Detective John
Jones has a case to investigate. Fortunately, he has a witness – an iguana. But
because John Jones is also J’onn J’onzz, aka the Martian Manhunter, he can read
minds – including those of animals. The downside is interpreting the memories
of lower life forms can be a challenge.
It is only now, in its
fourth issue, that this miniseries begins to develop a story of its own. We’ve
revisited MM’s origins and motivations; now it’s time to put him to work. As a
six-issue series, we don’t have much time to work with, but no doubt there is
hope for an ongoing series.
DC Comics seems intent on
cultivating some of it lesser characters, perhaps for exploitation on film and
television. I can appreciate the goal, but I find the strategy flawed. Many of
the B and C-listers who have moved up in the past few decades have done so as
part of a bigger cast. Wolverine in X-Men
and Harley Quinn in Batman and Suicide Squad, for example.
J’onn did well on the Justice League cartoon, but perhaps
making much more central to the JLA franchise might be a better strategy.
Allowing him to grow and develop, then launch him in his own series. But it
could be argued DC Comics is doing exactly that right now.
Sales will tell.
Rating: 7/10