While looking for the shield of Captain America, the Guardians came into conflict with Taserface and the Stark. They also encountered Firelord and defeated the Stark. The Guardians then battled a team of superhumans known as Force, and Martinex was mortally injured by the member of Force known as Brawl. Much of the crystals that covered Martinex's body were shattered, but Martinex recovered with the help of fellow Guardian Starhawk. All of the exterior crystals on Martinex fell away, leaving Martinex with a new crystalline appearance, one that was less faceted, and somewhat purple in tone. The Guardians then located Haven, a lost colony of Earth founded by mutants, where they battled Rancor and her lieutenants. Martinex later met the Spirit of Vengeance.