Much has been written about DC’s Absolute line, from its massive success to its great acclaim. In their best forms, the comics are true re-imaginings, giving its creators the freedom to take artistic risks. Even when they just come at it in a more straight fashion, the results are can still be praiseworthy (Absolute Superman no. 7 is a great, and really scary, take on Brainiac and one of the year’s great standalone issues).
Absolute Martian Manhunter is a standout series and, we’ll admit, not for everyone. Too bad for them, for we here at Heat Vision dig it. The art by Javier Rodriguez is trippy and kaleidoscopic, matching an equally hallucinatory story by Deniz Camp, in which an FBI agent named John Jones and a green Martian are connected subconsciously to fight the insidious evil growing in their town. The book is plugged into the issues of the day, be it mass shootings, domestic terrorism or homelessness, and if the issues weren’t printed on modern glossy paper, you’d think it was part of the industry’s heady and transgressive comics from the early or mid 1970s. Plus, how can you resist Martianvision? Easily on of the year’s top artistic achievements.
And when it comes to Batman and Wonder Woman? Look out.
Absolute Batman and Absolute Wonder Woman have both been singled out as some of the best titles of the year, earning Eisner Award nominations (Wonder Woman won). Both deserve the plaudits.
Absolute Batman
Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Nick Dragotta
Publisher: DC
Absolute Batman is not your father’s Batman, your grandfather’s Batman, or even your older brother’s Batman. This one is your. All yours. This book sees characters pushed to the brink, physically and emotionally, then shoved beyond. It has tales of action and horror and of monsters and men.
The art by Dragotta, the series’ main illustrator, brings out of the obscene horror of the villains and the pulse-pounding (or is it face-pounding?) power of this hulking Bruce Wayne as the artist seems intent on rolling dice to see how many panels he’ll draw on any given page.
Even if its undercurrent message is of choosing life over death, and how who you love is what cane make you a hero, this is a nihilistic book made for our nihilistic times.
Wonder Woman
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Hayden Sherman
Publisher: DC
As dark and violent and grounded as Absolute Batman is, Absolute Wonder Woman is on the opposite side of the spectrum. With a skeleton of a winged Pegasus as her steed, this version of Wonder Woman is powered by magic, witchcraft and Greek mythology. This is a book where the epic, say a giant tetracide and a minotaur, coexist seamlessly with the personal. Case in point: the flashbacks of Diana growing up in the underworld under the care of Circe hitting the reader with surprising tender and emotional notes. And the story zigs when you think they are going to zag.
The book is taken to the next level thanks to the astonishing talent of Sherman, whose inventive and lyrical page design,and unique linework and perspectives make the comic a thing of beauty that showcases what the medium can be. Together, Thompson and Sherman are creating a tale for the ages.
