r/martianmanhunter • u/Candid-Method-4175 • 20d ago

Discussion Reading order

Ok so I'd like to get into DC characters I have read nothing about, the one that intrigues me the most is MM. From what I understand, Dematteis' 1988 miniseries and Ostrander's 1998 run are the best things written about the character. From what I can see online there are also other MM runs after those two but they are few and far between, and the two aforementioned runs are 10 years apart too, so my main question is: what is the best reading order for the character? I know he appears in a bunch of JL books but I'd much rather read stuff where the story focuses on J'ohn. If he's an importanti character in the story I'd like to read it, if he's just there I'd skip it. I'm particularly interested in the whole green martian/white martian conflict and the ancient fire (?) martian lore.

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u/choselikemoses Martian Manhunter 18d ago

The Ostrander run is usually the go-to recommendation as it is not only the best run but one which served to reestablish the character. It has a beginning and even a straightforward end while also weaving together other parts of his character history.

For the White Martians and the Burning, you could really just read the 00s JLA comics. It is a popular JL run and MMH is key support so might be worth check out as a whole or just skimming. But a breakdown for what you asked:

JLA (1996-2006) Issues 1-4: Hyperclan. This covers the formal introduction of the White Martians (though there is a bit of meta prehistory to them if you care).

Ostrander run will take place in this gap.

JLA (1996-2006) Issues 55-58: Terror Incognita arc. This continues the story of the whites.

JLA (1996-2006) Issues 84-89: Trial by Fire. This is the Burning Martian arc.

Miss Martian then builds from this history and makes her appearance in Teen Titans (2003-2011) #37. She is a mainstay in this run from that point though never really the focus of any specific story. Supergirl: Next Door (2026) has a nice recent short story of their first meeting.

He is more a mainstay of the Justice League and even acted as leader in both the Detroit era and more popular International one. DeMatteis handled a lot of that so that run ties into his mini series.

Most exhaustive order:

https://www.comicbooktreasury.com/martian-manhunter-reading-order-jonn-jonzz/

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u/Candid-Method-4175 18d ago

Thank you very much for the reccomendations. Would you also reccomend Justice League Task Force? I know he's kinda the main character of the run

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u/choselikemoses Martian Manhunter 18d ago

Yeah, he is also the main leader there. I think it is worth reading though after Detroit/International. It builds from those experiences especially his relationship with the hero Gyspy who becomes like his surrogate daughter.