ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER #8: A CHOICE MUST BE MADE

The hunt for the White Martian continues as John attempts to choose between saving his marriage or giving over control to the Martian.

Creative Team: Deniz Camp (WRITER), Javier Rodriguez (ART and COVER), and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (LETTERS).

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story:

Deniz is bringing depression and mental illness awareness to the forefront in this arc and using incredible allegories to tell this tragic story. John’s life has fallen apart, and the expectations from his boss to get over it hit far too close to home. Aside from this, the world at large is collapsing into chaos to the point that the Martian is out battling, and John must choose to help or ignore it for the sake of his marriage. This story is unfolding so deeply and emotionally with every issue that is released.

The Art and Letters:

Javier continues to wow with the impressive artwork and variations in color work. What stands out most in this issue is the way the smoke is created into words surrounding the panel, adding to the scene and the feelings of despair this issue is conveying. The art does some intriguing things, such as the opening pages having effects on the side, and then when we see a man being punched, the way his eyes are almost 3D from the page. Every issue this run continues to be the best colored and detailed comic in the business currently.

Final Thoughts:

Absolute Martian Manhunter #8 displays a society that is slowly collapsing and the struggles everyone faces. We dive into John’s mind more and more as he must make a choice: does he save his marriage, or does he give over control to the Martian?

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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