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Absolute Martian Manhunter (2025-) #1-6
Absolute Martian Manhunter Vol. 1: Martian Vision
Beyond Mars, beyond physical form, beyond human understanding...what's left is the absolute Martian Manhunter! Brought into the Absolute Universe by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodríguez, Absolute Martian Manhunter reinvents the Justice League's resident Martian from top to bottom, taking him on a mind-bending, psychedelic journey that transcends dimensions.
An astonishing new version of DC's iconic characters is here! In the Absolute Universe, familiar heroes have been reinvented from the ground up with origin stories that completely reshape both their abilities and their circumstances but maintain the core characteristics than fans have known and loved for decades!
FBI Agent John Jones has a problem. His brain has been infected by an alien consciousness calling itself "the Martian," and its perception of reality is utterly incomprehensible to the human psyche. Now he must navigate this new status quo, all while balancing the deeply grounded and important duties of his day job! Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez take the Martian Manhunter into the Absolute Universe on a mind-bending, psychedelic trip!
Collects Absolute Martian Manhunter #1-6.
An astonishing new version of DC's iconic characters is here! In the Absolute Universe, familiar heroes have been reinvented from the ground up with origin stories that completely reshape both their abilities and their circumstances but maintain the core characteristics than fans have known and loved for decades!
FBI Agent John Jones has a problem. His brain has been infected by an alien consciousness calling itself "the Martian," and its perception of reality is utterly incomprehensible to the human psyche. Now he must navigate this new status quo, all while balancing the deeply grounded and important duties of his day job! Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez take the Martian Manhunter into the Absolute Universe on a mind-bending, psychedelic trip!
Collects Absolute Martian Manhunter #1-6.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published November 18, 2025
104 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
November 21, 2025
Absolute-ly worth it.
Is that too corny?
Yes. Absolutely! <--I can't stop. I'm trying, really.
Ok, so I actually read these as individual issues, and I've left links for those reviews at the bottom. The main thing I would stress about this volume is that it's quite a breath of fresh air. It's outside of the canonical DC Universe in some kind of crazy Elseworlds land, and Deniz Camp was able to run with an entirely different comic here. Bright colors lend to the overall mesmerizing visuals, and give the storyline the feeling of a mellow trip.
Well, sort of mellow.
The tension ratchets up somewhat slowly as John tries to decide whether or not he's got a brain injury that is causing him to hear a voice in his head and see people in a different way.
All this while trying to solve a rash of inexplicably hateful crimes being committed by seemingly average people. Did I mention his marriage is on the rocks, too?
Well, it is.
Explosions in the city and explosions at home leave John and the Martian vulnerable to the White Martian's emotional manipulations. Which then leads to darkness, chaos, shadows, and maybe one of the best big bad reveals I've read in a while.
Highly Recommended.
Issue #1
Issue #2
Issue #3
Issue #4
Issue #5
Issue #6
Is that too corny?
Yes. Absolutely! <--I can't stop. I'm trying, really.
Ok, so I actually read these as individual issues, and I've left links for those reviews at the bottom. The main thing I would stress about this volume is that it's quite a breath of fresh air. It's outside of the canonical DC Universe in some kind of crazy Elseworlds land, and Deniz Camp was able to run with an entirely different comic here. Bright colors lend to the overall mesmerizing visuals, and give the storyline the feeling of a mellow trip.
Well, sort of mellow.
The tension ratchets up somewhat slowly as John tries to decide whether or not he's got a brain injury that is causing him to hear a voice in his head and see people in a different way.
All this while trying to solve a rash of inexplicably hateful crimes being committed by seemingly average people. Did I mention his marriage is on the rocks, too?
Well, it is.
Explosions in the city and explosions at home leave John and the Martian vulnerable to the White Martian's emotional manipulations. Which then leads to darkness, chaos, shadows, and maybe one of the best big bad reveals I've read in a while.
Highly Recommended.
Issue #1
Issue #2
Issue #3
Issue #4
Issue #5
Issue #6
November 14, 2025
I'm speechless, still processing one of the best comic books I've read this year. More than an update for the character, this is less about superheros and more about our struggle to put into words, metaphors and comprehensive systems what is only felt, subjectively perceived. Conscious vs. Unconscious. And the dangers of nihilism, the bizarre appeal of nothingness. It sounds like a pretentious description, but this is also the coolest looking mainstream comic book out there right now, Javier Rodríguez is a revelation, his use of colors and art history knowledge makes his art not only pretty, but instigating.
The character work is subtle and efficient, despite the noir-ish tone of the narrative, the story avoids many of the genre pitfalls, effectively subverting some of them, like the misogynistic roles of the love interests and the ultimately pessimistic perspective of the main character. The alien feel of the writing is balanced by the clear art of the lettering. Everything works like in a fine-tuned orchestra.
There is a lot going on in this book, but I never felt like I was confused about the story, however this is for sure a book that can benefit from a rereading due to the amount of details in the pages and the amount of ideas packed in it. This is probably my favorite comic book of the year and that is saying a lot from all the good releases we have had lately.
The character work is subtle and efficient, despite the noir-ish tone of the narrative, the story avoids many of the genre pitfalls, effectively subverting some of them, like the misogynistic roles of the love interests and the ultimately pessimistic perspective of the main character. The alien feel of the writing is balanced by the clear art of the lettering. Everything works like in a fine-tuned orchestra.
There is a lot going on in this book, but I never felt like I was confused about the story, however this is for sure a book that can benefit from a rereading due to the amount of details in the pages and the amount of ideas packed in it. This is probably my favorite comic book of the year and that is saying a lot from all the good releases we have had lately.
November 15, 2025
8.6/10
This could have easily come out as a confusing, nonsensical mess. What we actually get, is a story that, sure it's a bit trippy and weird, but also compelling.
The writing is obviously good, but i have to give extra credit to the artist here. Javier Rodriguez' art is beautiful with captivating colours. What's most impressive however, is his storytelling ability.
DC has something special here.
This could have easily come out as a confusing, nonsensical mess. What we actually get, is a story that, sure it's a bit trippy and weird, but also compelling.
The writing is obviously good, but i have to give extra credit to the artist here. Javier Rodriguez' art is beautiful with captivating colours. What's most impressive however, is his storytelling ability.
DC has something special here.
December 19, 2025
3.5 stars
"I was . . . I was trippin' balls pretty hard, man." -- slacker-stoner Dave (as portrayed by Bill Hader in the minor cinematic comic masterpiece Hot Rod from 2007), providing an absolute apropos quote here
Absolute Martian Manhunter ??? More like absolutely messing with my mind, and leaving me unsure of what to think about this graphic novel. Using the telepathic / telekinetic / shapeshifting green-skinned extraterrestrial - probably best known as a founding member of DC's Justice League back in 1960 - as an inspiration, writer Camp rockets off in oddball directions to present a completely new interpretation of the character. John Jones is a decidedly earthbound federal agent handling various traumas in his professional and personal lives - non-stop violent crimes and a strained marriage - who suddenly now has a super-powered martian 'assisting' him in his mind as things go increasingly sideways in the town of Middleton. While mixing the hard-boiled aspect with sci-fi was an inspired choice, some of the harsh scenes depicted and insinuated throughout the latter half of the plot were downbeat and often just downright uncomfortable. (Although Jones' shotgun-wielding wife Bridget boldly protecting the family's house from intruders while he was away was an indelibly awesome little scene.) Possibly the most memorable part of this adventure were Jorge Rodriguez's day-glo illustrations, which propel the bizarre storyline forward with vibrant and, yes, 'trippy' style.
"I was . . . I was trippin' balls pretty hard, man." -- slacker-stoner Dave (as portrayed by Bill Hader in the minor cinematic comic masterpiece Hot Rod from 2007), providing an absolute apropos quote here
Absolute Martian Manhunter ??? More like absolutely messing with my mind, and leaving me unsure of what to think about this graphic novel. Using the telepathic / telekinetic / shapeshifting green-skinned extraterrestrial - probably best known as a founding member of DC's Justice League back in 1960 - as an inspiration, writer Camp rockets off in oddball directions to present a completely new interpretation of the character. John Jones is a decidedly earthbound federal agent handling various traumas in his professional and personal lives - non-stop violent crimes and a strained marriage - who suddenly now has a super-powered martian 'assisting' him in his mind as things go increasingly sideways in the town of Middleton. While mixing the hard-boiled aspect with sci-fi was an inspired choice, some of the harsh scenes depicted and insinuated throughout the latter half of the plot were downbeat and often just downright uncomfortable. (Although Jones' shotgun-wielding wife Bridget boldly protecting the family's house from intruders while he was away was an indelibly awesome little scene.) Possibly the most memorable part of this adventure were Jorge Rodriguez's day-glo illustrations, which propel the bizarre storyline forward with vibrant and, yes, 'trippy' style.
November 20, 2025
I can understand why other readers might not like this, possibly because they're more into the classic portrayal of the Martian Manhunter than me, more into straight up super heroes, or just not into this but Absolute Martian Manhunter ticked a lot of boxes for me. Psychedelic, retro-influenced art, a high weirdness factor, and a touch of cosmic horror. Absolute Martian Manhunter feels like a lost Steve Ditko project or a Vertigo take on J'Onn J'Onzz in 1994.
In this iteration, FBI agent John Jones barely survives an explosion and now has a passenger in his mind, The Martian. As John's life and career unravel, it's pretty clear that something is afoot in town and it's not friendly. I wasn't crazy about Deniz Camp's 20th Century Men but I love his writing here, part noir, part craziness. Javier Rodriguez's art and coloring do a lot of the heavy lifting to make it feel otherworldly and unsettling at times.
Bring on issues 7-12!
In this iteration, FBI agent John Jones barely survives an explosion and now has a passenger in his mind, The Martian. As John's life and career unravel, it's pretty clear that something is afoot in town and it's not friendly. I wasn't crazy about Deniz Camp's 20th Century Men but I love his writing here, part noir, part craziness. Javier Rodriguez's art and coloring do a lot of the heavy lifting to make it feel otherworldly and unsettling at times.
Bring on issues 7-12!
October 18, 2025
Disco Elysium (Martian Manhunter Edition)
So ya, like Absolute Green Lantern Vol. 1: Without Fear this book ultimately isn't for me, however I can see many people loving this one and it will probably win tons of awards. I will say off the bat, the art is incredible as it it just looks like a full on LED trip. Great use of color and trippy visuals to make something that looks like abstract art, you'd find in an art museum.
The plot is decent too even though the art can make it hard to keep track of what's happening half of the time. It reminded me of playing Disco Elysium, which for those who don't know is a detective RPG video game, that is such a hard game to describe, but this book had such a similar vibe. Great book for some, and an interesting take on Martian Mahunter, but I need something a little more digestable in my superhero comics.
So ya, like Absolute Green Lantern Vol. 1: Without Fear this book ultimately isn't for me, however I can see many people loving this one and it will probably win tons of awards. I will say off the bat, the art is incredible as it it just looks like a full on LED trip. Great use of color and trippy visuals to make something that looks like abstract art, you'd find in an art museum.
The plot is decent too even though the art can make it hard to keep track of what's happening half of the time. It reminded me of playing Disco Elysium, which for those who don't know is a detective RPG video game, that is such a hard game to describe, but this book had such a similar vibe. Great book for some, and an interesting take on Martian Mahunter, but I need something a little more digestable in my superhero comics.
November 22, 2025
Deniz Camp's take on Martian Manhunter is more focused on John Jones, an FBI anti-terrorism agent, whose home life is falling apart as his city of Middleton begins to tear itself to pieces. It's okay though, John's got an alien living in his head that lets him read thoughts and feelings.
Camp's plot builds to a superb crescendo over these first six issues, tying into the whole idea of the Absolute universe itself neatly, while examining the human condition and how easily we can be manipulated, and keeping John and his family front and centre the entire time.
Javier Rodriguez's artwork also does a lot of heavy lifting, with some psychedelic layouts and spreads that sell the mindscape stuff, and even the interactive Martian Vision pages, which are a little gimmicky, work to give two of the six final pages an extra punch.
Another massive swing and a home run for the Absolute universe.
Camp's plot builds to a superb crescendo over these first six issues, tying into the whole idea of the Absolute universe itself neatly, while examining the human condition and how easily we can be manipulated, and keeping John and his family front and centre the entire time.
Javier Rodriguez's artwork also does a lot of heavy lifting, with some psychedelic layouts and spreads that sell the mindscape stuff, and even the interactive Martian Vision pages, which are a little gimmicky, work to give two of the six final pages an extra punch.
Another massive swing and a home run for the Absolute universe.
November 25, 2025
Astounding. The art is beautiful, psychedelic, wacky. The writing is top-notch. A little reminiscent of Watchmen (in a good way) but still very much its own thing. This story turns the story of Martian Manhunter on its head, mixes in a cosmic twist, turns the Martian into a creature of pure thought from a faroff dimension (?), and creates a touching story about the dark side of humanity. You can feel the chaotic mess of mankind oozing off the page.
Not like any superhero comic I've ever read.
Also. I'm obsessed with how the Martian looks!
Not like any superhero comic I've ever read.
Also. I'm obsessed with how the Martian looks!
November 23, 2025
My kind of weird! Insanely inventive and trippy as hell. The page layouts are spectacular, and the creativity exhibited throughout is on a whole other level. Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez really craft something special here!
December 8, 2025
Such a cool comic!
The story is quite interesting and moves at a clip but the real star is the art by Javier Rodríguez!
The basic concept of this comic is that an alien being that calls itself "Martian" that's sort of incomprehensible by humans infects an FBI agents brain and he starts seeing people's thoughts and memories and it's all shown through a bunch of trippy, psychedelic art and it's absolutely gorgeous!
The visuals are so incredibly striking and most of the time I just spent looking at each frame catching all kinds of little details.
The story is fun, though I hope that the next issues or next volume gives a bit more time to smaller more emotional moments like John's marriage as that was a big part of this story that I felt could be expanded upon.
If at all possible, I'd reccommend buying a physical copy of this comic simply for the little "Martian Vision" thing that this comic does. It's simple but such a fun little detail. I don't know if that effect works on digital versions.
Very excited to keep reading more of this story when the next volume comes out!
4,5☆
The story is quite interesting and moves at a clip but the real star is the art by Javier Rodríguez!
The basic concept of this comic is that an alien being that calls itself "Martian" that's sort of incomprehensible by humans infects an FBI agents brain and he starts seeing people's thoughts and memories and it's all shown through a bunch of trippy, psychedelic art and it's absolutely gorgeous!
The visuals are so incredibly striking and most of the time I just spent looking at each frame catching all kinds of little details.
The story is fun, though I hope that the next issues or next volume gives a bit more time to smaller more emotional moments like John's marriage as that was a big part of this story that I felt could be expanded upon.
If at all possible, I'd reccommend buying a physical copy of this comic simply for the little "Martian Vision" thing that this comic does. It's simple but such a fun little detail. I don't know if that effect works on digital versions.
Very excited to keep reading more of this story when the next volume comes out!
4,5☆
August 23, 2025
Consistently one of the best comic books you can pick up on any given week.
October 7, 2025
This was fireeeeeeee I def like Wonder Woman more than this but wow was this excellent
October 15, 2025
THE trippiest comic series I’ve ever read. The artwork is amazing, even if I’m not ever going to be high enough to entirely understand what’s going on in the story.
November 23, 2025
Completely blown away by this. I heard great things about the series all year and I finally decided to grab all of the single issues and catch up. Really wish I would have been reading this month to month. I think it would have been reminiscent of the feeling when I was reading Mister Miracle as it was coming out (probably the biggest compliment I can give to a comic), slowly gaining an understanding of the book’s distorted reality. There are quite a few parallels to Mister Miracle (Dark Side Is 👀) however it’s such its own thing that I will stop with the comparisons now 😅
Mind blowing paneling, some of the best use of color in any comic I’ve read, expertly reflects on the spreading nihilism of living in our troubled modern world, I could go on. Very glad this series got an extension. Will be reading the second arc monthly when it starts coming out in December 🫡
Mind blowing paneling, some of the best use of color in any comic I’ve read, expertly reflects on the spreading nihilism of living in our troubled modern world, I could go on. Very glad this series got an extension. Will be reading the second arc monthly when it starts coming out in December 🫡
October 5, 2025
Incredibly innovative, both from an artistic and a narrative point of view. I truly love art that is so intrinsically connected to it's medium. This story could not work any other way. The art is amazing and so is the story. Despite its name, this is story about humanity. About a breaking marriage and people hurting and helping each other. truly gorgeous, made me tear up. I can't wait until the second volume. In the meantime I'll recommend it to all my friends.
December 23, 2025
this is what i feel being on a psychedelic trip would be like. love the art in this. read this like wtf is going on?? but, in a good way. read up till issue 6 and a strong four.
November 20, 2025
It's crazy that the most chaotic and Picassoesque Absolute story is the one that explains this universe better. Every book has a Darkside mark: Batman's has violence, Superman's has injustice, Wonder Woman's has monsters... and Martian Manhunter's has madness.
September 2, 2025
Beautiful, but bit of a nothingburger plot-wise
November 23, 2025
Абсолютний Марсіанський Мисливець є серією другої хвилі коміксів Абсолютного Всесвіту від DC. Зав'язка полягає в тому, що агент ФБР Джон Джонс переживає теракт в наслідок якого у його свідомості з'являється неочікуваний гість, який називає себе Марсіанином, попри те, що не є представником тієї планети. В результаті між нашими двома героями утворюється певний симбіоз в якому Джон отримує здібності марсіанського бачення, що дають йому змогу читати думки інших людей.
Сам же сюжет розповідає про те як наш дует бореться з Білими Марсіанами, які вкладають у свідомість людей погані ідеї, як наприклад, спалити людей заживо чи почати просто відстрілювати їх посеред вулиці. Також важливою складовою історії є напруженні стосунки Джона з його дружиною, які впродовж історії досягають своєї точки кипіння.
В результаті Деніз Кемп видає досить непогану бадді коп історію, яка по ходу сюжету підкидає певні сюрпризи (взагалі не очікував побачити тут камео одне персонажа, а також того як цей сюжет в результаті закінчився), в обгортці просто неймовірно шикарного і місцями досить таки сюрреалістичного малюнку Хавєра Родріґеса, який місцями для мене місцями все-таки аж занадто сюрреалістичним, але тим не менш не насолоджуватися ним просто неможливо. Так і хочеться затриматися на деяких сторінках під час читання.
Перша арка Абсолютного Марсіанського Мисливця є гідним представником нового Абсолютного Всесвіту, можливо він зайде не кожному, але це однозначно серія яку варту прочитати. Сам комікс на відміну від інших Абсолютних серій є ліміткою, яка початково повинна була мати всього 6 номерів, але через успіх отримала розширення до 12 і я дуже чекаю на те, що ж буде далі.
Сам же сюжет розповідає про те як наш дует бореться з Білими Марсіанами, які вкладають у свідомість людей погані ідеї, як наприклад, спалити людей заживо чи почати просто відстрілювати їх посеред вулиці. Також важливою складовою історії є напруженні стосунки Джона з його дружиною, які впродовж історії досягають своєї точки кипіння.
В результаті Деніз Кемп видає досить непогану бадді коп історію, яка по ходу сюжету підкидає певні сюрпризи (взагалі не очікував побачити тут камео одне персонажа, а також того як цей сюжет в результаті закінчився), в обгортці просто неймовірно шикарного і місцями досить таки сюрреалістичного малюнку Хавєра Родріґеса, який місцями для мене місцями все-таки аж занадто сюрреалістичним, але тим не менш не насолоджуватися ним просто неможливо. Так і хочеться затриматися на деяких сторінках під час читання.
Перша арка Абсолютного Марсіанського Мисливця є гідним представником нового Абсолютного Всесвіту, можливо він зайде не кожному, але це однозначно серія яку варту прочитати. Сам комікс на відміну від інших Абсолютних серій є ліміткою, яка початково повинна була мати всього 6 номерів, але через успіх отримала розширення до 12 і я дуже чекаю на те, що ж буде далі.
November 26, 2025
oooooh, I liked that (even if it was a bit ... um ... gruesome in parts).... and that goes for the story, the premise (or, I dunno, world-building), the art, and, surprisingly, the text/prose/language itself.
Of the various Absolute-series/universe re-imaginings of the (major? more popular? JLA?) DC characters, this has been one of my favorites (so far ... although I do have two more to go).
My hat's off to DC for the creativity, for taking the risk, for obviously investing heavily ... in this project/endeavor. While I can't say I've loved each of the new characters (or their new origin stories), the undertaking did cause me to buy a fair number of books and, in some ways, return to superheroes (and a brand/publisher) that I haven't focused on for a while.
Of the various Absolute-series/universe re-imaginings of the (major? more popular? JLA?) DC characters, this has been one of my favorites (so far ... although I do have two more to go).
My hat's off to DC for the creativity, for taking the risk, for obviously investing heavily ... in this project/endeavor. While I can't say I've loved each of the new characters (or their new origin stories), the undertaking did cause me to buy a fair number of books and, in some ways, return to superheroes (and a brand/publisher) that I haven't focused on for a while.
September 2, 2025
Having read little-to-no Martian Manhunter in the past, the Absolute version of it has a lower bar to pass for me. There are not decade of reading experience to draw from/compare to. All this story needs to do is:
a) be interesting to me
b) make me care for the franchise
And it hits both resoundingly, while also having a unique artstyle that buzzes on the page.
The take with Absolute Martian Manhunter is that FBI agent John Jones and the alien J'onn J'onzz are entirely separate entities that are bound together the human nearly died in a cafe bombing.
J'onzz bestows upon Jones the superpower of empathy, which is depicted though thoughts and emotions taking on a colourful smoky form (which can be breathed in for Jones to be able to perceive things in others).
It is not clear if this is a mutualistic-parasite bond (with the alien taking a human host). So far the only problem from this joining is that now Jones and the humans of Middleton, Colorado have also inherited the enemies of the Green Martian.
One last thing of note: while the term "Martian" is used in the book (as well as in its title), the alien entity is not from Mars itself. Both the alien presence (as well as its nemesis in the form of the white martians) are described as "life from somewhere else", and so foreign that the only human conceptualization that clicked was 'Martian'.
a) be interesting to me
b) make me care for the franchise
And it hits both resoundingly, while also having a unique artstyle that buzzes on the page.
The take with Absolute Martian Manhunter is that FBI agent John Jones and the alien J'onn J'onzz are entirely separate entities that are bound together the human nearly died in a cafe bombing.
J'onzz bestows upon Jones the superpower of empathy, which is depicted though thoughts and emotions taking on a colourful smoky form (which can be breathed in for Jones to be able to perceive things in others).
It is not clear if this is a mutualistic-parasite bond (with the alien taking a human host). So far the only problem from this joining is that now Jones and the humans of Middleton, Colorado have also inherited the enemies of the Green Martian.
One last thing of note: while the term "Martian" is used in the book (as well as in its title), the alien entity is not from Mars itself. Both the alien presence (as well as its nemesis in the form of the white martians) are described as "life from somewhere else", and so foreign that the only human conceptualization that clicked was 'Martian'.
September 3, 2025
GAS!!! STRAIGHT FUCKING GAS!!!
This run was so fantastic and well-written and creative that I need to change my ratings for the other Absolute Universe comics I read. This was so awesome that it’s genuinely making me mad that I won’t be able to write something like this. Awesome from start to finish. Need more immediately please and thank you.
This run was so fantastic and well-written and creative that I need to change my ratings for the other Absolute Universe comics I read. This was so awesome that it’s genuinely making me mad that I won’t be able to write something like this. Awesome from start to finish. Need more immediately please and thank you.
September 26, 2025
beautiful art, but fundamentally a story that spins it's wheels and you end up feeling like you never went anywhere.
November 25, 2025
Since his comics inception in 1955, J'onn J'onzz/Martian Manhunter has been one of the most beloved characters in the DC Universe, starting as one of the seven original members of the Justice League of America, to appearing in various DC media projects, most notably the Justice League cartoon during the 2000s, voiced by Carl Lumbly. Even though he has made the jump to live-action film and television, J'onn J'onzz has never really gained popularity for an audience outside the DC mindset, and based on the first volume of Absolute Martian Manhunter, that might still be the case, but that’s okay.
Released as part of DC's Absolute Universe, the story centres on FBI Agent John Jones who miraculously survives a suicide bombing. To the dismay of his wife Bridget, John decides to continue working, investigating the case of the bomber, only to realise that his brain has been infected by an alien consciousness calling itself “the Martian”, giving John the ability to see inside the thoughts and memories of the people around him.
Usually when it comes to Martian Manhunter, when he isn’t hovering around the Justice League Watchtower, he is the alien walking among us as he shapeshifts himself as a human in order to understand us. However, writer Deniz Camp shakes up the mythos by presenting John Jones as the human who shares this mental bond with this otherworldly consciousness, conceptualised in John's head as the familiar imagery of a green alien from Mars. Considering that some of DC’s most iconic characters are otherworldly beings trying to understand humanity, Camp seems to be taking cues from Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing about the human become less humane is a world that is drenched in psychological and supernatural horror.
As well as currently writing The Ultimates as part of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, Camp embraces how to radically reproach well-established superheroes, especially in how they are adapted into a world that feels more oppressive and not about the bright optimism of heroism. We've seen that in The Ultimates, which is about a superhero team in conflict with the world that they are trying to save, and in the case of Absolute Martian Manhunter, John investigates a series of cases that makes him question why do people do the things they do, despite the eventual reveal of another conscious being with heavy ties to DC history.
Right away, what will capture readers’ attention is the art by Javier Rodriguez, who had previously established his visual motifs at DC with Zatanna: Bring Down the House. Considering the trippy visuals he achieved on that book, Rodriguez pushes them further here and in doing so, pushes the boundaries about what you can do in a comic book. Due to some of the surreal ideas that Camp presents, most notably the concept of “Martian Vision”, Rodriguez experiments with panel layouts and psychedelic colouring to create pages where characters and locations blend together that you don’t know where one ends and the other begins. While the horror and violence are present, the abstract artistry gives it a look that isn’t gratuitous or for the sake of edginess.
Considering there is still a semblance of a superhero comic in some of the Absolute titles like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, Absolute Martian Manhunter has zero interest in feeling like one, with a surreal tone that blurs the line between genres, whether it is noir thriller, domestic family drama and multiple forms of horror. Halfway through the series, it’ll be interesting to see how Camp and Rodriguez will wrap things up.
Released as part of DC's Absolute Universe, the story centres on FBI Agent John Jones who miraculously survives a suicide bombing. To the dismay of his wife Bridget, John decides to continue working, investigating the case of the bomber, only to realise that his brain has been infected by an alien consciousness calling itself “the Martian”, giving John the ability to see inside the thoughts and memories of the people around him.
Usually when it comes to Martian Manhunter, when he isn’t hovering around the Justice League Watchtower, he is the alien walking among us as he shapeshifts himself as a human in order to understand us. However, writer Deniz Camp shakes up the mythos by presenting John Jones as the human who shares this mental bond with this otherworldly consciousness, conceptualised in John's head as the familiar imagery of a green alien from Mars. Considering that some of DC’s most iconic characters are otherworldly beings trying to understand humanity, Camp seems to be taking cues from Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing about the human become less humane is a world that is drenched in psychological and supernatural horror.
As well as currently writing The Ultimates as part of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, Camp embraces how to radically reproach well-established superheroes, especially in how they are adapted into a world that feels more oppressive and not about the bright optimism of heroism. We've seen that in The Ultimates, which is about a superhero team in conflict with the world that they are trying to save, and in the case of Absolute Martian Manhunter, John investigates a series of cases that makes him question why do people do the things they do, despite the eventual reveal of another conscious being with heavy ties to DC history.
Right away, what will capture readers’ attention is the art by Javier Rodriguez, who had previously established his visual motifs at DC with Zatanna: Bring Down the House. Considering the trippy visuals he achieved on that book, Rodriguez pushes them further here and in doing so, pushes the boundaries about what you can do in a comic book. Due to some of the surreal ideas that Camp presents, most notably the concept of “Martian Vision”, Rodriguez experiments with panel layouts and psychedelic colouring to create pages where characters and locations blend together that you don’t know where one ends and the other begins. While the horror and violence are present, the abstract artistry gives it a look that isn’t gratuitous or for the sake of edginess.
Considering there is still a semblance of a superhero comic in some of the Absolute titles like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, Absolute Martian Manhunter has zero interest in feeling like one, with a surreal tone that blurs the line between genres, whether it is noir thriller, domestic family drama and multiple forms of horror. Halfway through the series, it’ll be interesting to see how Camp and Rodriguez will wrap things up.
September 13, 2025
Absolutely gorgeous and almost psychedelic psychological mystery story. A fantastically effective use of the comics medium, from art, to letters, to the actual physical comic itself. Just a delight to read.
Did a big reread as the final issue arrived today and I have to say that when you consider the series as a whole so far, Deniz Camp’s writing is watertight! The pacing is fantastic, it flows very smoothly from one issue into the next, the tension is strongly developed, and the plot comes to a satisfying conclusion in issue six with room for future plot threads. Having now read some of his other stuff, Camp has a good prose style and he does character examination very well. He likes getting inside people’s heads and working out what makes them tick, and that’s basically what this comic is about. He also really understands the power of a distinct voice and this is absolutely working in his favour here. He’s channeling the noir detective throughout to great effect.
The story is fantastically supported by Javier Rodríguez’s art. I really like the use of colour, his experience as a colourist is really shining through. The way that the bold and solid colours used on the smoke contrast to the regular scenes with their shading is fantastic, the White Martian’s stark white is another fantastic contrast. I think he also does light very well, which is extremely useful in a comic that plays with light and shadow like this one does. I love the way the art is unafraid to be abstract, especially when representing the Martian’s interpretation of the world, something that is stated in the comic to be almost indescribable. I also loved the way the martian shows up in random places and objects, he appears on a cigarette lighter, as that random baby, as a mailbox, on someone’s nails etc., this comic has super creative approach to the story.
I do also want to mention the work of Hassan Ostmane-Elhaou on letters. The title page alone means it’s worth a mention but I think this comic uses the difference between the typical all camps comic font and then the mixed cases font super effectively. Both Martians also have their own font which helps to highlight their “alienness”. There’s also some lovely lettering work done with the smoke and the emotions.
The most compelling thing about this series to me though is the ambiguity. The whole story is working on many levels and one of those levels IS metaphor - It’s even acknowledged in the text when the Martians are fighting - and by being a little ambiguous and vague it allows many different metaphorical readings of the text to coexist. Is it a metaphor for neurodivergence? A metaphor for relationship struggles? A metaphor for how work can affect your mental health? A metaphor for the effects of a traumatic brain injury? There are so many options and that’s what makes it so interesting. It wouldn’t be nearly as compelling if we got all the answers.
I also love the way John and the Martian grow closer over the course of the comic. In issue 4 he swaps to using “we” a lot more and then of course in the final issue they get that “partial consciousness expansion”. Bridget is also a really great character and I’m super excited to see the (hopefully larger) role she’ll play in the next arc. And of course, Tyler will be instrumental in this next section now he’s the host to the white martian. The chocos Easter egg was kind of morbid given its result but it was still fun to see and I am super intrigued as to how the Tyler thing will play out. Definitely laid the groundwork for another really character-driven arc.
And I obviously have to mention the Martian Vision pages. Fantastic use of the physical comic book medium which is so refreshing to see in a big two superhero comic, as they do tend to be less creative with the medium. This comic loves being a comic and really this story could not effectively be told in or adapted to any other medium and I’m really happy that that’s the case.
Overall, fantastic read and I’m super excited for the next arc (and that it’s getting a second arc in general!!). The stylised art and letters help support the examination of John’s psyche and the character-focused story, making for a truly unique piece of art.
Did a big reread as the final issue arrived today and I have to say that when you consider the series as a whole so far, Deniz Camp’s writing is watertight! The pacing is fantastic, it flows very smoothly from one issue into the next, the tension is strongly developed, and the plot comes to a satisfying conclusion in issue six with room for future plot threads. Having now read some of his other stuff, Camp has a good prose style and he does character examination very well. He likes getting inside people’s heads and working out what makes them tick, and that’s basically what this comic is about. He also really understands the power of a distinct voice and this is absolutely working in his favour here. He’s channeling the noir detective throughout to great effect.
The story is fantastically supported by Javier Rodríguez’s art. I really like the use of colour, his experience as a colourist is really shining through. The way that the bold and solid colours used on the smoke contrast to the regular scenes with their shading is fantastic, the White Martian’s stark white is another fantastic contrast. I think he also does light very well, which is extremely useful in a comic that plays with light and shadow like this one does. I love the way the art is unafraid to be abstract, especially when representing the Martian’s interpretation of the world, something that is stated in the comic to be almost indescribable. I also loved the way the martian shows up in random places and objects, he appears on a cigarette lighter, as that random baby, as a mailbox, on someone’s nails etc., this comic has super creative approach to the story.
I do also want to mention the work of Hassan Ostmane-Elhaou on letters. The title page alone means it’s worth a mention but I think this comic uses the difference between the typical all camps comic font and then the mixed cases font super effectively. Both Martians also have their own font which helps to highlight their “alienness”. There’s also some lovely lettering work done with the smoke and the emotions.
The most compelling thing about this series to me though is the ambiguity. The whole story is working on many levels and one of those levels IS metaphor - It’s even acknowledged in the text when the Martians are fighting - and by being a little ambiguous and vague it allows many different metaphorical readings of the text to coexist. Is it a metaphor for neurodivergence? A metaphor for relationship struggles? A metaphor for how work can affect your mental health? A metaphor for the effects of a traumatic brain injury? There are so many options and that’s what makes it so interesting. It wouldn’t be nearly as compelling if we got all the answers.
I also love the way John and the Martian grow closer over the course of the comic. In issue 4 he swaps to using “we” a lot more and then of course in the final issue they get that “partial consciousness expansion”. Bridget is also a really great character and I’m super excited to see the (hopefully larger) role she’ll play in the next arc. And of course, Tyler will be instrumental in this next section now he’s the host to the white martian. The chocos Easter egg was kind of morbid given its result but it was still fun to see and I am super intrigued as to how the Tyler thing will play out. Definitely laid the groundwork for another really character-driven arc.
And I obviously have to mention the Martian Vision pages. Fantastic use of the physical comic book medium which is so refreshing to see in a big two superhero comic, as they do tend to be less creative with the medium. This comic loves being a comic and really this story could not effectively be told in or adapted to any other medium and I’m really happy that that’s the case.
Overall, fantastic read and I’m super excited for the next arc (and that it’s getting a second arc in general!!). The stylised art and letters help support the examination of John’s psyche and the character-focused story, making for a truly unique piece of art.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
I've been reading all the Absolute titles as they pop up on Hoopla, and I was not looking forward to this one at all. It really felt like something I was doing to be a completionist, but hell. This is ANOTHER stunner, and I think either my favorite or second favorite in competition with Absolute Wonder Woman V1.
Each issue, except the last two work on its own as a standalone exploration of contemporary society unraveling. It is a very grim book, but also empathetic. People do awful things and are hurt, but then others perceive their hurt, feel it as well, and come to an understanding.
And that description doesn't do it justice at all because the book isn't sentimental. It's funny, and psychedelic, and frustrating in a good way. It renders well the masculine tendency to desire closeness but run from the vulnerability closeness requires.
Its reinterpretation of the Martian Manhunter character is brilliant. Its perhaps the biggest departure from the Earth 1 character while retaining some aspects that make him recognizable. I find this version much more compelling, huma,n and alien all at once.
The ending is so good that I wish I could buy just that last issue for the final cliffhanger reveal.
Some Mind MGMT vibes in the most complimentary way. It's a great time to love comics, you all. Marvelyou'rebe slipping up.
Reading Absolute GL on Saturday as a birthday treat and that one is the one I've most looked forward to. Let's see if it becomes my new favorite.
Each issue, except the last two work on its own as a standalone exploration of contemporary society unraveling. It is a very grim book, but also empathetic. People do awful things and are hurt, but then others perceive their hurt, feel it as well, and come to an understanding.
And that description doesn't do it justice at all because the book isn't sentimental. It's funny, and psychedelic, and frustrating in a good way. It renders well the masculine tendency to desire closeness but run from the vulnerability closeness requires.
Its reinterpretation of the Martian Manhunter character is brilliant. Its perhaps the biggest departure from the Earth 1 character while retaining some aspects that make him recognizable. I find this version much more compelling, huma,n and alien all at once.
The ending is so good that I wish I could buy just that last issue for the final cliffhanger reveal.
Some Mind MGMT vibes in the most complimentary way. It's a great time to love comics, you all. Marvelyou'rebe slipping up.
Reading Absolute GL on Saturday as a birthday treat and that one is the one I've most looked forward to. Let's see if it becomes my new favorite.
December 11, 2025
Absolute Martian Manhunter Vol. 1 Martian Vision collects issues 1-6 of the DC Comics series written by Deniz Camp with art by Javier Rodríguez.
FBI Agent John Jones has mentally bonded with an alien presence known as “The Martian.” As he tries to share a mind with a being who processes reality in otherworldly ways, the town of Middleton is facing a series of bizarre and violent altercations.
…I don’t know what I just read. This unfortunately just didn’t connect with me and I was often left baffled by what I was reading. It is a completely different take on one of DC’s most legendary characters, even more so than other characters featured in the Absolute Universe. What I did like about this title is the abstract and vibrant art which is incredibly unique and unlike any other comic I have ever read.
Milage will definitely vary with this title and it appears I’m in the minority of readers who doesn’t absolutely love this series.
FBI Agent John Jones has mentally bonded with an alien presence known as “The Martian.” As he tries to share a mind with a being who processes reality in otherworldly ways, the town of Middleton is facing a series of bizarre and violent altercations.
…I don’t know what I just read. This unfortunately just didn’t connect with me and I was often left baffled by what I was reading. It is a completely different take on one of DC’s most legendary characters, even more so than other characters featured in the Absolute Universe. What I did like about this title is the abstract and vibrant art which is incredibly unique and unlike any other comic I have ever read.
Milage will definitely vary with this title and it appears I’m in the minority of readers who doesn’t absolutely love this series.
November 25, 2025
THIS IS WHAT COMICS WERE MADE FOR, BABEY!!! The writing and art are so intertwined and I can't imagine this story being told in any other format. The ideas in this are soooo high-concept and experimental, but Middleton feels like a tangible place with real people, and the art does such a great job making the abstract more digestible. I love love LOVE the way that the comic uses color. The panels are so bold and inventive; every full-page illustration basically blew my fucking mind and the martian vision pages were soooo cool!!! They made me feel like a little kid again oooough I love physical media oh my god. Immediately after I finished reading this I went "shit, I need to read this again." I'm having such a difficult time putting my experience of reading this into words lol but this really pushes the medium in ways that are impressive and absolutely captivating while telling a story that's surprisingly human
December 2, 2025
I feel like just got teleported back into the mid-90s, this feels like some early Vertigo shit, peak Milligan/Morrison-era weirdness. And I'm all for it. I haven't seen mainstream comics get this wild in a while !
While the rest of the Absolute line up has left me a little cold so far, this one hit all the right notes for me. It might have to do with the fact that I'm not too familiar with the original character (I was under the impression he was a shape shifter, not a mind-parasite ?), but the direction Deniz Camp takes this reinterpretation is much more interesting to me than the bombastic approach Snyder takes in his edgy Batman.. Despite the psychedelic storytelling, it's a very personal story, about what makes each and everyone of us tick.
I'd heard a lot of buzz around Camp. 20th Century Men got a lot of praise, and Assorted Crisis Event has everyone going wild. I kind of glossed over his stuff until now, but this book has me sold. I'll definitely check out the rest now !
And it's not always easy to find an artist who can properly convey what you envision, and I feel like Javier Rodriguez took that challenged and one upped Camp by bringing out all the guns. It's an absolutely wild and drop dead gorgeous ride through and through. The way he depicts the Martian Manhunter and his Martian Vision(-on-on) are just so wildly creative.
I can't wait to get more from this killer team
While the rest of the Absolute line up has left me a little cold so far, this one hit all the right notes for me. It might have to do with the fact that I'm not too familiar with the original character (I was under the impression he was a shape shifter, not a mind-parasite ?), but the direction Deniz Camp takes this reinterpretation is much more interesting to me than the bombastic approach Snyder takes in his edgy Batman.. Despite the psychedelic storytelling, it's a very personal story, about what makes each and everyone of us tick.
I'd heard a lot of buzz around Camp. 20th Century Men got a lot of praise, and Assorted Crisis Event has everyone going wild. I kind of glossed over his stuff until now, but this book has me sold. I'll definitely check out the rest now !
And it's not always easy to find an artist who can properly convey what you envision, and I feel like Javier Rodriguez took that challenged and one upped Camp by bringing out all the guns. It's an absolutely wild and drop dead gorgeous ride through and through. The way he depicts the Martian Manhunter and his Martian Vision(-on-on) are just so wildly creative.
I can't wait to get more from this killer team
December 7, 2025
Freaking wonderfully weird.
Although I thought the story was decent what really blows this book out of the water is Javier Rodriguez's crazy/trippy art that is so fun and exciting to see, especially in a non indy book. I love it when text and art combine perfectly to become their ultimate from i.e. a Graphic Novel!
I don't think any of us have a clue where this story is going, but I for one am along for the ride, especially now that Jon is finally starting to connect or reconnect the dots of his messed up alien invaded social life.
Although I thought the story was decent what really blows this book out of the water is Javier Rodriguez's crazy/trippy art that is so fun and exciting to see, especially in a non indy book. I love it when text and art combine perfectly to become their ultimate from i.e. a Graphic Novel!
I don't think any of us have a clue where this story is going, but I for one am along for the ride, especially now that Jon is finally starting to connect or reconnect the dots of his messed up alien invaded social life.
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