Was the whole it wasnt really blown up thing for the show only and how the hell did he blow it up in the comics?!!?

He didn't do it himself, but he caused it to happen through stupidity and arrogance. It was in a limited series called Cosmic Odyssey, and John had to reach the specified planet and defuse a bomb. Easy-peasy, he thinks, you stay here where it's safe Martian Manhunter, and puts him in a green cage (because, you know, J'onn J'onnz is really feeble, and can't look after himself).

Anyway, John reaches the bomb with seconds to spare, and it's bright yellow. Oops.

then KA-BOOM!!!!!

and yes it really blew up, and he almost killed himself from guilt and stupidity, until martian manhunter convinced him otherwise (so close, why you gotta ruin everythin J'onn)