’s wishful thinking.
Does this mean that Gerard deserves forgiveness? That’s not for me to decide. From what I can tell, Jones genuinely feels bad about it and does whatever he can to make up for it. Yet whether people will accept his acts in this day and age is not so easy. The world like in American Secrets is becoming more conforming. As someone who writes concerns about American culture, Gerard knew very well the consequences. Why he never bothers to get rid of the evidence before the reveal is anyone’s guess. Much like why this series never comes up in official stores.
Martian Manhunter: The Crazy Layers of America
So is the above the reason why this series is not in trade or in digital vendors? I doubt it, Gerard Jones’ other series are available. The truth is nobody really knows. But I doubt DC will even touch this series with Jones in jail until 2024.
Well thanks for coming and feel free to express your thoughts on this entire subject. As always, remember to look between the panels.