Martian Manhunter leaving Stormwatch?

As probably assumed, I am an avid comic book reader, and even though my tastes may wax and wane as creative teams get shuffled about there are still a of couple characters and teams that I always love reading about.

One such character is the grossly underappreciated Martian Manhunter.

For the uninitiated, Martian Manhunter possesses similar strength and speed to that of Superman, but he is also laced with strong psychic powers and has the ability to shift into any form. Pretty snazzy, right? Personally, I have found it frustrating that the Manhunter from Mars has not hit the mainstream populous, but due to the lack of an early fan base and some unusual character development choices throughout the years he has largely remained along the sidelines when compared to the Trinity and Green Lantern.

He led the Justice League of America for many years in the 1980s and Grant Morrison’s JLA in the late 90’s/early 00’s, in perhaps his most influential runs, before being cast as the martyr in DC’s Final Crisis. Finally reemerging during DC’s famously complex Final Crisis the Manhunter from Mars was slain, but like all superheroes and villains with potential, he was revived in Geoff John’s Brightest Day maxi-series.

With DC relaunching its universe in September of 2011 the Martian Manhunter became an integral part in Wildstorm turned DC franchise, Stormwatch. Paul Cornell, who is an amazingly talented science fiction writer, grabbed reigns of the new ongoing series, but was sadly yanked from the run after only one story arc, and replaced by Peter Milligan.

Unfortunately, I have a huge stack of recent back issues that I have been meaning to read, but just not gotten around to. However, this morning I was able to start cracking into my monstrous pile with a nice cup of Seattle’s Best. One such unread title that I got to peruse and finally read was Stormwatch #12, which primarily focuses on Martian Manhunter wiping the minds of his fellow teammates, so that he could leave the team without any repercussions. The Shadow Lords (the otherworldly benefactors of Stormwatch) allow him to break their coveted rule of ‘no one leavesStormwatch alive,' but in return they ask a favor of him. This little plot detail leaves a nice open-ended plotline for the Martian Manhunter to follow as time progresses.

For me this plot twists came as a complete and utter shock. First off, I only started reading Stormwatch for Paul Cornell’s writing and Martian Manhunter. Now, with the proactive missing in action I see almost no other reason to continuing reading the series. Besides the unfortunate turn of events in an otherwise solid series a more important question comes to mind: What will DC do with Martian Manhunter?

It stands to reason that the creative team behind Stormwatch could be leading up to a story arc that would better fit a solo working Martian Manhunter. This would create a unique split narrative that might better flesh out the character development of those in Stormwatch, which would imply that Martian Manhunter would return to the team (in an official capacity) at the conclusion of the plotline. Also, Geoff Johns’ and Jim Lee’s Justice League has made slight references to Martian Manhunter, so his exodus from Stormwatch could merely insinuated that his introduction to the Justice League is imminent. Or, with DC’s cancellations coming up in September Martian Manhunter could be thrown a bone and receive his own title, or even a group to lead that would be comparable to the stellar (but, unfortunately canceled!) Justice League International.

Honestly, who knows what DC has in store for the good Martian, but one thing is for certain they better include him in something. He is a stellar character who is slowly garnishing the attention that he deserves. He is gracefully reaching the upper echelons of awesomeness.

I love the character so much I even named my personal comic book blog after him. So, to not see him in anything reoccurring would be practically maddening for a fan boy like me.

Check out character bios over at the DC Comics' website, and do not forget to check back here—I have a surprise hitting the Internets tomorrow.

(SOURCE: Martian Manhunter leaving Stormwatch?)

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The NEW 52: Stormwatch #1

Stormwatch #1 is written by Paul Cornell and penciled by Miguel Sepulveda.  Paul Cornell is most famous for his writings concerning the British hero, Timelord, and time traveler, Dr. Who.

Stormwatch is a Wildstorm property that DC is trying to blend into the regular DC ‘continuity’ by creating a regular serial by using DC’s new 52 as a proverbial launch pad.  Stormwatch is an organization that disbands the use of the term ‘hero’ and lives in secrecy in order to protect Earth from its greatest threats.  No one knows that they exist even though they have watched and protected Earth since the Middle Ages.

Stormwatch calls Jack Hawksmoor, Apollo, Midnighter, the Martian Manhunter, Jenny Quantum, the Engineer, Adam One, the Projectionist, and the Eminence of Blades as its members and seeks to combine Wildstorm, DC, and new characters into a super group that exists to protect and serve in secrecy.

Issue #1 opens with Stormwatch headquarters, dubbed the Eye of the Storm, floating through hyperspace and introduces readers to DC’s new characters Adam One and the Engineer conversing about the other members of Stormwatch and a new menace that seems to resemble a giant horn. 

The issue then flips to Earth as the Engineer peers into their teammates endeavors to recruit the antihero Apollo into their ranks.  Jack provides a detailed argument as to why Apollo should join Stormwatch, but Apollo resists and bolts from Jack and his companions, the Martian Manhunter and the Projectionist.  The three give chase as the issue segues back to Stormwatch headquarters.

The Eminence of Blades is geared up and heading out in an astronaut suit to gather intelligence on the claws that have recently begun to form upon the surface of the moon.  Once reaching the celestial body, the Eminence of Blades is sucked below the surface of the moon where he is confronted and possessed by an alien entity named the Scourge of Worlds.  Before possessing Harry Tanner, aka the Eminence of Blades, the creature claims to be the only being able to survive and combat the peril that theEngineer viewed earlier upon the Eye of the Storm.

Back on Earth Apollo is still running from the rest of Stormwatch by ducking and dodging down back alleys in an effort to lose his followers.  Jack, with his ability to alter and speak to the city around him, flips gravity thus sending Apollo crashing to the ceiling.  In his anger Apollo throws a punch at the Martian Manhunter.  The Martian Manhunter merely replies, “Impressive…,” and then proceeds to shape shift into a monster to battle Apollo more effectively.  Suddenly, Midnighter flashes into view striking down the three members of Stormwatch and the issue the ends with Midnight shaking Apollo’s hand and asking, “With your help, I can kill every evil bastard on the planet.  Interested…?”

Personal Thoughts:  I really enjoyed this comic book because it introduced and updated some great Wildstorm characters as well as adding DC’s Martian Manhunter.  Time will tell if the new characters added to the Stormwatch roster will gain popularity and really shine through the established DC and Wildstorm characters.  Paul Cornell’s style bleeds through excellently and catches the reader’s attention almost immediately.  He sets up the group’s dynamic nicely by splitting the issue into two interwoven plots and jockeying back and forth as one epiphany leads to another.  It was an excellent plot device that allowed Paul to introduce multiple characters efficiently and cohesively.  He blends science fiction masterfully with some truly rich characters.  The art was interesting as well.  The characters facial expressions were not as detailed as in some of the other new 52, but some abstract and really colorful pieces were sprinkled throughout the issue that made the art standout in just the right moments.  However, that being said the more grandioso moments such as the illustrations of the giant worm in the Himalayas, the images in space, and the Manhunter from Mars’ shift were done excellently.  The depiction of the Stormwatch headquarters in the very first panel is excellently colored.  The muted hues blended together to represent hyperspace really caught my eye.  Also, when the Martian Manhunter transforms, into a fearsome monster, to corral Apollo the art that showcased the Manhunter’s transformation was exceptional; the piece was excellently rendered.  I look forward to reading more and I will definitely be reading this serial continuously.

I give Stormwatch #1 four-and-a half stars out of five.  Check back here for more coverage on DC’s NEW 52 as the new issues release throughout the weeks!

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