Absolute Martian Manhunter #11 Review
Writer: Deniz Camp
Artist & Colorist: Javier Rodríguez
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover Artists: Javier Rodríguez, Mike Del Mundo, Dave
Johnson & Werther Dell’Edera
Editors: Sabrina Futch & Katie Kubert
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99/$5.99 Card Stock
Release Date: May 13, 2026
Despite Bridget's love for him, John Jones hid the truth
from her. Yet when the FBI Agent finally confessed the truth about his
relationship with the Green Martian, Bridget shut him out of her life. As his
wife withdraws to their home, her overwhelming love for her son is a lie. Yet
John braves the dangers of non-Euclidean space to rescue the Green Martian from
Americans who love their country.
Will Marco's musings on love in the Starlight Motel bar
prove prophetic for John's relationship with Bridget and Tyler? And after the
White Martian’s attack on Middleton, can John and the Green Martian convince
everyone to sing "All You Need Is Love"? Let's leap into Absolute
Martian Manhunter #11 and see!
Story
After rescuing the Green Martian from a black hole, FBI
Agent John Jones returns to Middleton. While he is happy to have rescued the
person who gives him hope, John wishes he could have left behind the Martian
that fills him with despair. Yet the Green Martian and the Blue Martian remain
by his side. He realizes his wife and child are in the clutches of the White
Martian. And as John races to reach Bridget and Tyler, the mysterious
government agents lie in wait.
While the Green Martian tries to protect John from the Blue
Martian, he also shields them from the agents' attacks. Yet no one can shield
John from the Blue Martian's Despero-Vision in Absolute Martian Manhunter #11.
Amid the gunfire and the Green Martian's energy beams, the Blue Martian
revisits key moments from John's past. It also ponders the efficacy of John's
actions. As an FBI agent, John has dedicated his life to safeguarding society.
Yet the Blue Martian makes John wonder if, instead of keeping people safe, he's
made things worse for everyone.
After a visit to a coffee shop left John in the hospital and
other patrons dead, Deniz Camp's story ponders the role of free will in our
lives. John's claims about the Green Martian helping him remake his life made
his wife fear for his sanity. But while John races to rescue Bridget and Tyler,
battling forces within and without, Bridget also begins to ponder her choices.
Conformity to societal norms should make her happy. Yet, in Absolute Martian
Manhunter #11, Bridget yearns for completeness.
Art
Despite John's determined expression as he charges down the
street, a close-up reveals the tiny Green and Blue Martians clinging to
opposite sides of his head. Memories obscure his features, and Green tries to
pull Blue away when it clings to John's ear. Subjects climb from cinema posters
to threaten John, while Bridget cleans up after Tyler's colorful visitors.
Javier Rodríguez's palette suggests why Darkseid created
this universe. Bridget's colorful visitors produce white smoke filled with
symbols of empty happiness, sorrow, and death. Despite her multicolored
thoughts, Bridget wears a yellow scarf over her head. John senses the Green
Martian's rage as he shoots red beams at their attackers. Behind him, the Blue
Martian cradles John in his arms, as if soothing him with despair instead of
hope. A black-and-white government agent launches a red, white, and blue attack.
Yet as the Blue Martian forces John to relive the memories that torment him,
the green background and ground cracks in Absolute Martian Manhunter #11.
Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou places uppercase black letters in cream
dialogue balloons and boxes. Lowercase letters suggest lowered voices, while
enlarged uppercase words deform balloons. White letters appear in dark
backgrounds, while yellow sound effects suggest what provokes violence. Green
letters shine amid black splotches, reminding us how easy it is to talk
ourselves into despair. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.
Final Thoughts
After John Jones and the Green Martian repulsed his frontal
attack on Middleton, the White Martian crept into the residents' homes. This
time, it doesn't urge them to destroy their multicultural city through violence
and terrorism. Instead, it induces lethargy and suspicion among its captives. But
the White Martian reserves its primary efforts for John's household, knowing
that, separated from the people who support him, John will eventually weaken
and die. As the Blue Martian urges John to reevaluate his life, Bridget strives
to defeat the fear that traps her in Absolute Martian Manhunter #11.
Rating 9.8/10
To look inside see my preview of Absolute Martian Manhunter #11.
For what happened last time, see my review of Absolute Martian Manhunter #10.