DC has a hit on its hands with the new Absolute Universe line, and nowMartian Manhunterwill be joining the likes of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman in DC’s dark new continuity. As one of the longest-lasting DC characters and a stalwart member of the Justice League, Martian Manhunter hasn’t been given this big a spotlight in years, as the hype-machine forAbsolute Martian Manhunterhas already started.
Speaking with the YouTube channelOwen Likes Comics,Absolute Batmanwriter Scott Snyder talks a little about what fans can expect fromAbsolute Martian Manhunter, coming from the creative team of Deniz Camp and Javier Rodríguez.
“It’s such a pure book,” Snyder says ofAbsolute Martian Manhunter. “It’s of the moment and yet it’s not. It’s so universal yet it’s so timely.” Given thatSnyder has successfully updated Batmanfor the Absolute line, this is high praise indeed, making the newAbsoluteMartian Manhunterseries sound every bit as exciting as the rest of the line.
Scott Snyder DescribesAbsolute Martian Manhunteras a “Pure Book”
Concept Designs by Javier Rodríguez
Announced during New York Comic Con 2024,Absolute Martian Manhunter#1is set to hit the shelves on March 26th, 2025, and it will be the first in a six-issue miniseries. While details are still largely under wraps, what is known aboutAbsolute Martian Manhuntermakes it sound like perhaps the most radical reinvention yet seen in the Absolute line. The new series will follow FBI agent John Jones, whose body gets taken over by an alien consciousness claiming to be a Martian. This origin contrasts starkly with Martian Manhunter’s traditional origin, in which he’s the last survivor of a long-lost Martian race who becomes stranded on Earth.
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The radical reinvention of J’onn J’onzz sounds like a mind-bending trip in the grand tradition of the likes ofTwin Peaks, and Snyder is quick to highlight how different the series will be:
“It’s really about making sense of the trauma of living in time, and yet it’s also bombastic and it’s Martians and Aliens and it’s awesome. The art is just so kaleidoscopic. It’s so beautiful and again, Deniz [Camp] is one of the upcoming stars who makes me want to write better. I love him.”
Snyder giving props to Camp is well-earned, as the writer has already made a name for himself with another radical reinvention over at the House of Ideas.Camp’s work onThe Ultimateshas shown how the writer successfully spins new takes on classic superhero concepts, soAbsolute Martian Manhuntershould be another fresh spin on a decades-old character.
Absolute Martian Manhunter Sounds Like a Trippy Good Time
And There’s Hope It Won’t Be Limited to a Six Issues
Given the positive reception ofAbsolute Batman,Absolute Wonder Woman, andAbsolute Superman, it sounds like future entries in the Absolute Universe will be continuing the trend with the new entries this year. The creative team of Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles will be bringing fansAbsolute Flash#1 on March 19th, while Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay will be entering the new imprint withAbsolute Green Lantern#1 on April 2nd. With superstar creative teams providing exciting new takes on classic DC characters, hopefullyAbsolute Martian Manhunterand the rest live up to all the pre-release hype.
Source:Owen Likes Comics
Martian Manhunter
J’onn J’onzz, also known as the Martian Manhunter, is a Martian law enforcement officer who, after becoming stranded on Earth, transformed into a superhero and police detective. He was one of the Justice League of America’s original members.
