ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #12 (DC COMICS)

Ever since its’ inception, Absolute Martian Manhunter has not been your average superhero story.

John Jones’ life has never been the same since bonding with the Martian. The town of Middleton wasn’t ready for the inhumane attacks from the White Martian. Surviving that ordeal took its’ toll on both heroes. This lead to a growing personal rift with Bridget, Jones’ wife. His son Tyler was presumed a causality until fate had other plans.

Jones and The Martian opted to split under the umbrella of chaos. This allowed Despair-The-Zero to become Jones’ new partner. The new connection has brought nothing but trouble to Jones’ life. It led to a reunion with his original partner with a tragic reality at hand.

Tyler was a victim of the White Martian’s rampage. Jones now must pick up the pieces after this terrible tragedy.

ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #12 by Deniz Camp, Javier Rodríguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou concludes its’ current arc.

Let’s see how this finale wraps up events.

ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #12 by Deniz Camp, Javier Rodríguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou(DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

There has never been a question on Camp taking his stories into unprecedented territory. In this particular realm, he has tore apart any preconceived notions of the longtime JL member. It doesn’t matter that this is the mantra of the Absolute Universe. What Camp has done to John Jones is rewire how fans look at superhero comics. There are so many deeper layers added to this story, it transcends every standard to forge its’ own path. It should be no shock that the finale follows suit.

The story goes into darker subject matter (which the team addresses in the first page with numbers of helplines for those struggling). Zero’s manipulations of the grieving parents leads into more intense storytelling. Readers watch as questions of faith and mortality come into the equation. It results in more difficult conversations. The dialogue with Jones and the Martian is tough and unapologetic. This ramps up with more uncomfortable scenes of both John and Bridget’s past. The trip results into a terrifying new reality.

Camp never lets up on the pressure of the situation. There are more difficult points brought to the stage Each show the painful realization of the current stat quo. The writing is excellent in this manner. This moves events into a turning point of self discovery. Camp unveils a range of emotions as the final stand-off with Despair commences. It leads into a more reflective piece of John’s world as a new stat quo commences. The ending pages put a delicate bow on the insanity which just unfolded. The parting page is perfect for what takes place. Readers get a full payoff for riding with this series form issue 1 to now. A heavier issue with much to take away with.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!

Rodríguez & Otsmane-Elhaou have been on an epic run since the first chapter. There is no easy day off when it comes to the finale. The dire look of John attending the funeral sets the tone for the issue. Mixing in the more unstable thoughts allows Despair to cement his place in the manipulations. Bridget’s face-off with Despair is flooding with rage and emotions. This leads to a more trippy feel as the Martian emerges to handle business once and for all. it compliments the long game being played out here.

Readers watch as John’s feelings get the best of him as he confronts his partner. The panels take a more unsettling turn at this stage as they look back at the Jones’ upbringings. There are some tough panels to witness as Despair’s manipulations grow. It leads through more personal times to an unsettling full page image of despicable thoughts. A mirroring pair of pages show Bridget and John’s bond launch into uncharted water. A bold full page image shows hope spring up with some newfound motivation behind it.

This allows for Rodríguez to open up his playbook of visuals. The unearthly looks move events towards its ultimate finish line. Readers know the art has been immaculate thus far with no signs of missing the mark. It moves events into a superb finish. Coloring makes a few notable moments before easing into the parting shot. The full page image indicates more than anyone could fathom as this door closes. What a mind-tripping experience to witness!

FINAL POINT: 10

Camp, Rodríguez and Otsmane-Elhaou leave readers with an intense read unlike anything else seen in the comics landscape currently. A phenomenal script gels perfectly with Rodríguez’s incredible art yet again. While its’ a bittersweet moment with the series on hold/over, readers leave with an overwhelming sense of the true direction of superhero comics for years to come. Highest possible recommendation.

Let me know your thoughts on ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #12 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!