Absolute Martian Manhunter #5 Review

• Written by: Deniz Camp

• Art by: Javier Rodriguez

• Colors by: Javier Rodriguez

• Letters by: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

• Cover art by: Javier Rodriguez (cover A)

• Cover price: $4.99

• Release date: July 23, 2025

Absolute Martian Manhunter #5, by DC Comics on 7/23/25, dives headfirst into a city cloaked in an unnatural, endless night where shadows reflect innermost thoughts and a hero grapples with his inner demons.

First Impressions

My gut reaction to this comic was a resounding "huh?". It felt like I'd walked into the middle of a dream, or maybe a nightmare, with a lot of interesting visuals but not a lot of clear narrative direction.

Recap

A brutal heatwave grips Middleton in Absolute Martian Manhunter #4, causing the city's tempers and violence to flare as minor neighborhood disputes suddenly turn deadly. FBI Agent John Jones, secretly the Martian Manhunter, investigates this dangerous rise in aggression, all while struggling with the emotional distance growing between himself and his wife, Bridget. As John and the alien "Martian" entity inside him work to uncover the source of the chaos—a mysterious white-hot sun only they seem to perceive—they become aware of an even deeper threat involving the White Martians, setting the stage for further psychological and cosmic conflict.

Plot Analysis

Absolute Martian Manhunter #5 opens with Middleton City plunged into total darkness due to a coordinated attack on power stations. This isn't just a regular blackout; it's described as "great darkness," "cosmic darkness," and "darkness before time". Weeks seem to pass without the sun rising, leading the populace to believe morning will never come. John Jones, experiencing this darkness, notes that Martian vision is diminished, forcing reliance on other senses.

Amidst this gloom, the city descends into chaos. Looting becomes rampant, but it's not typical; two-person teams of teens and their "two-dimensional doubles" are seen carrying electronics through smashed shop windows. These "shadow selves" are described as "our perversions, urges, secrets, pain". John Jones observes that the shadows are "rising up" and acting as a "negative influence". Some teens abandon everything to establish "ecstatic religions," dancing in front of fires and worshipping shadows.

John Jones, along with the Martian Manhunter entity, is trying to locate Bridget, a woman he cares for. He waits by the car while the Martian checks on her, expressing concern despite believing she can take care of herself. Jones also encounters a situation at a diner, where he sees people eating what appear to be tainted hamburgers, detecting a "secret ingredient" that evokes "razor-sharp stars of rage". He intervenes, attempting to stop people from eating them.

The issue culminates in a chaotic sequence where Jones, still experiencing the multi-colored mental streams of others, is hit by an ambulance. He falls into a disoriented state, perceiving himself "swimming in a sea of darkness" and struggling to differentiate between reality and the Martian Manhunter's influence. The green Martian entity, which seems to have trapped them, appears to be searching for its "center". The narrative ends on a cliffhanger, with the implication that the darkness is "beginning" and "end[ing] everything".

Story

The story in Absolute Martian Manhunter #5 is a muddled mess. While the concept of a city plunged into a multi-layered darkness with "shadow selves" rising is intriguing, the execution is so abstract and disjointed that it's nearly impossible to follow. Key plot points, like the reason for the initial blackout and the precise nature of the madness that infects people, driving to do horrific things, are glossed over in favor of ambiguous philosophical musings. The dialogue, particularly John Jones's internal monologue, often feels like a stream of consciousness that doesn't effectively advance the narrative or clarify the stakes. The pacing jumps erratically, and the lack of clear cause and effect makes the entire issue feel like a fever dream rather than a coherent story. It's less a narrative and more a series of visually striking but narratively confusing vignettes.

Art

The art in this issue is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the vibrant, almost neon color palette against the dark backgrounds creates a striking and unique visual style. The use of strong, contrasting colors to depict the multi-colored mental streams John Jones perceives is visually arresting and effectively conveys his powers. However, the art often sacrifices clarity for style. Character designs can be inconsistent or overly simplistic, making it difficult to distinguish individuals. The panel layouts are frequently chaotic, contributing to the overall sense of disorientation. While there are moments of genuine artistic flair, the visuals ultimately hinder rather than enhance the storytelling by making it even harder to understand what's happening.

Characters

The characters in this issue feel more like archetypes or mouthpieces for abstract ideas than fully developed individuals. John Jones, the protagonist, spends most of the issue reacting to his environment or engaging in internal monologues that are more confusing than insightful. We're told he cares about Bridget, but their interaction is minimal and largely observed from a distance, making it hard to invest in their connection. The Martian Manhunter entity is presented as an internal presence, but its role feels vague and its dialogue, when present, adds little to understanding its purpose. The "wild teens" and their "shadow selves" are interesting concepts, but they remain faceless figures serving as narrative devices rather than characters with their own motivations. There's a severe lack of emotional depth or clear character arcs, leaving the reader with no one to truly connect with or root for.

Positives

The comic's greatest strength lies in its bold and unique visual style. The vibrant, almost psychedelic color scheme, especially when depicting John Jones's psychic perceptions, is genuinely eye-catching and sets it apart from other comics. The art creates a consistently moody and unsettling atmosphere that perfectly complements the narrative's exploration of darkness and psychological unease. There are also moments of inventive paneling that, despite their occasional confusion, offer a fresh approach to visual storytelling.

Negatives

The primary negative of this issue is its impenetrable narrative. The story is so abstract and disjointed that it becomes a chore to read, leaving the reader with more questions than answers about what's actually happening. The dialogue often feels like nonsensical philosophical musings rather than a way to advance the plot or reveal character. Character development is virtually nonexistent, making it difficult to connect with anyone or care about their fate. The chaotic pacing and lack of clear sequential events further exacerbate the confusion, making the entire experience feel like a random collection of images and half-formed ideas. The art, while visually distinct, frequently sacrifices clarity, making it even harder to decipher the already obscure plot.

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About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Final Thoughts

Absolute Martian Manhunter #5 is an ambitious but ultimately failed attempt at a psychological horror comic. While it has some striking visuals, the overwhelming narrative ambiguity and lack of coherent storytelling make it a frustrating and unsatisfying read. It's a comic that prioritizes abstract concepts over clear communication, leaving the reader lost in its own self-created darkness.

3/10

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