Martian Manhunter #4 is an issue of the series Martian Manhunter (Volume 1) with a cover date of August, 1988.
Synopsis for "Welcome Home"
The Martian Manhunter arrives on Mars where he confronts the Martian God of Death and Fire – H'ronmeer. H'ronmeer confesses to baiting J'onn back to Mars so that he might help him to restore his true self. The ancient God needs J'onn's full faculties for a mission of mercy. Once again, J'onn re-experiences the final days of his people; the day when the plague known as H'ronmeer's Curse swept across the desert plains killing scores of Martians.
Back on Earth, Blue Beetle, Rocket Red, Mister Miracle and Batman arrive at the cottage of Doctor Saul Erdel. Erdel reveals that he already sent J'onn back to Mars – a decision that Mister Miracle happens to agree with. Batman threatens Erdel, demanding that he bring J'onn back, but the aging doctor tells him that he cannot retrieve J'onn until he receives a mental communiqué from him.
Back on Mars, J'onn learns that when he first departed Mars, his telepathic abilities created a spiritual tether to the souls of all those who died during the plague. Because of this, the ghosts of these Martians have been denied the peace of afterlife for centuries. With J'onn's full memories and passions restored, he is able to let go of the past, and break the mental tether binding these spirits to him. The ghosts of Mars rise up and walk into the open arms of H'ronmeer who leads them into the afterworld.
For the first time in his life, the Martian Manhunter knows true peace. Mentally and spiritually revitalized, he signals Doctor Erdel to bring him home.
Appearing in "Welcome Home"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Saul Erdel
- Justice League International
- Batman
- Blue Beetle
- Booster Gold (Cameo)
- Mister Miracle
- Rocket Red (Cameo)
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Notes
- Martian Manhunter (Volume 1) is a four-issue limited series; final issue.
- The Martian Manhunter appears next in Justice League International #14.
- Saul Erdel appears next in flashback in Martian Manhunter (Volume 2) #0. In that issue however, his first name is given as James.
Trivia
- This issue concludes with the following dedicational: "Dedicated with affection and admiration to the man who discovered Mars: Ray Bradbury".
See Also
Recommended Reading
- Martian Manhunter Recommended Reading
- Detective Comics (Volume 1): Detective Comics #225– #326
- House of Mystery (Volume 1): House of Mystery #143– #173
- Martian Manhunter (Volume 1)
- Martian Manhunter (Volume 2)
- Martian Manhunter (Volume 3)
- Martian Manhunter (Volume 4)
- Martian Manhunter (Volume 5)
- Martian Manhunter: American Secrets (Volume 1)
- Martian Manhunter Special #1