Noteworthy Issues: Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 (June, 2025)

Ohhh, this series is soooooo good.

Issue:  Absolute Martian Manhunter #4, June 2025

Writer:  Deniz Camp

Artist:  Javier Rodriguez

The Plot:  It’s hot outside.

Commentary:  Here’s what I love about this series:  it’s clever, psychedelic, looks like no other superhero series I can ever claim to have read, and there’s a lot of depth beyond the trippy exterior.  Really, this is the sort of series that I would always enjoy if it’s done well, and this one sure does do well.

Take this issue:  the Martian has sensed that the White Martian, his adversary, is creating a heat wave to drive people into committing acts of violence.  The Martian can fix the problem, but he’ll need a few days.  Meanwhile, John’s wife is really sick of his running off to fight crime all the time as he never consulted her before moving to this new assignment.  John has two options:  he can help the Martian fix the sun, or he can save his marriage.

Arguably, there’s no good decision here, but it’s made worse because, thanks to the Martian, John knows full well what his wife is thinking and has for a while now.  The personal drama is just as good if not better than the superhero stuff.  Heck, this is barely a superhero book.  It’s more like a weird sci-fi story.  If the Absolute universe ever does some kind of Justice League, even a temporary one, they’re going to have a hard time fitting the Martian into the team.  But in the meantime, man, this is just such a good series.

Grade:  A