Warning! Spoilers ahead forAbsolute Power: Task Force VII #7!TheJustice League’sgreatest powerhouse is finally confirmed thanks to one doppelganger that has stolen his powers. Like everyone else in the DC Universe, Martian Manhunter has had his powers stolen thanksto Amanda Waller’s insidious, all-Amazo team, Task Force VII.
The heroes of the world are under attack as Waller uses her robotic squad to depower heroes en masse and incarcerate them. These Amazos, modeled after theJustice League’s founding members, have attained the greatest powers in the DC Universe. But only one of Waller’s Amazos shows off the true strength that Martian Manhunter has been hiding this whole time.
Global Guardian Takes Down an Entire Wave of International Heroes
InAbsolute Power: Task Force VII #7by Dan Watters, Fran Galán, and Dave Sharpe, Red Star keeps an eye on hero activity on Earth from Intercorps HQ in Low Earth orbit. Red Star warns every international team he canthat Waller’s Amazos areleaving the United States and attacking every hero across the globe. Unfortunately, the warning has come too late as Nightrunner and the Eurocorps team of heroes are already mid-battle with Global Guardian,the Amazo who has stolen multiple Justice League members' powers (including Martian Manhunter’s).
Global Guardian uses the psychic techniques stolen from Martian Manhunter to invade their minds…
Nightrunner is joined by other international heroes who have come to aid Eurocorps. Presuming that the Amazo has Martian Manhunter’s weaknesses in addition to his powers, Jack O’Lantern tries destroying it with fire. However, Global Guardian lacks J’onn’s classic weakness. Thankfully, Thunderlord delivers a powerful blow that severs Global Guardian’s arm, causing it to malfunction and giving the heroes enough time to escape. But it isn’t long beforethe evil Martian Manhunter uses its healing factor to grow a new arm and pursues the heroes.
Anthony Ivo goes into the secret behind Task Force VII’s healing factor inGreen Arrow #16 (2024)!
Every remaining International hero gathers on Intercorps HQ to discuss their next plans. Unfortunately, they can’t come to an agreement and it isn’t long before Global Guardian forces its way onto the interstellar headquarters. Global Guardian uses the psychic techniques stolen from Martian Manhunter to invade their minds as they are sucked out into the vacuum of space. Jack O’Lantern manages to save a hero named Belphegor,but even they fall to Global Guardian’s de-powering, who finally finishes hunting down the targets assigned by Waller.
Martian Manhunter is the Justice League’s Most Powerful Asset
Global Guardian Proves J’onn is a True Threat
When it comes to raw power on the Justice League, many look to Superman (fair, given his impressive Kryptonian abilities). However, more often than not, Martian Manhunter is overlooked, even though he’s demonstrated similar levels of strength in the past. Heck, even Superman has admitted that J’onn is one of the most powerful beings on Earth and that Clark would actually be afraid to fight Martian Manhunter in open combat. Yet, time and time again,Martian Manhunter is overlooked in favor of the Justice League’s Man of Steel.
Superman infamously revealed his true thoughts on J’onn inJLA #86 (2003)!
But Global Guardian shows the kind of hell Martian Manhunter could bring if he were ever pushed or corrupted. While all the Amazos in Task Force VII are impressive, Global Guardian is the only android taking out heroes on a worldwide scale. It doesn’t hurt that in addition to invisibility and strength, it also stole J’onn’s psychic powers, no doubt helping the automaton hunt down any heroes escaping its grasp. People often worry about Superman losing control, but theJustice League should probably keep a closer eye on J’onn.
…these powers, when used properly, can turn anyone into one of the most fearsome fighters in the DC Universe.
Of course, J’onn isn’t in danger of turning to the dark side anytime soon. But despite being on the League longer than most heroes, Martian Manhunter just doesn’t get the respect he should be getting. But as Global Guardian shows, these powers, when used properly, can turn anyone into one of the most fearsome fighters in the DC Universe. It’s just a tragedy that these powers fell into the wrong hands. But hopefully, onceAbsolute Poweris said and done, fans will be able tolook at the Justice League’s underrated powerhouse with a bit more appreciation.
Martian Manhunter Deserves More Respect
From His Justice League Teammates and From Readers
Thankfully, Global Guardian’s time with J’onn’s powers won’t be long. But once Martian Manhunter gets his powers back, hopefully everyone will look at him with a bit more respect. J’onn may be one of the Justice League’s more reserved and quiet members, but he’s hiding massive power under his unassuming form. Global Guardian was just a small demonstration of the things J’onn could do if he was pushed to his limit, showcasing the real potential of the underrated Justice League hero.
Absolute Power: Task Force VII #7is available now from DC Comics.
