Martian Manhunter # 1 1998 NM-

Martian Manhunter # 1 December 1998 launched the character's second ongoing solo series. Created by the acclaimed team of writer John Ostrander and artist Tom Mandrake, the issue is noted for its "moody" noir aesthetic and for establishing several key elements of modern Martian Manhunter lore. 

"Duty" 

The story follows J'onn J'onzz as he balances his life as a superhero with his undercover detective persona. 

• The Investigation: Operating as Detective John Jones in Denver, J'onn investigates a series of bizarre murders involving the decapitation of homeless people.
• The Threat: The investigation leads J'onn to discover a cybernetic process developed by scientist Thaddeus Hoskins (the "Headmaster") that transforms humans into robotic slaves called Headmen.
• The Conflict: During a confrontation with a Headman drone, J'onn destroys it using his "Martian Vision" but suffers severe eye damage in the process.
• The Revelation: Hoskins intends to use his drone labor force to build massive space vessels to ferry humanity away from an impending global catastrophe. J'onn eventually defeats him, causing his underground silo to collapse. 
• Origins: The series (starting from #0) provides deep backstory on the end of Martian civilization and how J'onn arrived on Earth.
• Multiple Identities: Ostrander established that J'onn maintains numerous secret identities globally, though John Jones remains his primary guise.
• Malefic: The run introduces J'onn's evil twin brother, Ma'alefa'ak (Malefic), who is revealed to be the true architect of the Martian genocide.
• Creative Style: The series is known for its darker, psychological tone and Mandrake's detailed, often grotesque art that emphasizes J'onn's alien nature.