Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 is one of the most experimental superhero comics in recent memory, pushing the boundaries of both storytelling and visual presentation. As part of DC’s new Absolute Universe, this series takes an ambitious approach to reimagining a well-established character, and the result is an intricate, layered first issue that rewards—and even demands—multiple readings. Written by Deniz Camp and brought to life by the stunning, boundary-pushing art of Javier Rodriguez, this debut issue is more than just another superhero origin story. It’s a surreal, psychological mystery wrapped in a sci-fi thriller, offering a fresh perspective on one of DC’s most enigmatic characters.
The story begins in a manner that immediately throws readers into a state of uncertainty. We meet our protagonist—an FBI agent known only as Jones—as he is caught in a bombing at a coffee shop. The explosion, triggered by a man named Mike Miller, should have killed him. Yet somehow, Jones not only survives, but emerges entirely unscathed, immediately returning to work as if nothing happened. This impossibility sets the stage for the issue’s central mystery, as Jones begins experiencing strange phenomena—he starts instinctively knowing things about people, and eventually perceives their thoughts and emotions as vibrant bursts of multicolored energy. These eerie, dreamlike sequences are beautifully rendered by Rodriguez, whose colors and linework add an otherworldly quality to the story.
From the start, Absolute Martian Manhunter plays with perception, placing readers in the same fog of confusion as its protagonist. Jones is struggling to make sense of his reality, and so are we. But unlike Jones, we as readers have an advantage—we know the title of this book. We know this is a Martian Manhunter story, even if our protagonist doesn’t yet realize it himself. That knowledge allows us to piece things together even before he does, creating a fascinating interplay between the narrative and the audience. By the end of the issue, a striking visual moment makes it clear: Jones is either merging with or being inhabited by the Martian Manhunter, a being who has been dormant or hidden within him until now.
The issue culminates in a jaw-dropping final page—one that requires readers to hold it up to a light to reveal Jones’ face overlapping with that of the Martian Manhunter. The moment is accompanied by the cryptic text: We’re the Martian Mind**er. It’s a bold and provocative choice, one that leaves multiple interpretations open. Is Jones undergoing a literal transformation into Martian Manhunter? Has the alien been inside him all along, only now awakening? Or is this entire experience the result of a traumatic brain injury from the bombing, with Jones hallucinating the entire thing? The book doesn’t hand us a definitive answer, instead inviting us to question what is real and what is imagined—an approach reminiscent of Grant Morrison’s most mind-bending works.
Thematically, Absolute Martian Manhunter is deeply introspective, exploring questions of identity, memory, and perception. A recurring phrase throughout the issue—Why do people do what they do?—is more than just a passing line; it is central to both the FBI’s Stochastic Task Force, of which Jones is a member, and the mystery surrounding his own transformation. The issue raises tantalizing questions: Why did Mike Miller bomb that coffee shop? How did Jones’ son know to sculpt him as an alien while playing with clay? And how much of what we are seeing is real?
Beyond its ambitious storytelling, the book also cleverly integrates elements of classic Martian Manhunter lore in fresh ways. Jones’ colleagues nickname him “the Martian” due to his cold, distant nature, a subtle nod to J’onn J’onzz’s own struggles with human connection. His role in law enforcement—where his job involves analyzing and interpreting people’s actions—mirrors Martian Manhunter’s telepathic abilities, reimagining them within a grounded, procedural context before fully embracing the sci-fi elements. It’s a brilliant example of how the Absolute Universe is remixing familiar characters while keeping their core identities intact.
Visually, this book is a triumph. Javier Rodriguez’s artwork is nothing short of mesmerizing, utilizing innovative panel layouts, vibrant color choices, and intricate details to enhance the story’s dreamlike quality. His depiction of the rainbow-hued thought-clouds that Jones perceives is a particularly striking touch, making abstract emotions and psychic phenomena feel tangible. Meanwhile, letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou brings a dynamic energy to the dialogue and sound effects, further immersing readers in the book’s strange, shifting reality.
Ultimately, Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 is an exceptional first issue that embraces the experimental nature of DC’s Absolute line. Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez take big swings, crafting a story that is as perplexing as it is compelling. This is not a comic that spoon-feeds its audience; instead, it challenges readers to engage deeply with its narrative, rewarding those willing to unpack its layers. Whether this is the birth of a new Martian Manhunter or the psychological unraveling of a man struggling to comprehend his own existence, one thing is clear: this series is one of the most daring superhero books on the shelves right now.