In the Absolute Universe, forget all that you’ve known prior. Heroes are much different than their DCU counterparts. Fans have gravitated towards this line. It has allowed creators to take characters into uncharted territory. None might be a better example of this newfound creativity chance than Martian Manhunter.
The long-standing member of the Justice League is set for an all new series. Knowing the creative team behind this, buckle in for the wild ride forthcoming.
ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #1 by Deniz Camp, Javier Rodríguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou presents a whole new vision of J’onn J’onzz.
Let’s not wait another second and see what happens now!
ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #1 by Deniz Camp, Javier Rodríguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Camp lays the foundation for a very unique take of the classic hero. It leaves readers guessing immediately. From an explosion, John Jones is lucky to be alive. A doctor’s check-up clears Jones of most symptoms. It doesn’t clear the visions he is seeing. His interactions with his wife carry the uneven personality swings further. Even when given time off, Jones becomes increasingly uneasy. This pushes him back to the scene of the explosion. What he finds there starts a path of true self discovery.
The writing takes Jones into a dark place in his mind. Coming to grips with the explosion has become a challenge. Factor in his visions of smoke, Jones walks a fine line of inspiration and insanity. Pacing moves events right along. There is a sense of escalation with each page. Camp presses out the rush to the close with ease. Readers will be locked in as things come into focus. Just when they may have answers, Camp switches up the questions. The final page throws everything in flux. It leaves events in a place where no one will want to leave anytime soon.
Rodríguez opens with an exclamation point event. The full image of Jones’ explosion impact sets a high bar. There is a very retro feel with the art. It brings up some hints of a mod style. This works to reflect the spy sense of Jones’ FBI occupation. Readers see instantly what will be the highlight of the art. The rainbow-esque coloring indicates a hidden factor at play. It is subtle but slow rolls throughout the issue.
As Jones investigates his incident, the art gets darker in certain aspects. Rodríguez mixes up past and present panels to create Jones’ quest for answers. This is broken up with a home detour. Readers watch as his interaction with his son is anything but cliche. This steamrolls into a full page vision of the search for answers. The page foretells the bombers past. Readers watch as it becomes the catalyst for something more. Another monster splash shoves everything into the striking final full pages. Forgot what you think. This mystery is only beginning.
OVERALL GRADE: 10
In the Absolute Universe, nothing is certain. Reconstructing Martian Manhunter is no easy feat. Camp’s writing crafts a mesmerizing start shrouded in question. Rodríguez and Otsmane-Elhaou bring an innovative take on Jones world via the art. Where this leads is anyone’s guess but that’s its true strength.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #1. Thanks for reading!