Absolute Martian Manhunter #10 – Deniz Camp, Writer; Javier Rodriguez, Artist
Ray – 10/10
Ray: While most of the rest of the Absolute Universe fits a certain aesthetic – reinvented versions of DC heroes filtered through a gritty aesthetic that strips them of their safety net – this creative team has done something completely different, and as we approach the finish line of this 12-issue journey into the unknown, it’s clear that the biggest inspiration is Vertigo. This surrealist journey reminds me a lot of books like Shade the Changing Man, as the perception of our main character becomes a key part of the story. John Jones has lost everything, including his job, his family, and his sanity. He’s even lost his friendly ride-along, the Martian – and it’s been replaced by Despero, the sadistic Martian who has been corrupted by the White Martian into a major threat – and is very much enjoying sabotaging John as he battles to survive against someone who’s just as unstable as he is.
While this is going on, the Martian is still being held captive by shady government agents who are ready to vivisect him, but that soon proves easier said than done. The martian warps the environment around him – the same way Despero is doing to John. That allows Javier Rodriguez the chance to show off with some of the most bizarre visuals of the entire series so far, as the misfit buddies fight their way towards a reunion. Of course, there’s still the matter of Despero to deal with, as the rogue Martian isn’t truly the villain of the story and he and John have managed to forge a strange connection of their own along the way. With only two issues to go, it’s still pretty open how this would end – but a subplot involving John’s wife and son takes the last few pages of this issue in a very disturbing direction with a horror tone that will be all too relatable to some parents. Brilliant stuff.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
