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Martian Manhunter is an alien. John Jones is not. That isn't a common statement in the world of DC Comics since they are usually one and the same. Here comes Absolute Martian Manhunter to upset the applecart. Agent Jones is a human in the upcoming series, and 'The Martian' is a Martian. What was once a disguise to allow the J'onn J'onzz to walk among us is now a real boy. John is now a disguise for an invading alien entity. An alien that saved his life. One that also may be puppeting him around, changing how he sees the world, and making everything a little more alien.

The Absolute Martian Manhunter series is written by Deniz Camp and illustrated by Javier Rodríguez. It's a psychological horror-themed exploration of the classic hero's origins. Talk about a drastic shift for the Martian Manhunter. Artist Javier Rodríguez provides the series with an equally intense art direction. His bold colors, amorphous shapes, and unique character designs make the entire series feel more alien than other books. You have to love it when art compliments the writing in such a way that you feel the unease of the hero by just looking at the pages.

What does a Martian look like?

This is an expressionist painting in comic book form. Many colors and distorted forms express the main character's psychology. The series separates the essence of J'onn J'onzz into two entities: a federal agent and an alien searching for a host. Javier gives life to color, creating shapes and forms representing the Martian and his influence over John. All while a muted, heavy-stroke reality betrays Agent Jones's loss of sanity.

Color as a storytelling tool

I design for a living. I use elements like shape, color, typography, negative space, white space, and patterns to create usable things for people like you. It's not easy. I have to make sure these things are accessible, meaning a wide variety of people can use them as effectively as everyone else. One thing I can't do is make a color a focal point. Some people can't see color or could interpret a color's meaning differently due to cultural associations. You have to pair a color with something else to make it accessible. Usually appropriate typography or shapes. 

Why am I explaining all this? This comic does an excellent job of using color and shape as a pattern to show John's psychological deterioration. The blobby, colorful shape language takes on a life of its own. It clearly denotes when the Martian and its abilities are kicking in and how frayed John's mental state is in any given panel. The slow build of introducing this pattern throughout the first issue, culminating in what I can only describe as a psychedelic expressionist seizure, is visually and thematically breathtaking.
 

Lines, lines, lines

Let's talk about lines, shall we? They are the cornerstone of comics. Without them, you don't have panels, outlines, thought bubbles, or anything else. Absolute Martian Manhunter does a lot of subtle and not-so-subtle work with lines to sell the story. You probably won't recognize it as you gawk at the beautiful writing and visual artistry. Your traditional thick, ruled lines and grid panels depict John in reality, living and dealing with the blowback from the start of the book. The interplay of line, color, and form creates a unique visual experience that challenges our preconceived notions of comic book art and sets the stage for a truly 'alien' aesthetic.

As the Martian's influence takes over, the lines get more expressive, freeform, and loose. Sometimes, creating uncommon shapes to depict everyday things. Sometimes, the lines disappear completely, allowing the color patterns to take center stage and literally paint the world in all its amorphous, otherworldly glory. In some genuinely great moments, colors, panels, and freeform linework combine to create truly alien compositions to represent John's complete loss of control in the Martian. The book is at its best when all these elements collide to make you feel the breakdown of John. Or is it the buildup of the Martian?

An art style more alien than I'm used to

I don't know about you, but I have a 'standard' art style I picture when I think of comics. It's not something I can put my finger on. After decades (wow) of reading sequential art, I have pieced together a mental ransom-note-style collage of what comic book art looks like. I get excited when I read a comic with incredible visuals that make me question my internal collage. Absolute Martian Manhunter did that in spades. 

I am not an expert on comics by any stretch of the imagination. Nor have I read nearly as many as any other enthusiast. I am sure Javier Rodríguez consistently wows comic fans with his unique art style. A not-so-quick, overly long glance at his portfolio is proof enough for me. This Absolute Martian Manhunter book is my first experience of Javier's art, and I am truly hooked. It fits so perfectly with the themes of the series. It resonates with me since the art style is so, and this is a compliment, 'alien' to me.

Javier Rodríguez's Fine Art skills are fully displayed in Absolute Martian Manhunter. His expert use of color blocks and shadows reinforces the psychological horror theme of the book. The juxtaposition of real-world muted and alien vibrant colors creates an explicit contrast that gives users clues when things aren't quite right. Pair that with the writing slowly unraveling Agent Jones's psyche, and you have a unique exploration of the Martian Manhunter that I am excited to continue.

Interactive art in comics

One of the most fun things you can do as an artist is entertain your audience using your medium. It excites your audience and makes them do something unusual to experience your art. It is a fine artist's quality. A moment in the first issue is very much like that. I won't spoil it, but it's a simple thing that adds a new layer of engagement and storytelling to the proceedings. I hope more issues do something like that.

Is it good? Absolutely.

I've only completed the first issue of Absolute Martian Manhunter, but I am already hooked. The entire first issue has me questioning how I would feel if this version of Martian Manhunter ran the Watchtower. DC Comics' Absolute series is off to a great start, giving us interesting depictions of classic characters. Martian Manhunter has never been a frontline DC character for me. He always felt secondary to a host of other heroes. Visual stories like this do justice to the character and nature. Sometimes, it takes seeing characters from a different perspective to truly appreciate them. Absolute Martian Manhunter does just that through bold visual storytelling, thoughtful use of color and shape, and an engaging story to hook you on every level.

Get ready for what's next with our guide to upcoming comics, how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to Free Comic Book Day 2025.