ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #7 (DC COMICS)
Back…Back in a Middleton groove.
When DC Comics announced it’s lineup of characters to lead the Absolute Universe, the trinity (Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman) were no-brainers. One name was the biggest X factor of the second wave: Martian Manhunter. The longtime staple of the Justice League was given a complete overhaul by one of comics best creative teams. It resulted in a huge win for fans and critcs alike.
Coming off the violent face-off with the White Martian, John Jones and the Martian face new problems along with their unique partnership.
ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #7 by Deniz Camp, Javier Rodríguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou returns with an all new story arc!
Let’s take a closer look to see what unfolds now!
ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #7 by Deniz Camp, Javier Rodríguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou(DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Camp and Rodríguez pick right up where they left off. Jones’ family struggles prove to be a dominating antagonist to his life. Knowing the damage caused with the White Martian conflict, the writing displays how broken he is after the events. Bridget's acceptance to move on is unavoidable. It leads into more troubled territory as events play out. Neither come close to the question of their son Tyler. Knowing the truth of what happened to him in issue #6, his persona can’t hide what he has evolved to. Even with a return to business, Jones can’t ignore the pain inflicted due to his new partnership.
Readers watch him return to the FBI after the events of issue #1 to escape. The writing shows how it’s not so easy to get back to where he was. There are others looking to handle Jones’ threat with no remorse. The dialogue is cold and unapologetic. Jones doesn’t have time to process. A revelation comes into focus that rattles him to the core. The news has a profound impact on where he’s trying to maneuver to. Camp keeps applying the pressure onto Jones’ conscience. This plays out on the final Jones page. Knowing the rift is growing wider, it leaves reader wondering if anything is worth salvaging at this point. High level drama at its’ finest. The post epilogue teases more dangers starting in the background. Its’ more gas on an already raging fire of emotional weight. A very solid return indeed.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Rodríguez’s visuals are some of the best in the business. Issue #7 is a full-on showcase of the mind-bending world of Jones and company. The opening dream sequence does so many things right. From oversizing Tyler to reflect his mystery to the cracks in the house foundation, the art shows the broken home with no apologies. Events move to Jones’ return to the FBI. How his thoughts dominate the skyline is so imaginative. It leads to a unique full page image of Bridget and Tyler. This page is incredibly eye-catching to to the subtle details.
Once Jones settles back into the office grind, readers watch as his thoughts start racing. Another unique full page displays his adapting to overwhelming office work. The set-up of the Martian’s discovery stands out as well. A bouncing beam leads to much more. Readers watch as the roads lead right back to Bridget and John’s friction. The final Jones panel eludes to the breaks in foundation. It is only fitting to feature someone watching his pain. The closing pages tease more with a darker color pallet. It works to make this stand-out from an already impressive visual trip.
FINAL POINT: 9.5
The return to Middleton comes with heavy baggage and unsealed wounds for John Jones. Camp weaves in a painful lesson in relationship balance via the writing. Rodríguez’s visuals are next level in giving this series a look and feel all its’ own. Buckle in for what is sure to be another unforgettable trip in storytelling.
Let me know your thoughts on ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #7 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
