Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 Review

Once again, the Absolute universe is back on Nerdy Nook with another Elseworld hero added to the line-up, this time with a psychological horror? What a strange sentence that is to type, this is possibly the most unique direction DC could have gone in for Martian Manhunter, but what a right choice to make. This was a really weird experience but lets talk about that in the Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 review.

In Nerdy Nook fashion, this review will be spoiler free, though we will be discussing the main plot. If you want to go in completely blind, make sure you read this issue before continuing.

---

The Review

Image by DC Comics

Absolute Martian Manhunter follows FBI agent John Jones who’s body has been taken over by an alien consciousness know as Martian after he is victim of a terrorist attack. This leads John to slowly ascend into madness, as you would expect if your mind is taken over.

Usually Martian Manhunter and John Jones are the same person, John Jones is merely a disguise Martian Manhunter uses in order to blend in on Earth. These two being completely different beings gives this character a whole new depth I never expected before – this is potentially the most unique story showcased in in Absolute universe so far.

As someone who is not massive on horrors, I quite expected to hate Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 and simply opted to read it to continue following the Absolute series. I am pleased to say I did not hate it. This comic has a lot of potential, is visually breath taking and quite the head scratcher – not because it is confusing, it’s just supposed to be.

Image by DC Comics

It’s hard to tell at the moment whether or not Martian Manhunter (or Mindhunter as they fittingly describe it at the end) is good or bad, but the assumption is that he it has saved Johns life so must be good – though it isn’t really good practice to take over someone’s mind. I is quite an interesting direction though and was executed brilliantly.

All throughout my reviews of the Absolute comics, I have pleaded for an Absolute Justice League. I am not sure how Absolute Martian Manhunter would fit into that narrative at the moment. This comic is too dissimilar from the other Absolute comics that in all honesty makes it hard to imagine them as one, though later issues could prove me wrong. The fact that this comic is so unique did also unfortunately make me unsure of it. I think I liked it, I think it is a good read, but it was so unexpectedly different to what I am used to, to what I was expecting, I might need more time to become hooked to this one.

To say the least, Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 had me intrigued enough to at least read the next issue in the series. For now, I am too unsure, so will have to give it a fair 7/10 purely for its visuals and creativity.

Image by DC Comics

Simply put Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 is the most unique story in the Absolute universe so far. It has the potential to be something truly spectacular and bring a new audience to these comics. It is visually stunning and unbelievably absurd, there is nothing else out there like this.

What are your thoughts on Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 ? Where do you think the series will go from here? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, share them with us in the comment section of this article.

See also: Most anticipated comics of 2025

• ShareCopied to clipboard
• X
• Facebook