If you haven’t read Absolute Martian Manhunter yet, then put down this review and hustle to your local comic bookstore. Writer Deniz Camp and artist/colorist Javier Rodriguez have combined to create one of the most essential comics on the shelf, and perhaps one of the best across the entire medium. Issue eight maintains the momentum by focusing on John Jones’ fragile mental state and introducing petrifying new foes.
The Tragedy of John Jones: Rock Bottom in the Absolute Universe
It’s clear that our hero’s been struggling. His mind drifts as he’s receiving an assignment from the FBI, learning that people across the city have been informing on their loved ones. Despite his protests, he’s sent into the field to investigate this phenomenon and soon finds himself at a dive bar. He wallows in self-pity while the Martian tries to pry him out of it. They soon get into a fight before John leaves to see his family, and the Martian runs afoul of a shady government hit squad. The book wraps up with dual cliffhangers that had me picking my jaw off the floor.
Themes of loss and taking what we have for granted permeate these pages. John’s mind never strays from his family, the alcohol and cigarettes doing nothing to numb his internal strife. He’s finally realizing how beautiful his life was. He was married, had a wonderful son, and a job he was passionate about. Only now, at rock bottom, does he truly appreciate it.
The Psychedelic Art of Javier Rodriguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
The scene reads like a Shakespearean tragedy wrapped in Rodriguez’s gorgeous colors. The bar comes alive in a psychedelic tapestry of lush reds, yellows, and blues, while dark shadows soak into every surface. John’s expression changes from indifference to anger and despair over the course of a few panels, giving us a stunning visual look at his inner thoughts.
Camp also shines a light on John’s harmful coping mechanisms. His instincts are to isolate himself and disassociate, much to the Martian’s distress. The Martian begs John to find some human connection, warning that isolation will only exacerbate the anti-life overexposure that’s plagued him since their encounter with the White Martian. This causes John to isolate himself further, sending the Martian away so he can return to his family. While this might be theoretically sound, Camp emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our authentic selves. The Martian is part of John now, and their separation only results in more danger.
The way Camp and Rodriguez incorporate the Martian into John’s life is a joy. We see him in cigarette smoke, as a pool ball, and even as the handle of a beer tap. Each time the Martian takes the object’s shape, but maintains his alien green and bright red eye. He even shows up in a sound effect on page thirteen in a brilliant move by letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. It’s another example of how strong this creative team is, with every member providing something fresh.
Ending Explained: Who is Despair-The-Zero?
We finally see what John’s son has been working on. He’s possessed by the White Martian and has been creating putty sculptures ever since. We see his progress throughout the issue, and he finally ends with a sinister-looking figure. Flash forward to John back at the hotel, and a new alien has entered his room.
He announces himself as Despair-The-Zero (Absolute Despero) and says he’s John’s new partner. Rodriguez makes sure this creature pops off the page, casting him like a corrupted version of the Martian. Spikes erupt from his skull while a twisted grin spreads like cracked ice across his face. It’s a fantastic introduction for this series’ newest villain.
Final Verdict: Why Absolute Martian Manhunter is Essential Reading
Deniz Camp proves you can’t outrun your authentic self: even if that self is a green Martian living in cigarette smoke. John Jones tries every harmful coping mechanism in the book, but all he gets is a horrifying new partner. Rodriguez’s psychedelic visuals make John’s mental breakdown as beautiful as it is tragic. Absolute Martian Manhunter continues to be essential reading.
Read More from KPB Comics:
‘Absolute Martian Manhunter’ #8 | Meet Despair-The-Zero
Deniz Camp proves you can’t outrun your authentic self: even if that self is a green Martian living in cigarette smoke. John Jones tries every harmful coping mechanism in the book, but all he gets is a horrifying new partner. Rodriguez’s psychedelic visuals make John’s mental breakdown as beautiful as it is tragic. Absolute Martian Manhunter continues to be essential reading.
