I don’t know how writer Deniz Camp and artist/colorist Javier Rodriguez do it. We’re nine issues into Absolute Martian Manhunter and, despite already being one of the strongest books on the shelf, it’s getting better. Issue nine may be the best one yet, ramping up the stakes by putting John Jones and the Martian’s anguish front and center.
Things aren’t going well for John. He’s separated from his family and the Martian, while a frightening new alien named Despair-the-Zero has taken residence in his mind. He stumbles through life trying to investigate evidence of the Martian’s whereabouts. Rodriguez fixes him with a dazed expression, bags form under his eyes, and his questions are aimless. It all spirals out of control at a doomed family therapy appointment that hurtles John to his lowest point.
How Does Absolute Martian Manhunter #9 Redefine the DC Absolute Universe?
Meanwhile, the Martian is subjected to a cruel vivisection by his government captors. It’s a frightening series of panels. The agents rip into him with glee, tearing open his torso and pulling out his insides. We see the classic board game Operation on page ten in a fantastic panel by Rodriguez, only the Martian is now occupying the operating table. The next panel shows the agents opening the alien’s stomach as a kaleidoscope of yellows, greens, and pinks erupts from the center. It’s sensory overload in the best way and almost makes you forget the horrors being committed.
Who Is Despair-the-Zero? The Horror of Intrusive Thoughts in Comics
Despair-the-Zero is one of the Absolute universe’s best villains. He plagues John’s every step, looming over our hero with a shattered glass smile, and dragging his mind to its darkest depths. It’s a brilliant portrayal of intrusive thoughts as they infect every fiber of your being. You get angry, paranoid, and lash out at the people you love. It’s heartbreaking when we see John finally reach this breaking point.
What Is Desper-O Vision? Javier Rodriguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s Visual Mastery
It’s all made even worse when Despair-the-Zero exposes John to Desper-O Vision on page eighteen. The normally bright colors instantly change into dark blues and sinister reds. Letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou gives every character two speech bubbles, one with normal colors and another with a black background and eerie green text that echoes Despair-the-Zero’s. These bubbles contain the negative sentiment John perceives behind their true words, driving him further into paranoia.
Camp puts John and the Martian through hell, dragging you down with them. John’s life is in shambles, the Martian is at the mercy of shady government operatives, and Despair-the-Zero spreads across each scene like a virus. Rodriguez’s art and colors ensure it all looks beautiful. Absolute Martian Manhunter is simply the best comic going.
Read More from KPB Comics:
‘Absolute Martian Manhunter’ #9 | The Best Book in Comics
Camp puts John and the Martian through hell, dragging you down with them. John’s life is in shambles, the Martian is at the mercy of shady government operatives, and Despair-the-Zero spreads across each scene like a virus. Rodriguez’s art and colors ensure it all looks beautiful. Absolute Martian Manhunter is simply the best comic going.
