Secret Origins #22

Secret Origins #22 was published by DC Comics in January 1988 as part of a series dedicated to reinterpreting the backstories of established comic book characters. This specific issue focused on the origin of the Martian Manhunter, a cornerstone of the Justice League, and the villain known as the Pied Piper. The anthology format allowed creators to delve into character psychology and narrative history, often providing definitive or updated accounts that reconciled decades of continuity changes following the publisher's Crisis on Infinite Earths event.

The issue features a notable story titled 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin' written by William Messner-Loebs, with art by Mike Collins and Sal Trapani, while the Martian Manhunter segment was written by J.M. DeMatteis and illustrated by Joe Staton and Bruce Patterson. These creators aimed to humanize their subjects, lending a grounded tone to the fantastical elements of the DC Universe. The issue was generally received as a competent entry in the series, appreciated by collectors for its clean, character-driven storytelling and its contribution to the ongoing mythos of the late 1980s DC era.