Martian Manhunter #1
Originally Presented at Comixtreme.com
Quick Rating: Below Average
Title: The Others Among Us Part One
Is J’onn J’onzz really the last Green Martian?
Writer: A.J. Lieberman
Pencils: Al Barrionuevo
Inks: Bit
Colors: Marta Martinez
Letters: Travis Lanham
Editor: Matt Idelson
Cover Art: Al Barrionuevo
Publisher: DC Comics
I love the Martian Manhunter. I think he’s one of those great characters that has never gotten the respect he deserves, and whenever he gets a spotlight, I hope that it will be the story that finally gives him that place of honor in the DC Pantheon. Judging from the first issue, though, this new miniseries is not the story that’s going to do that for him.
Basically, J’onn has found evidence that he’s not the last Green Martian, as he has long believed, and his search has put him at odds with the human authorities, who don’t recognize him because he’s changed his look. As to why he’s changed his look, he says it’s because he’s “no longer alone” - although why that would make him adopt a shape that frightens people when he’s not around any potential Martians is beyond me. The book is weighed down by a constant, clunky inner monologue. It’s overwritten and unwieldy, and while J’onn has always been an introspective character, the stuff that spills into his captions in this book is just tedious.
The artwork helps elevate the rating, but only a little. I’m not a fan of the character’s much-vaunted new look (especially the ridged chin, which just makes him look like a Skrull), but I don’t blame Barrionuevo for that. Of bigger concern is a few instances of storytelling problems - as J’onn is attacked in one sequence, for instance, his constantly-running interior monologue comments on what a particular type of weapon feels like. Unfortunately, the art never clearly shows us just what kind of weapon is being used, so we’re left to guess.
I was willing to give Lieberman a shot on this book, despite an unimpressive run on Batman: Gotham Knights, because he did have some good moments when he worked with the right characters. I was hoping he would click with J’onn. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem he has, and the Martian Manhunter will have to wait until the next go-round to get his due.
Rating: 4/10