Absolute Martian Manhunter is here! Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 Review

What does it truly mean to unravel? Is there any purpose to this life, or are we merely drifting through the vibrant expanse of the universe?

These are the questions posed by Author Deniz Camp and artist Javier Rodriguez.

Among all the first issues of the Absolute series, this one takes the boldest approach we've seen. This isn't the John Jonnz we are familiar with. Of all the absolute titles, this one best captures the overarching theme of the Absolute Universe: There are no rules.

This issue is deliberately perplexing. We are introduced to our main character, John Jones, an FBI agent tasked with preventing terrorist threats. After an explosion in a coffee shop lands him in the hospital, his world is irrevocably altered. Jones is left bewildered and becomes obsessed with understanding human behavior. Why do people commit good deeds? Why do they commit evil ones?

One of the standout features here is Rodriguez’s use of color to signal that things are about to get strange. It begins subtly, like the color on a receptionist’s nails, and gradually intensifies into a vibrant smoke emanating from everything and everyone.

Deniz and Rodriguez brilliantly use colorful smoke as a visual cue to delve into the minds and thoughts of others. As Jones begins to suspect something is amiss with his mind and realizes he might not be alone with his thoughts, Deniz and Rodriguez deliver my favorite comic moment of the year so far. I won't spoil it here, but it serves as a reminder that comics and art are magical, offering endless possibilities with the medium.

I absolutely loved this issue. It's a prime example of pushing the boundaries of the medium and showcasing the bold and unique nature of DC Comics' new Absolute line. 

The entire line feels like it's being managed like an indie comic line. It's thematically daring, artistically unique, and unafraid to break the rules.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Absolute Martian Manhunter at your local comic book store.

And get a physical copy if you can!!