Unlike his Justice League counterparts, casual readers probably wouldn't be able to share much about the Martian Manhunter. They might mention that he's an alien from Mars and that he shape-shifts, but that's likely it. The character has name recognition, but he doesn't have the same degree of pop culture notoriety that other members of the DC Universe share. The Absolute titles have already demonstrated the ability to channel reinvention, and Absolute Martian Manhunter is a great candidate for a fresh take. Quite simply, this book is weird. It has a trippy vibe that people will either love or hate, but if you lean in, there's a lot of interesting aspects to this interpretation. This vibrant story is fresh with a visually impressive approach to Jones' perspective of the world around him. Jack Kirby would adore this book. Readers will get to travel through the looking glass as we learn more about this unique interpretation of the Martian Manhunter. Read Full Review

Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 may not be everyone's cup of tea. It is, however, a brilliant piece of work that goes beyond simply being art for art's sake. This is a prime example of what happens with two creators push the boundaries of illustrated literature to tell a story that only the comics medium could portray. Read Full Review

Camp and Rodrguez's Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 stands as the perfect alchemy of writer and artist. It pushes what the medium of comics can do both artistically and physically. It promises a mind-bending odyssey as the human mind becomes open to a much different way of viewing life and Earth. Sometimes, it takes an alternate point of view, and sometimes, it can be from an alien consciousness merging with your body and soul. Read Full Review

Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 is an innovative and astonishingly creative take on a classic DC character, which ends up making it the most interesting Absolute title so far. Read Full Review

The 60s aesthetics of this comic are a highlight, and the story is designed to keep you guessing. The visual aspects are strong, and the story itself looks like it'll have some fun mind-screw elements. A great start to this series. Read Full Review

Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 isn't just a standout in DC's Absolute universe, but a standout among the comics that've been released this year. It doesn't look, feel or read like any other series out there, and that's what makes it exciting. All I can say to the creative team is "keep being weird" because it's paying off. Read Full Review

It's equal parts horrifying and incredibly beautiful, with some of the best art I've seen in a DC Comic in some time, and two very different characters forming a symbiosis that has incredible possibilities. Camp is now officially one of the only creators out there to have A+ books going at three companies at the same time. Read Full Review

Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 delivers a captivating and imaginative reimagining of the character, presenting him as a being from a higher dimension brought to life with striking and psychedelic artwork. This debut issue immediately hooks readers with a compelling mystery and a bold new direction for the Martian Manhunter, promising an unpredictable and thrilling series. Read Full Review

Absolute Martian Manhunter Issue 1 is more of an experience than a story. It's brilliant in every aspect, mainly because it's completely changing the genre. Read Full Review

Even when its critical to a comic, coloring is often seen as secondary in an issues art. Sometimes it is undeservedly disregarded altogether. Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 turns that kind of thinking on its head by delivering a comic book not just driven by but reliant on the rich, varied, and complex coloring at work here. Johns examination couldnt be experienced in the same way without this kind of artistic journey. Even if the story wasnt compelling enough to make the issue a cant miss (it is), Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 is an art and color experience thats a must have. Read Full Review

Its a little early to determine the staying power of this character, but this is a very exciting start. Read Full Review

Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 is a comic that really pushes the boundaries of what a mainstream comic book can be. It's experimental and engaging on multiple levels. Read Full Review

The creators have a trippy, colorful vision in mind of this comic, and they are allowed to push that envelope to the breaking point. I applaud the artistic creativity at play in this issue, even if trippy, psychedelic storytelling is not my cup of tea. Read Full Review

Deniz Camp also nails having you as a reader wonder what exactly is going on as you never feel like you have a full grasp of what is exactly going on in this world. That said, the entire approach goes a bit too much with the trippy nature of the experience created. Read Full Review

Absolute Martian Manhunter #1goes way out of its way to create a trippy, esoteric scenario about an FBI agent looking for answers. Deniz Camp's script is long on weird imagery and uncertainty but falls well short on the basic foundation of a story that will hook you. Pick it up for the novelty of the art and atmosphere, but most readers will get bored with the novelty quickly. Read Full Review

This is an amazing first issue that draws you in and allows you to experience the same confusion that John is feeling. He is experiencing new feelings and sensations that he doesn’t know how to interpret. What he’s experiencing is Martian Vision, as the story makes very clear, and he’s sharing his headspace with a new, out of this world roommate. This storytelling team is finding new and transformative ways to tell their story, resulting in a debut issue that sucks you in and doesn’t let go. Perfection!

Such a refreshingly different take on a big two superhero. Really spectacular. This is a comic I’ll cherish owning for a long time

This is the comic treatment that Martian Manhunter deserves. Can't wait for more!

Weird and trippy, just how I like it!

One word: incredible.

Hands down the best #1 of the Abolute line. If the philosophy of the Absolute line is to swing for the fences while retaining the spirit of the character, the Absolute Martian Manhunter team just won the World Series.

If this is not a candidate for comic/story/art of the year then I may as well stop reading and travel back in time to Mars. OMG I seldom if ever get blown away by a story but i couldn't find a single word that didn't have a meaning......to the whole team an DC......Please take a bow for that was utter perfection........Jonn

holy shit

Intriguing first issue that had me hooked from the first few panels. A great new insight into what used to be a somewhat dated character. Kudos to Camp's story and Rodriguez's brilliant art.

Wow, this blew me away. I hadn't read anything by Camp when this was initially announced, so I was unsure how to feel about this. After reading Ultimates, though, I definitely got a lot more interested. That said, this is a different thing entirely, and I mean that in a good way. Camp continues to really establish himself as one of the most exciting rising stars in comics. Furthermore, I have to mention Rodriguez, as well, who continues to also deliver on amazing work with this book.

Excellent, very intriguing. I'm in.

I don’t know nothing about or where it’s going but I’m buying the ticket and taking the ride!

I am so excited to see more readers discover Javier Rodriguez through this interpretation of Martian Manhunter. For Javier Rodriguez is easily one of my personal favorites when it comes to comic book storytelling. It is easy to see why Deniz Camp paired up with Rodriguez for this story. Absolute Martian Manhunter needed to be different. Not just because it takes place in the Absolute Universe. No, it needed to have its own look, to match the ridiculous premise of the story. A man, who works as an FBI agent, begins a path of self-discovery, smeared with an identity crisis. Why? Because there's another consciousness inside him. A mind inside his mind. Another presence, along with abilities yet to be understood. Multiple personalities, or split personalities are not a new concept. But a split body with a conscious mind of an alien that can read people's minds? Well, that's the sort of wrinkles you just don't see. Anywhere. This series could have taken many other looks. Could've been grounded even. With Rodriguez at the wheel, however, this is a complete psychedelic experience fill with thought provoking shapes and colors. Jones is literally experiencing voices in color, and when you take in the art interpretation of those statements, you can see why.

Absolute Superman's soul lies in the fight against tyranny and oppression. Absolute Batman turned himself into a wrecking ball, a larger-than-life figure unwilling to give in to the whims of Gotham. Absolute Wonder Woman is about the heart of gold of the last Amazon. A warrior witch who says please, thank you and has the patience of a saint. Absolute Martian Manhunter is this bright and colorful fantastical mystery. Exploring inward into the mind of this character. Exploration with visuals the likes of Jack Kirby's imaginations. Just absolutely insane. more

Very cool new vision for the character. I really enjoyed it. Amazing art.

When Deniz Camp launches a new series these days, it’s almost mandatory to pre-order it. Martian Manhunter might not have been on anyone’s radar before, but now it’s impossible to ignore. Camp achieves something remarkable here, delivering a fresh and captivating take that truly stands out.

As for the art, you might need some time to fully embrace it, but once you do, its unique style begins to make sense.

While the series is undeniably impressive, I wouldn’t give it a perfect 10 just yet. I’m definitely invested and eager to see where it goes, but I wouldn’t say I’m counting the days for the next issue—at least for now.

This book is very surreal and abstract which may turn off a lot of people. But I genuinely am intrigued by this and I want to see how this unfolds on how different this character is. It is very confusing, but I like how the DC Absolute Universe is swinging for the fences and just trying new stuff.

I liked it, but it's weird as f***.
The art is good and I think the writing is also on point, but I miss some action, even though it doesn't fit with the premise of the book
I'm curious to know what other people think, I also love the last page of this book, bro. 🤣

I can see why people would enjoy this, just not my cup of tea.

Finally, something interesting and different coming from DC.

I usually don't like alternate versions of established characters, which is why I haven't read any of the other Absolute titles. The preview of Martian Manhunter looked weird AF though, in the best way possible, so I had to read it.
Let's just say, the Javier Rodriguez art and storytelling didn't disappoint. AMM, despite looking very 60s inspired, is a breath of fresh air.
Now, the script by Deniz Camp could have been more engaging. I get that the general vibe of the book is fragmented and confused, but at the same time, the author has to give the reader enough coherence and emotion to draw them into the story.

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Gio - Apr 19, 2025

Nice I saw the cover and was turned off but may give it a go now!

Chris X - Apr 19, 2025

I understand why some don't like it. I happen to love retro 60s art. The writing was not my cup of tea though.

Gio - Apr 21, 2025

Yeah I did like that recent Metamporoho issue because it had that retro art to it, same thing though writing was a bit hard to take.

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Art: 4/5
Story: 3.5/5
Total: 7.5/10

Art is grate. Story isn't. Forth wave Morisson Moore wannabe....

Why the hell is this site still including reviews by Gabe Hernandez?

The guy literally gives EVERY single comic a low score. He single handidly is bringing down the averages of several great series on this site. His reviews read like rage bait in order to drive up hits on his page.

The guy is a hack, and this site loses credibility by including his reviews.

PS This issue is a 10.

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Weird Science Jim - Mar 27, 2025 (edited)

so the comic book roundup should censor who does reviews... odd idea there. But no mention that all the critic reviews are from reviewers who have averaged between an 8.3 to a 9.4/10 after hundreds or even thousands of reviews - most people have bailed on this site because it's shills handing out perfect scores for just about everything. Go back 10 years and you wouldn't even notice Gabe's scores because the critics were actually a tiny bit critical.

Weird Science Jim - Mar 27, 2025

Also, anyone who wants to see how much of a troll you are just needs to check out your profile where you've reviewed six issues and given four 1/10s - but you're mad at Gabe for low scores🤡 also it's hilarious that you copy and pasted this hate message on other books because you're lazy as well as being a hypocritical POS

The Brave and the Bald - Mar 27, 2025

Isn't this the guy who had a mental breakdown on Twitter over Captain America killing Nazis?

Smithd33 - Mar 27, 2025 (edited)

I trust gabe more than any person here as a reviewer. The rest give 10’s to everything as long as they keep getting their review copies. You may not agree with him. Maybe you think he’s sus. But at least he’s honest.

Weird Science Jim - Mar 27, 2025 (edited)

@braveandthebold and? Plenty of people, including past creators, have gone on record saying Cap regrets taking any life no matter how vile they are! In canon, Cap has said he regretted letting his anger take him over when he punched H*tler! And spoiler - not liking an issue because you think the character is written poorly isn't having mental breakdown! You don't deserve to have that Grant Morrison pic!

Weird Science Jim - Mar 27, 2025

Also it's pretty obvious you are just an opticrage burner account

The Brave and the Bald - Mar 27, 2025

Ah yes, everyone who disagrees with you must be a burner account. The paranoia is setting in hard, huh? Can't take any criticism about poor reading comprehension, so everyone must be an enemy.

Smithd33 - Mar 27, 2025

Going 3 years between reviews pretty much says yeah. You’re sus.

The Brave and the Bald - Mar 27, 2025

And Jimbo here hasn't used his account since 2023.

Weird Science Jim - Mar 27, 2025 (edited)

Yea- I have over 3000 critic reviews that are carried on this site from the website and podcast I have run for over ten years, but yes, keep reaching! And the funny thing is you are talking about reading comprehension when I never said anything about liking or disliking the issue, or even if I read it or not! Not hiding who I am "brave and the bold grant Morrison" https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviewer/jim-werner

Weird Science Jim - Mar 27, 2025

Paranoia about what? I think you might be self projecting here! I said that an Aggregate review site shouldn't censor whose reviews are included and you came in with the nonsense.

The Brave and the Bald - Mar 27, 2025

You're a riot. I made fun of Gabe's poor reading comprehension, and you throw a hissy fit. Not really beating the allegations here, Jimbo. Especially not with those hilarious reviews. Thanks for that, I had a good laugh.

Psycamorean - Mar 27, 2025

Brave and the Bald isn't anyone's alt. Seems Gabe's paranoia is rubbing off on James.

Weird Science Jim - Mar 29, 2025

Thanks psychomoron! The best thing about all this is this site is pretty much dead because of the shill critics reviews and the idiotic user reviews anyway - nobody cares about anything anyone says here except you losers who can't stop thinking about Gabe 24/7. Plus I'm saying all 3 of you are 100% the same person.

Psycamorean - Mar 29, 2025

... I think you've interacted with 2/3 of us over on my discord server at the same time. So there's that. I promise I don't give Gabe much thought, though I am sorry your friend is an out of touch moron.

Weird Science Jim - Mar 29, 2025

the only name I remember is yours, but it just amazes me the amount of toxic hate that this site's "user review" section becomes when someone writes a review that the usual suspects don't like - Don't get your panties up in a bunch over the aggregate score of a book, nobody cares about the site anymore! The site drives zero traffic, so the theory that Gabe writes reviews for that is ridiculous! There's hardly any sites left that even bother to review stuff

Psycamorean - Mar 29, 2025

Gabe's reviews are not quality criticism. So much of it is focused on what Gabe would rather see than what is presented to him. That's not criticizing a comic on its own merits, it's akin to the lowest level of social media comics discourse. I think Gabe's biggest issue is he's not good at what he does, and it's wild to have you have you act as though he's a consummate professional lol.

Psycamorean - Mar 29, 2025

At the end of the day the only difference between the reviews on your site and the ones in the user section here is a no doubt begrudged insistence on word count.

orbisstelassis - Mar 30, 2025

Psaycmorean is right, Gabe is kind of incompetent, and a bit of a baby when it comes down to it. And "Jim" - if he's not a burner account - just sounds like an angry troll.

Criminology. - Mar 30, 2025

i share those sentiments. Gabe can give a 2 to Uncanny X-Force for all I care, it's just that his reviews are shallow. I think that if incorporate more antithesis into his writing it would end up stronger. Like here he says that the comics is different for the sake of being different, without providing any good reasons, when so many reviewers actually found meaning behind the choices made here. For me that's why it comes out as just hating, because he does not acknowledge that others are feeling

Criminology. - Mar 30, 2025

if he actually did it and still defended his opinions, I think that his reviews would be way more respectable. Also every time i read a review of his, it seems that it comes with a preconceived notion of what the comics should and it's a really rigid one, and i mean, if you are with a mindset like this, ofc you would hate most of the things that you read and ofc that it would seem like straight up hate. At this point, personally, I don't get much of his review.

Smithd33 - Mar 30, 2025

Dude gave Hawkgirl a 9 and galaxy a 10 and wants to talk incompetent. Ok.

Weird Science Jim - Mar 30, 2025

@orbisstelassis burner account or angry troll? you can look ne up - i have thousands of critic reviews here, have DC/Marvel podcasts with over 500 episodes each (dc comics pod has been rated #1 DC Comics podcast for 6 straight years by feedspot) Just type "weird science dc comics" and you can find me (and I'm sure you haters will make fun of all that - you're all pretty much just hypocritical toxic fans who think you're "positive" for defending books but do it in the worst possible way!)

Weird Science Jim - Mar 30, 2025

@criminology the reviews are just his opinion; not based on other reviewers. His reviews (marvel especially) are written before the book is released and there is no way to know others' thoughts on it, but still, other reviewers explain themselves in their reviews. I own the DC & Marvel sites Gabe reviews on and rarely agree with him - but it's his opinion and this thread started with the call for Gabe to be censored which is BS IMO! Like anything of the sort, you don't like his reviews (1/2)

Weird Science Jim - Mar 30, 2025

just ignore them! There are plenty of sites and reviewers that never go below an 8 (which has more to do with keeping review copies than being honest), so go and read those. I gave up doing written reviews because of stuff like this - i prefer reviewing comics on podcasts with multiple people to get more of a varied discussion (kind of like what you said earlier). BTW, I do find positive reviews are rarely called out for lack of substance just because they are positive. (2/2)

Amoebas - Mar 31, 2025

I'm new here and have no problem with a neg review as long as it's explained. The same should be true in reverse. I see a lot of 10 reviews without a single word to explain why. I'm not going to but I really would want to blindly rate 1's just to counter them.

myconius - Apr 9, 2025

@Weird Science Jim - This site has definitely taken a serious nosedive, as has the comic industry in general. Most books average about $5 per issue, and read in about 15 minutes. But I honestly doubt most of the users on this site are even bothering to buy their comics. Probably just reading them online. ...Anyway! Yeah, this site has become riddled with toxic folks who readily attack anyone that doesn't agree with them. Silly drama over cartoon books.

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