5 Reasons Absolute Martian Manhunter Was the Best DC Book of 2025

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2025 was an excellent year for DC Comics fans. The new DCU streaming platform launched successfully, with shows like Creature Commandos, Superman, and the second season of Peacemaker attracting a large and enthusiastic audience. DC’s comic books were also a hit, steadily building towards the major event, DC K.O., delivering compelling stories each month. Additionally, the Absolute line of deluxe books consistently topped sales charts, offering readers a fresh take on the DC Universe – one created by the villain Darkseid and significantly different from the traditional continuity. The Absolute books were a standout all year, and Absolute Martian Manhunter, written by Deniz Camp and illustrated by Javier Rodriguez, received particularly high praise from both fans and critics.

In 2025, Absolute Martian Manhunter released seven issues that quickly became some of the year’s most celebrated comics. While many excellent comics are published annually, Absolute Martian Manhunter stands out. It’s a truly remarkable book, and here are five reasons why it’s the best DC comic of the year.

5) John Jones and His Family Are Compelling Characters

One reason the Absolute line works so well is its fresh take on familiar characters, both heroes and villains. For example, John Jones is a vastly different character from J’onn J’onnz, and that contrast is a key strength of the story. Jones is a dedicated federal agent, and his connection with the Green Martian has deepened his empathy, making him acutely aware of the suffering around him. This bond also creates significant tension in his personal life; his wife and child sense a change in him and struggle to understand where the man they knew has gone. The book portrays their feelings with great sensitivity. While the characters are straightforward, this simplicity allows the author to explore tragic themes and take the family in unexpected directions.

4) It’s Unique

Absolute Martian Manhunter truly stands out, and that’s a major reason why it’s so popular with fans. Visually, it’s unlike any other comic book – we’ll discuss the incredible artwork by Rodriguez later, but his style is key to what makes this book special. The striking use of color immediately catches your eye, and it presents familiar powers, like telepathy, in a completely fresh way. Despite its visual creativity, the storytelling itself is remarkably straightforward, with writer Camp and artist Rodriguez complementing each other perfectly. Even seasoned comic readers will discover something new in Absolute Martian Manhunter, giving it a unique feel that you won’t find anywhere else.

3) Powerful, Emotional Storytelling

What really struck me about Absolute Martian Manhunter was just how deeply emotional it is. Yes, the core of the story is about John and the Martian Manhunter stopping a White Martian threat, but honestly, it felt more like a story about the Jones family. I remember being completely floored by a scene in issue #4 – John realizes his dedication to work has made his wife question his love for her, and it just crushed him. It’s a truly powerful moment, and there are so many like it throughout the seven issues. What’s impressive is that, unlike some modern comics, the emotional impact never feels forced or manipulative. This book really relies on you connecting with the Jones family, and it does an amazing job of making you genuinely care about them.

2) Deniz Camp’s Writing Pulls You In

It’s obvious that strong writing is crucial for a good comic, and that’s especially true with Deniz Camp’s Absolute Martian Manhunter. Camp has quickly become a top comic writer, and this book is his best mainstream work yet. He consistently delivers compelling characters and a well-developed plot, skillfully reimagining familiar moments. The captions are particularly impressive, seamlessly blending with the artwork to create powerful and memorable scenes. Camp’s ability to collaborate with artist Rodriguez is also remarkable; they have a rare creative synergy on this, their first major project together, which truly highlights the quality of his writing.

1) Javier Rodriguez’s Art Is Mind-Blowing

Javier Rodriguez’s artwork elevates Absolute Martian Manhunter to a true work of art. He’s one of the most gifted artists working in comics today, and this book represents his career peak. Each panel and page is incredibly detailed, rewarding close inspection after the initial read. Rodriguez masterfully uses color and form, creating innovative visuals and conveying ideas in fresh, exciting ways. Writer Steve Orlando packs the story with emotion, and Rodriguez brilliantly brings those feelings to life on every page. After 35 years of reading comics, I’ve never encountered artwork quite like this – it’s a shining example of what the medium can achieve, and Rodriguez has truly outdone himself.

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2026-01-13 20:14