Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez take Martian Manhunter to a whole new level in Absolute Martian Manhunter #1! Forget Mars, forget our physical reality, and forget trying to grasp it with human minds – what exactly will this ultimate alien, the Absolute Martian Manhunter, truly be? Let’s find out!
Deniz Camp is currently producing some excellent and imaginative work. His fresh perspective on Marvel’s current Ultimate series is a real standout, offering a novel take on the Ultimate Universe while still capturing its core appeal. There was also a lot of anticipation for this Absolute Martian Manhunter, and the concept is fascinating. I mean, a Martian Manhunter reimagined as a being from a higher dimension, brought to life by Javier Rodriguez’s distinctive, clean, and otherworldly style – what more could you want? After reading the debut issue, I can honestly say it lived up to the hype and was well worth the wait.
Camp kicks off this debut issue with a bang, literally! We’re immediately hit with the question, “Why do people do the things they do?” just as an explosion rocks the panel. From there, we’re thrown into the aftermath with John Jones, clearly shaken but facing an even bigger question: the sudden appearance of the Martian Manhunter. Was “the Martian” always a presence within John, or did the explosion somehow unleash him? This core question propels the story forward, creating a captivating mystery immediately. We also meet John’s wife, Bridget, the understandably worried spouse of a man who seems to be unraveling before her very eyes. He just survived a terrorist attack, and his immediate thought? Clocking back in. What’s impressive is that Camp manages to make his reasoning sound completely valid – his unit deals with the most dangerous situations, and his absence, no matter how justified, could create even greater problems down the line. Returning to the crime scene to investigate, Jones begins to exhibit an uncanny ability to know things about the people he’s talking to. Is it his sharp detective skills, or is the Martian already at work? Camp subtly lays the groundwork for this intriguing possibility. The comic end in a bizarre and unforgettable way, and while a lot happens, the key takeaway is clear: This series promises to be an unpredictable and thrilling journey.
Credits: DC Comics
Absolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez is a relentlessly imaginative journey that grabs you from the first page and never lets go. This isn’t just another out-of-this-world story; it truly understands and captures the core of DC’s beloved Green Martian. What’s particularly fascinating about the Absolute Universe is DC’s willingness to subvert our expectations while staying true to the fundamental essence of these characters.
Then there’s the Martian Manhunter’s design – utterly bonkers and a far cry from his traditional Prime Earth appearance. He feels even more alien, almost dimensional. Absolute Martian Manhunter reimagines him as a kind of “stand-user,” and I’m completely on board with this bold new direction.
The pervasive theme of smoke and fire is another compelling aspect, especially considering the Martian Manhunter’s inherent vulnerability to flames. It’s striking how everyone in this comic seems to smoke – John, the doctors, and seemingly the entire population. Given the book’s psychedelic nature, I can’t help but wonder if Camp is intentionally alluding to the effects of psychedelic smoke, the way it can alter perception and blow minds. I’d love to know if that was part of the initial pitch! Beyond that, the comic cleverly plays with the adage “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” suggesting that each human possesses an inner flame, like a candle, and the smoke John perceives is the manifestation of our thoughts? It’s a genuinely captivating and thought-provoking concept.
Javier Rodriguez is unequivocally the perfect artist for this project. His typically clean lines and vibrant pop art are amplified to a new level with a constant undercurrent of psychedelic color. Panels explode with reds, greens, blues, pinks, oranges, and yellows, creating what might be the most artificially colored book of the year – in the best way possible, like an “angry cartoon.” The result is a trippy visual experience. There are specific double-page spreads that are so stunning, so rich in detail and creativity, that they could easily stand alone as posters.
Credits: DC Comics
Letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou masterfully navigates this comic’s potentially overwhelming amount of dialogue, ensuring everything remains easy to follow despite the frequent speeches and initial ambiguity of who is speaking. A second read reveals how seamlessly it all comes together, a testament to Otsmane-Elhaou’s exceptional layout and design choices.
Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 delivers a captivating and imaginative reimagining of the character, presenting him as a being from a higher dimension brought to life with striking and psychedelic artwork. This debut issue immediately hooks readers with a compelling mystery and a bold new direction for the Martian Manhunter, promising an unpredictable and thrilling series.
‘Absolute Martian Manhunter’ #1: Martian Manhunter Goes Absolute (and It’s Wild)
Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 delivers a captivating and imaginative reimagining of the character, presenting him as a being from a higher dimension brought to life with striking and psychedelic artwork. This debut issue immediately hooks readers with a compelling mystery and a bold new direction for the Martian Manhunter, promising an unpredictable and thrilling series.
