Booknote: Martian Manhunter, Volume 1

Rob Williams, et.al., Martian Manhunter, Volume 1: The Epiphany. Burbank, CA: DC Comics, 2016.  ISBN: 9781401261511.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenres: superheroes
Format: e-book galley
Source: NetGalley

This has not been a character I've seen a lot outside of Justice League cartoons and a Justice League comic here or there, so I was intrigued when this volume came available for review. I also loved the cover art right away, which really brings out the character's true alien nature. It is this alien nature and otherness that is explored in this volume.

J'onn J'onz, a.k.a. the Martian Manhunter, is truly an alien on Earth. He settles in and becomes a hero and member of the Justice League and some other hero groups. However, though he claimed that he was the last of his Martian race, that does not seem to be the case. Martians are about to invade Earth, and the alien hero has to choose sides as he finds out he could be used as a weapon by the Martians.

The comic looks back at the character's past and origin. However, it is a pretty good thriller as both sides chase the hero. The Martian Manhunter is forced to make a substantial sacrifice. The comic reads like an action and intrigue story. The art is also very good on this volume, adding to the reasons to pick it up. I really liked this one for its good story that drew me in on a character we rarely see on his own. Libraries that already collect DC Comics titles will want to pick this up, especially if they already have a few Justice League volumes.

4 out of 5 stars.


This book qualifies for the following 2016 Reading Challenges: