The Ringo-nominated comics writer has teamed up with artist Javier Rodriguez (History of the Marvel Universe) for DC’s Absolute Martian Manhunter series, the second volume of which is out in August. Their version of this lesser-known superhero’s psychological detective story has won over fans with its formal experimentation. PW called the book “a joy” in its review, noting, “Unorthodox layouts force readers to untangle layers of reality.” Camp’s also busy writing (across enemy lines) for Marvel’s Ultimate series, and on his creator-owned series Assorted Crisis Events, published by Image, and Bleeding Hearts, from Vertigo.
Sales data shows the Absolute series comics, which reimagine superhero backstories, are increasingly popular. Have you felt that swell?
The response has been overwhelming and really lovely. One of the amazing things about Absolute Martian Manhunter is a lot of people tell me it’s their first comic, or it’s the only comic their partner has ever wanted to read. I think we’re appealing to a slightly different demographic, and that’s gratifying.
What drew you to Martian Manhunter as a character?
To be a creator, you have to be more in love with what a character can be than with what a character has been. That’s doubly true with the Absolute line, and I saw elements within this character that aligned with my own interests around free will and consciousness. I wanted to play with those concepts in a completely new way.
Are there themes you find yourself exploring repeatedly in your comics?
I have a love for humanity and the human experience. People are always beautiful, but they’re at their most beautiful when they’re being vulnerable and truthful. It’s more than when they’re strong. We’re playing with that in Absolute Martian Manhunter and Assorted Crisis Events. I try to vary things in my projects, so it doesn’t feel like I’m repeating myself, but if there’s one thing I don’t try to change, it’s a respect for and an appreciation of people.
Can you talk about your general philosophy as a writer?
I am a political person, but I have a broad definition of political. When I see a failure in systems we’ve created, I want to talk about them. They determine our interactions so much that you can’t really tell a story about people without telling a story about the systems they exist within. That is the human experience as I’m experiencing it, and drawing from the real world gives the work a power and a truth I couldn’t get if I was just making it up. I’m not that good of a writer. Tolkien could do it. I can’t.
