Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 Review

Another Wednesday, another Absolute title is here for comic book fans, and this time is another from a series which is slowly growing on us, Absolute Martian Manhunter. This psychological slow burner has been just enough to peak my interest, but last issue really started to find it’s footing. Will this issue continue on with the standards set in the last? Let’s find out in this Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 review.

In Nerdy Nook fashion, this review will be spoiler free, though we recommend you read the previous issue before continuing.

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The Review

Image by DC Comics

Last issue saw John Jones attempting to use his new found powers, the powers of the Martian, for good as the whole city burst into flames. Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 continues to see Middleton aflame, but this time it’s a heat wave that causes the city to descend into madness. With things getting weirder, time is of the essence for John Jones and the Martian.

It was honestly quite an enjoyable concept, a heatwave causing people to go completely nuts and start killing one another. This time of year is quite unbearable and I’m sure many have gotten more short tempered due to it, so it was strangely relatable – amusing, but understandable. There is of course more at play here than just a heatwave, something far more ethereal in true Absolute Martian Manhunter style, but it never actually explains what, though presumably it has something to do with the burning entity in the previous issue.

This issue did feel somewhat detached from the last. In fact, most of Absolute Martian Manhunter has seemed a little detached. There is of course an overarching narrative, and that is of course John Jones’ mental health deteriorating – it is hard to say that with complete certainty when he seems to just be accepting that there is a literal alien lifeform now living in his head with him. One thing which has absolutely been deteriorating is John and Bridget’s relationship. John has developed a kind arrogancy and only in this issue really stops to think about Bridget’s emotions, but seemingly still chooses the heroic path he has been taking at the end of the comic. This was a very bittersweet moment, it has taken a good few issues to see our hero grow, but now I kind of hate him for it.

Image by DC Comics

This was the first time that John actually feels human. We have been following him around for all this time as he is in constant thought, but this issue did an exceptional job grounding him and drawing attention to the fact that he is acting quite out of the ordinary and clearly is not of sound mind.

One thing that I cannot get my head around is, if the Martian has such a great understanding and insight into emotions, why is it letting Bridget suffer the way she is. Perhaps the Martian just does not care, or perhaps the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few and the only way the Martian can make a difference is through John – it’s quite plausible that the Martian already knew John would take this attitude towards these situations and so chose him for that very reason.

Whatever the case, it is safe to say that this issue really opened up some questions which readers had not yet been asking. It has done this so perfectly by essentially snapping John out it, which helped it feel not so out of place. I can already see where the series is heading and at this point am highly concerned for John’s mental health and what lasting effects the Martian is having on his sanity. Let’s just hope he makes the right choice when it comes down to it. However, between the two options, the needs of his family, or the needs of humanity, can one man really make that much of a difference anyway? I am sure we will find out and am excited to do so.

Image by DC Comics

Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 is a very different comic from the rest of the series. For the first time, our hero is grounded and forced to think about the actions of this obsessive path he has been taking. A true compelling and psychological masterpiece.

What are your thoughts on Absolute Martian Manhunter #4? Whatever your thoughts and feelings, share them with us in the comment section of this article. Until next time, thanks for reading!

See also: Previous Issue

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