Martian Manhunter #6 (of 12): The End of All Things

Martian Manhunter #6 is an absolute master’s class in suspenseful, heartbreaking storytelling. From issue one of this maxiseries, a looming sense of dread has pervaded every scene on Mars, knowing as we do as readers of M’ryi’ah and Kh’ym’s ultimate fates. The scenes of domestic bliss – reaching a crescendo this issue with Kh’ym’s birth – have stood as poignant reflections, reminders of everything J’onn will soon lose when Mars burns.

Everything reaches its heartbreaking conclusion this issue, with Mars’ absolute destruction and J’onn’s loss of everything he knows and loves. It’s perhaps not impertinent, though, to look forward to future issues elucidating how J’onn came to Earth, lost in the throes of grief and despair, thanks to Professor Erdel.

Writer Steve Orlando, continues with this series to finally produce a work that lives up to his reputation as one of comicdom’s new modern masters. Partnered with Riley Rossmo and Ivan Plascencia on art, there’s an artistic synergy on display here rarely seen  in comics – especially in modern times, when artists tend to be more disposable and/or interchangeable.

As a caveat I throw out in every review of this series, it won’t be for everyone. The art is extremely idiosyncratic, and the idea of J’onn being a corrupt cop will be blasphemous to many. But Orlando sells it so well – J’onn really believes that his actions are justified because he’s lied to himself long enough that he’s doing it to better his family’s life. But in this issue, the lie is ripped to shreds at the time when its exposure hurts the most – the moments before M’yri’ah and Kh’ym’s deaths. Kh’ym’s life ends in confusion, and M’yri’ah’s in betrayal. It’s a sting J’onn will carry the rest of his life, but will someday serve to push him to be a hero – a new dimension added to a character who, after sixty-four years, still manages to surprise.