Absolute Martian Manhunter #8 Has a Powerful Message for the World (Review)

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I’ve said it many times before: DC Comics’ Absolute Martian Manhunter is truly one of the best comics being published today. DC’s Absolute line was a big hit in 2025, and I believe Deniz Camp and Javier Rodríguez’s series is its standout achievement. This isn’t just a mind-bending story about an FBI agent teaming up with a psychic alien in an epic space battle; it’s a story that really captures the emotional struggles people face in the world today.

The latest issue picks up where the last one left off, following John and the Martian after their confrontation with the White Martian. John is struggling personally, as his honesty about being a Martian has driven a wedge between him and his wife. Meanwhile, a sense of isolation is taking hold in his hometown, which unfortunately creates an opportunity for the White Martian to regain power. Absolute Martian Manhunter #8 delivers a particularly impactful story, and its themes of connection and community feel especially relevant given current events. It’s a moving narrative that will resonate with many readers.

Rating 4.5 out of 5

PROS CONS
Amazing character work and narration A bit short
Fantastic art as always Not extremely new-reader accessible

Absolute Martian Manhunter #8 Swings for the Fences in Powerful Issue

The White Martian’s influence over Middleton is increasing, causing people to withdraw from each other. This fear is escalating into widespread suspicion, even among family and loved ones, with everyone reporting on everyone else. As a result, the FBI pulls John from office work and sends him back on active duty. While the Martian suspects the White Martian’s involvement, John is also struggling with troubling thoughts. He asks the Martian for one night to try and reconcile with Bridget, and the entity reluctantly agrees.

Neither John nor the Martian realizes they’re being hunted by a powerful group called the Agency. This organization has psychic abilities and can follow the Martian’s mental signature. They go their separate ways – John tries to reconnect with his wife, Bridget, but they continue to misunderstand each other and can’t resolve their issues. Meanwhile, the Agency locates the Martian, who is currently hiding inside the mind of an unaware Middleton resident.

The Agency discovers the key to defeating the Martian: the very idea of a gun, specifically as understood in American culture. They use intense patriotism and a shared way of thinking – brilliantly demonstrated on an interactive website – to successfully contain the alien. Once free from the Martian’s influence back at his hotel, John finds he’s not alone. A new psychic being appears, one that, like John, can sense the thoughts and emotions of others, but views them with contempt. This entity, calling itself Despair-the-Zero, announces itself as John’s new partner.

This Issue Feels Like a Painful, Needed Mirror to Real Life

Let’s be blunt: things are in a terrible state in the US right now. We’re seeing people pitted against each other, and the government is resorting to harsh, even deadly, tactics supposedly to maintain order. Reading this story, I was immediately reminded of the recent events in Minnesota. While Camp and Rodríguez have always been excellent at showing the complexities of human nature, this time they’re focusing on a disturbing and growing darkness.

The story’s portrayal of the Agency is unsettling, but powerfully done. Their relentless pursuit of the ‘alien’ – accusing him of trespassing on a psychic plane and promoting harmful beliefs – isn’t delicate, but the creators, Camp and Rodriguez, pull it off brilliantly. A standout moment is when the Agency directly appeals to readers to help capture the Martian, cleverly using patriotism and fear of the unknown to rally support. Camp and Rodriguez aren’t shying away from difficult themes, and that’s exactly what makes this story so important and timely.

The artwork remains stunning, and the characters are as well-developed as ever. However, this issue is more than just another enjoyable installment. It’s a powerful message from the creators, a 20-page plea to be cautious of prioritizing national pride over the well-being of others. It serves as a reminder that when we isolate ourselves, harmful ideas can take root and cause suffering. Absolute Martian Manhunter is a fantastic series, and its important message deserves to be heard.

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2026-01-28 17:44