Absolute Martian Manhunter #11 Review

 

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.