Absolute Martian Manhunter: The end of an era brings hope in a bleak world

There was no doubt that Absolute Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman were going to be hits. Beyond being the big three of DC Comics (and maybe in all of comics), the writers on each are among the heavyweights in the comic book industry. Then, along came one of the “newer” writers, Deniz Camp (Assorted Crisis Events and Ultimates), and the amazing artist and colorist, Javier Rodriguez (Zatanna: Bring Down the House), who created Absolute Martian Manhunter. 

Initially, this series was only supposed to be a six-issue mini-series. After an overwhelming positive response from fans and high demand for more printings after the first issue, DC Comics extended the series for twelve issues. Considering how masterfully written and illustrated it was, this didn’t come as a shock. And because the two-person team of Camp and Rodriguez worked so well, the duo completed the series without guest artists or writers.

Throughout Absolute Martian Manhunter, I’ve mentioned how there were tons of depressing scenes, but the art balanced out the sadness. It’s like the Mary Poppins song about a spoonful of sugar and medicine. Even then, sometimes the art couldn’t mask disheartening subject matter. For example, the series finale (issue No. 12) began with a trigger warning about self-harm and themes of suicide. Things like this led me to believe that this series would end on a bitter, heartbreaking note. Thankfully, I was wrong. 

I hesitated to read this issue because I didn’t want to believe this was the end. Plus, as I previously mentioned, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for Absolute Martian Manhunter to conclude on a sad note. This wasn’t an irrational thought since the main character, John Jones, and his family were going through a situation when it looked like their time together was over. Then there’s the U.S. government torturing the Green Martian, and John’s new alien (the evil Despair-the-Zero) making his life worse.

As I continued to read the finale, things weren’t looking good. The universe was literally cracking, and the Anti-Life was mentioned as this happened. With that being said, looking back at some of Deniz Camp’s titles, I should have known better than that. Camp will break your heart, but it will also give you something to keep your hope alive.

I’m not going to spoil much of the Absolute Martian Manhunter finale because you should read the issue. However, there are a couple of things that need to be said. One of them is just a happy note, and the other involves the future of DC Comics’ Absolute Universe.

First, it was great seeing John smile and be hopeful. It didn’t happen often (if at all) throughout the series. After everything he and his wife went through, it was deserved. Also, and this is the most important part, this may not be the last time we see John Jones and the Martian Mindf***er.

It makes sense that the MMF and John Jones will return. Absolute Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman will have their hands full with whatever event is coming to the Absolute Universe. If I had to guess, that will be announced at the San Diego Comic Con and will involve Darkseid.

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