‘Martian Manhunter/Marvin the Martian Special #1’ Review
Written by Steve Orlando, Frank, J. Barbiere, Jim Fanning | Art by Jerome K. Moore, John Loter | Published by DC Comics
“Martian Manhunter tries to halt Marvin the Martian’s determination for world domination. J’onn is conflicted with his own Martian identity as he attempts to stop the hapless, determined Marvin from blowing Earth to bits in order to gain a clear view of Venus”.
After The Flintstones showed how great a new comic based on an old cartoon could be, a book that involves Martian the Manhunter and Marvin the Martian teaming up should not be scoffed at as easily. Maybe it is possible to take what was done in that book and replicate it in a new way with this pairing. Although Martian Manhunter/Marvin the Martian Special #1 is not to the level of The Flintstones, it too is MUCH better than it has any business being. Also, it’s the only place currently where Martian Manhunter is a featured character. Further proof of the strange world that we live in currently.
J’Onn is attempting to use a space gate to seek other possible Martians that may exist in the vast cosmos. What he does not expect however is a character like Marvin to appear from an entirely different dimension. Steve Orlando and Frank, J. Barbiere give us an altered version of Marvin that is still bent on destroying Earth, but for deeper reasons than it is blocking his desired view. This Marvin is looking to destroy Earth before their hateful and dangerous ways can spread and destroy other worlds, like what happened in his universe.
An alien coming to Earth to destroy it due to its dangerous ways is by far not a groundbreaking story. It works though due to its connection o J’onn and the struggles he has had with the human race. Aaron Lopresti’s art ties this all together. He creates a Marvin that resembles the original design but fits into this more mature version.
For those who were hoping for a more classic Looney Tunes take there is also an enjoyable backup story that is in the vein of all those classic Marvin the Martin cartoons. It was a smart move covering all the different bases as it showcased different ways they could continue this idea if so desired.
***½ 3.5/5
