DC Comics reviews for 1/9/19

Martian Manhunter #2

Martian Manhunter is the book all comic fans should read if they want more out-there comics that’s like nothing else on the stands.

Writer Steve Orlando has found fertile ground cultivating the past of one of DC’s most mysterious heroes. Martian Manhunter is one of those heroes everyone thinks they know all the important elements and Orlando is shaking up all expectations.

It’s led to an incredibly fun read developing a backstory for a character we never knew needed one.

In issue 2, Orlando reveals more of J’onn J’onzz’s life on Mars and his conflicting paths as a cruel Manhunter and as a father. Now, J’onn learns of a threat that could endanger his people. It reads like a more exciting tale of life on Krypton if Kal-El was an adult before the planet exploded.

In the somewhat present day, Det. John Jones deals with the fallout of his identity being revealed to his partner. This doesn’t quite play out like you might think.

Artist Riley Rossmo is doing some major league work here to the point that no other artist is going to want to follow him on this book. Rossmo’s interpretations of life on Mars is so intriguing and appropriately alien that it truly feels otherworldly.

Rossmo already draws incredibly expressive characters so even the current day scenes have an energetic and exciting liveliness to them.

Martian Manhunter #2 was another reminder that this is easily one of the most innovative titles we’ve seen from DC in years. If you’re not reading this one you’re really missing something special.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10