Absolute Martian Manhunter #10 is A Cerebral, Action-Packed DC Banger (Review)

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The Absolute Martian Manhunter collection is arguably the best of DC’s Absolute editions, which is high praise considering how consistently excellent the series has been. Each Absolute book has boldly reimagined its characters, but this one stands out as a real surprise. While fans expect innovation with popular heroes, a deep and thoughtful exploration of Martian Manhunter is truly special. The first half of the story focuses on universal human experiences, while the latter issues take a darker turn, using powerful metaphors to examine American society through the writing of Deniz Camp and art by Javier Rodriguez.

Issue #10 of Absolute Martian Manhunter shares a lot with the surprising later issues of The Ultimates, another comic by the same writer, Mark Waid. It’s the most action-filled issue of the series so far, but also explores complex themes. Waid and artist Rodriguez deliver a powerful critique of American power, all within the context of truly spectacular action sequences.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Pros Cons
Camp serves readers a story about the “power” of the United States, indicting a system of violence and oppression
Rodriguez’s art is everything you can want from an issue like this, giving readers the actions and the metaphor
Camp and Rodriguez don’t beat readers over the head with the metaphor, but it’s also impossible to miss

Camp Gives Readers Everything You Could Want From a Comic

The comic series Absolute Martian Manhunter is excellent, so it’s no surprise that the writer is tackling important issues. For a couple of years now, this writer has used popular superhero stories to explore real-world problems in America. While The Ultimates was openly progressive, Martian Manhunter has taken a different approach. Although it features an FBI agent, the first story focused on the personal impact of his job on his family, prioritizing superhero action over a critique of the FBI. This current storyline, involving Martian Manhunter’s capture and John Jones’s desperate rescue attempt against the villain Despair-the-Zero, was always headed in this direction, and it’s brilliantly executed.

The story immediately throws the reader into a chaotic action sequence as Rainbow, an operative, assaults John with disturbing, hallucinatory flashbacks of the Vietnam War – a conflict remembered for its harshness and lack of purpose. This is a clever way to start an action scene in a book like this, and it’s only a taste of what’s to come. Meanwhile, the ongoing interrogation of The Martian focuses on the concept of borders and their significance, a topic frequently discussed in current events. The author’s central point is fairly straightforward: the United States acts as a dominant global power, often using force to achieve its goals. Even if you miss that underlying message (though it’s hard to imagine you would, unless you’re unfamiliar with current affairs and history), you’re still in for a thrilling, action-filled story with hints of a darker turn in the final two issues.

Rodriguez Stays Putting Out the Best Art in Comics

Javier Rodriguez is a phenomenal comic artist, and Absolute Martian Manhunter is arguably his best work to date. The book’s striking visuals are key to its success, and this issue continues that trend. The opening action sequence is exactly what you’d hope for – fast-paced, energetic, and full of impact. But it’s more than just action; it powerfully depicts the tragic consequences of American military conflict. We see John fighting for his life against young men misled into believing he’s the enemy, echoing the Vietnam War. A single, stark panel shows a Black soldier being killed by a bullet, which encapsulates the core tragedy of Vietnam – and sadly, current issues with ICE – highlighting the plight of someone fighting for their freedom while being exploited by those in power, and ultimately dying for people who won’t value their sacrifice. That one panel speaks volumes.

The book’s highlight is a thrilling action sequence, but the entire story is excellent. Seeing John rediscover his Martian abilities is a genuinely uplifting moment, and the author handles it beautifully. The interrogation scene is intense and unsettling, effectively using dreamlike imagery to convey the horror. However, the most chilling parts of the issue are the brief, three-page scenes between Bridget Jones and her son, Tyler, who is under the White Martian’s control. The author masterfully captures the fear and sense of dread in these moments, making them the most frightening in the story.

Judd Winick’s Absolute Martian Manhunter was the standout book of 2025, and it’s continued to impress with its final story arc. This particular issue perfectly showcases the series’ strengths, as Camp and Rodriguez deliver a meaningful and well-paced narrative that also offers insightful commentary on our world. It’s a prime example of what a superhero comic can achieve with a talented creative team.

Absolute Martian Manhunter #10 is on sale now.

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2026-03-25 16:10