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com

MASTER ASSASSINS OF MARS

A Review of Marvel Comic's John Carter Warlord of Mars Issues 16-27

DAVID BRUCE BOZARTH

Copyright 2007

Images copyright by Marvel Comics 1978-1979

In the mid 1970s the name Edgar Rice Burroughs was still going strong in the American comic book market. For many decades the author's most famous characterTarzanhad graced the pages of Dell, Gold Key, and National (DC). After a grand tour of the ape-man's jungle spanning generations 1

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of readersEdgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. began licensing other characters and worlds created by Edgar Rice Burroughs: Carson Napier's Venus, David Innes' Pellucidar and John Carter's Mars (Barsoom). All are worthy of an examination, but this particular article will focus on Marvel Comics' version of John Carter Warlord of Mars... expressly the last 12 issues before the licensing agreement ended/terminated/ceased. Marvel, always known for super heroic characters such as Spider-man, Hulk, Fantastic Four, Submariner and more, applied their expertise in comic book publication to the saga of John Carter, gentleman adventurer of Virginia, late of the Confederate Army and his advent upon the arid dead sea bottoms of Barsoom, the war-like fourth planet. And the results were met with luke warm reception by both Marvel collectors and Edgar Rice Burroughs fans. The Barsoom premise seems ideal for an adventure comic: Mid-Nineteenth century soldier is transported to a savage world where super-science clashes with barbaric culture and then rises to the highest ranks, winning the love of a beautiful princess. Sounds like great stuff, right? It is...if carried off properly. To be fair, the Marvel adaptation of Carter's arrival to Mars is not bad. The script worked, though some characterizations were decidedly different than ERB's. Then followed a number of one off's, two issue arcs, that introduced supernatural themes not found in the original works. Even Marvelites of the period were not 2

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impressed as JCWOM was neither an adventure comic or mystery comic or horror comicit wasn't something to get a grip on, to like...though the art work was always top notch and those Barsoom babes were hot! Still...without an engaging story there's no audience. Thus with issue #17 Marvel embarked on an updated John Carter Warlord of Mars. The entire story arc of 12 issues, ending with #27, is collectively known as THE MASTER ASSASSINS OF MARS. I liked it. I hated it. I had to leave it alone for nearly 30 years before I could take another look at it and seeif I couldwhat the Marvel editors and writers had been intended. After this second read, so many years later, I find I like it better and hate it less, and even then the "hate" is based on the smallest of sub-themesDejah Thoris' inexplicable behavior which is eventually explained way too late to avoid a sour taste for a Barsoom novels reader's mind. For comic fans who have never read Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series I doubt they noticed a thing. Why? The story line was similar to dozens of others in comics from all the major publishers, not just Marvel. Unlike my previous Tangor's Comics Review of the Comics series, this will contain a lot of words and fewer pictures. Section titles below are the Marvel Issue Titles. The events in MASTER ASSASSINS OF MARS appear to take place shortly after John Carter is made Warlord of Mars by a grateful red human society and before the birth of his son 3

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Carthoris. It is interesting to note that the Zodanga Assassin Guild, as portrayed in the Marvel comics, was not introduced by Edgar Rice Burroughs until Swords of Mars, the eighth book in the series. The script for MASTER ASSASSINS OF MARS was by Chris Claremont. It relies primarily on the first person accounts of John Carter, Dejah Thoris, and Tars Tarkas. The charming bravado of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Virginian is generally welldone in respect to Carter's occasionally brash statements regarding his physical abilities and warrior prowess. Additionally Claremont keyed upon the affection between Carter and Dejah Thoristhough at times credulity regarding that affection is somewhat strained. Liberties are taken with Barsoom and its inhabitants; entire cultures are created that do not exist in ERB's Barsoom series. In general, however, these liberties are acceptable and, within the context of the MASTER ASSASSINS arc, reasonable. What Claremont did, which was initially disappointing, is start with one premise then inject a number of unrelated story issues before getting back on track. It is my belief that if Marvel had not been warned of the withdrawal of licensing for the ERB products, the Marvel readers might have been left hanging with an incomplete adventure! It was finished, though a bit rapidly toward the end. Of the artists involved, all were quite capable. There was a consistency of costuming and supporting artifacts (airships, weapons, architecture) which helped hold the 12 issue story together. Dejah Thoris, on the other hand, suffered a number of cos4

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tuming changessome good, some bad. A general style of clean line, open space, and moderate detail is pleasing. Ernie Colon, who penciled the largest number, set the tone which was emulated to the end. The colorists did a bang up job. Color, after all, is what makes comic books vibrant, and those involved were able to communicate emotion with pastels, hard colors, shadows, and textures. I'm not sure if the books I have are "off" or if the entire publication production suffered similarly, but all too often the Red Martians were orange/tan. Then again, that tone might be from the aging newsprint upon which these comics were printed. Lettering is lettering... if you can read it comfortably, then a job well done. What I do have to say in regards to lettering has nothing to do with the hard work of the letterer: There are Words in MASTER ASSASSINSa story that does not rely entirely upon pictures to tell. The scriptwriter, of course, had to supply those words, but it is also known that the letterer(s) often made suggestions as to what words would fit, or perhaps say it better. Whether that level of interaction occurred during the creation of these issues I cannot say, but I strongly believe it quite possible! Having set up the basis of the article and providing some background information, it is time to get on with it. One thing before we get started, the synopsis of each issue will follow the main story without exception, thus some sub-plots and asides may get lost. Where asides are essential to world or 5

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culture creation I will include those in comments. Where there's something that does not appear in ERB's booksor should havelook for those in footnotes.

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John Carter is Dead!

Ernie Colon (Pencils) Rudy Nebres (Inks) Mouly (Colors) John Costanza (Letters)

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Celebrating his second anniversary with Dejah Thoris, John Carter quaffs a beverage and falls dead. Almost immediately it is determined that Daria, a slave, had served the wine which was tainted with the poison of a d'ath spider.1 Daria, an assassin, flees through the palace. She has combat with several warriors and defeats them. Just as Daria is about to escape, Dejah Thoris does battle and, after some effort, wins when Daria falls to her death. Dejah Thoris, based on clues discovered, secretly sets out to avenge her husband's death by taking on the identity of Daria (they do look alike) and leaving in a flier. She is helped in this endeavor by faithful Sola, the daughter of Tars Tarkas, Jeddak of Thark. The princess of Helium intends to locate the assassins who ordered the death of John Carter and then dispense justice. Meanwhile, John Carter recovers long after Dejah Thoris has departed. His earthly metabolism is apparently proof against the alien spider poison. When all learn Dejah Thoris has departed, Kantos Kan does all he can to persuade the warlord against setting out alone to find Dejah Thoris. Carter counters with appropriate argument (at the time), and the father and grandfather of Dejah Thoris reluctantly agree.
Does not appear in Barsoom novels. The only spiders specifically mentioned by ERB are found in the Valley Hohr near Ghasta.
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Entering his specially souped-up personal flier John Carter departs Helium. Many hours later he sights his princess' flier. They join ships, and embrace when the hatches are opened. That happy moment, however, evaporates in sudden terror as the joined ships (still flying) edge over an enormous canyon. Dejah Thoris, horrified, tries to explain why they must veer off, but even the Earthly strength of John Carter is insufficient. The ships are parted and fall into the canyon. By only the narrowest of margins do they survive the crash. John Carter carries the unconscious Dejah Thoris out, then collapses. Shadowy figures loom in the background.
Comments: Comments Many of the panels show intriguing glimpses of palace life in Helium. References to earlier issues involving Kantos Kan help strengthen the friendship displayed between the two men. Mors Kajak and Tardos Mors, along with Tars Tarkas, appear in the issue. A hint of sub-plot appears when warriors note the departure of the warlord's flier... and John Carter is known to be dead. Hmmm... one says and trots off to warn a Mordin character. A nice example of foreshadowing.

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What Price Victory?

Ernie Colon (Pencils) Bob Layton (Inks) Bob Sharen (Colors) John Costanza (Letters)

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Rousing himself, John Carter is attacked by a number of winged humans2. The battle is fierce. Carter is disadvantaged by not having fully recovered from the d'ath spider bite. Dejah Thoris awakes just as John Carter is about to be cut down. Picking up a heavy rock, she brains Carter's attacker, but is then snatched by one of the winged warriors and carried off. John Carter deals with his opponent, raging at the loss of his princess, but is knocked unconscious by the others in the attacking party. Carter awakes in a strange palace. Other than his blade weapons missing, his gear is intact. He wanders through the empty rooms until opening a door upon a lovely garden. There he meets Garthon of Karanthor3, a white-skinned, wingless man. Garthon explains his people are the Orovars. We learn that his father is high in the government. We also learn that Dejah Thoris is alive and well, but Carter is cautioned to not reveal his relationship with the red woman. Since Carter is white he is considered "one of them" while all red peoples are slaves or less than slaves. Gar Karus (Garthon's father) is a giant with wings. Later, after revealing something about the
2

No winged humans were described on Mars. The warriors astride malagors, the giant birds in Synthetic Men of Mars, is the nearest facsimile.
3

This city does not appear in the Barsoom novels

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Orovar culture, he flies Carter to the palace of the Orovar jedak (sic in one panel). Along the way the city is depicted as dwellings hollowed from gigantic stalactites in a vast cavern, the floor one mile below is cultivated fields. Carter is delivered to the palace of Jeddak Chan Tomar, the nephew of Gar Karus, who is dressed in a Loki outfit and appears a touch demented. Dejah Thoris is offered at a slave auction. Carter rages inwardly but holds his tongue as his wife is sold (the Orovars think she was Carter's slave). Carter has a battle with a pushy dude and kills him. Meanwhile, Dejah Thoris has been taken by the jeddak as his. Gar Karus is not a bad guy, he senses Carter's rage and, to keep him from going after Dejah Thoris, makes Carter his second in command (trial by combat kind of thing).

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Meanwhile, Back in Helium!

Frank Miller (Pencils) Bob McCleod (Inks) Bob Sharen (Colors) Jean Simek (Letters)

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Tars Tarkas is challenged by an egg brother over who will rule the Tharks. Should Tars Tarkas fall, the victor's intention is to resume the warfare between green and redthis "peace" forged by Carter between the races is unseemly. The battle consists of one long drawn out combat between Tars Tarkas (who saves his foe from a third party devilment). Its only purpose is to get Tars Tarkas out of Helium...
Comments: Of all the issues, this is the weakest. We could have done without the supernatural oddities of this episode. The conflict for control of Thark for political/social reasons listed above is not a bad idea, and works within the Barsoom mythos created by Burroughs. Since comic books embracing long story arcs must "recap" previous issues to bring "new readers" up to date, there are several pages regarding Carter's captivity.

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The Valiant DieBut Once!

Ernie Colon (Pencils) Frank Springer (Inks) Bob Sharen (Colors) Clem Robbins (Letters)

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John Carter, now a respected member of Gar Karus' military force, expends many pages of angst over the fate of his wife. When next he sees her, she is a changed woman, not only in appearance, but in her attitude toward him. She's on the arm of Chan Tomar, who, in Carter's presence, kisses her and she appears to respond. Carter, of course, is confused! Later, when they have a moment together, Dejah Thoris begs his understanding, but Carter is cruel in his rejection, deeply hurt. Shocked, Dejah Thoris rejects John Carter's anger and walks away. Carter, still angry, leaves. He is accosted by relatives and friends of the winged odwar he had slain4 (see last issue). Outnumbered, he gives a good account of himself, but in the end is nearly overwhelmed. At the last instant Garthon arrives to break it up. Meanwhile, from a window high above the walkway between stalactites, Dejah Thoris has seen the battle, heart sick. Then she is summoned by Chan Tomar. She goes, but she goes with her game plan of delay, delay, delay! Garthon and Carter return to the garden. The young Orovar confesses he'd rather garden than be a warrior, but his wingless state makes him lesser to all in Kanathor, even in the eyes of his father. Carter learns more of the history of the city,

See last issue (note: I've always wanted to say that!)

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how the people came to the giant cave in the hidden canyon when the oceans began to evaporate. He also discovers Garthon's illicit romance with a beautiful slave, a red woman named Hira, who brings a message regarding a Ptothian5 attack. Gar Karus orders both to take command of the great wall across the cavern's entrance. Soon they are in battle with the Ptothian horde, who arrive on giant birds. Soon (several pages of battle later) Carter and Garthon are alone, retreating before the advancing horde!
Comments: The malagor type legions mesh with Ed Burroughs' Barsoom tales quite nicely. The convoluted slavery of Dejah Thoris is decidedly Marvela Barsoomian princess might be held in a tower or cell for long periods of time, but in no story by Burroughs would she kiss another, or allow such handling offensive as depicted in the Marvel tale. Also, as with many other Marvel tales (other comic heroes) there have been a lot of sub-plots introduced. The list will increase over the next few issues.

This city or culture does not exist in the novels.

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Battle at the Bottom of the World!

Ernie Colon (Pencils) Ernie Colon (Inks) Bob Sharen (Colors) John Costanza (Letters)

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Carter and Garthon escape the Ptothian mob atop the great wall by way of the Earthman's mighty leaping ability (which he has kept secret). Returning to Gar Karus, they learn the bitter battle fought, where many of their warriors were slaughter, was part of a greater plan to defeat the Ptothians. The two rest, re-arm, then return to the battle. Dejah Thoris, however, has her hands full keeping Chan Tomar at bay. The jeddak is growing impatient. The battle with the Ptothians is won. Gar Karus praises John Carter but not Garthon. Carter questions and hears directly from the father's lips his disappointment Garthon would rather garden than be a warriora greater disappointment than being wingless! Later, that night, while the city is celebrating victory, Carter plans. He intends to free Dejah Thoris. In the darkness an intruder appears. Carter almost slits Garthon's throat, who has come to reveals his love of Hira and his determination to leave the canyon via a secret underground way he had discovered some years before. He offers the same to John Carter. Carter agrees. Garthon leaves to make ready. Carter leaps building to building to reach the room where Dejah Thoris is imprisoned. He arrives just in time to stop Chan Tomar's final advance on Dejah Thoris. The battle is rather short. Dejah Thoris is overjoyed to see her husband. As they turn to leave, two guards enter the chamber. 19

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The Lady and the Lion!

Ernie Colon (Pencils) Frank Springer (Inks) Ben Sean (Colors) Joe Rosen (Letters)

Carter and Dejah Thoris defeat the guards. However, they are not able to escape the city. Garthon and Hira, waiting at the secret passage to the canyon rim watch helplessly.6 The warlord and his princess are recaptured. Carter is to be consigned to battle banths in the arena. That night he and Dejah Thoris are together in a cell. She confesses she is not worthy of Carter's love. Carter asks if she had good reason. She replies: "Yes." and forgives her. Carter's battle in the arena follows, with expected outcome. Chan Tomar is quite unhappy. Taking a bow in hand, the jeddak shoots an arrow into Dejah Thoris. Carter frees his woman and, carrying her, leaps into the jeddak's box. While he fights the guard, they all are surprised when Chan Tomar fallscut down by Dejah Thoris' hand. The Orovars rejoice, they have been very unhappy under Chan Tomar's rule. Things look great

This is the last appearance of Garthon and Hira. We do not know what happens to them.

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until Gar Karus, with some regret, declares that Dejah Thoris and John Carter must die for having murdered the jeddak of the Orovars!
Comments: Setting aside the winged human aspect, this issue is very close to ERB's own writing. The true spirit of John Carter's previous captivities in the books is revisited and Dejah Thoris' revenge by knife mirrors her daughter's actions in Chessmen of Mars.

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Climb to Freedom
Mike Vosburg (Pencils) Ricardo Villamonte (Inks) Bob Sharen (Colors) John Costanza (Letters)

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Via the small surprise of a radium pistol which Dejah Thoris uses to shoot up the place, Carter and his wife escape the city and begin to climb the valley all. Gar Karus calls off the pursuittheir legends indicate that no one has ever reached the top, and if they did, they would be in hell. This episode is a transition between the first part and the part to come. It chronicles the escape from the Orovar valley by a difficult eight mile climb up sheer and dangerous cliffs. Dejah Thoris, recovering from her wounds, is not one hundred per cent, but does not lag, complaint, or hinder Carter's mountaineering efforts. There is a flashback to Carter's mountain climbing on Earth, including an expedition to Everest.7 Ultimately they arrive at the canyon rim. Coincidently they arrive near the wreckage of Dejah Thoris' flier. She dons her sixth change of costume just before an immense flier arrives overhead and demands they surrender to the guild of assassins.
Comments: In the grand Marvel style, there's much introspection by John Carter during the strenuous climb, which is beautifully illustrated. The bond between Carter and his wife is more fully explored. Upon further reflection, this isn't so different from the romance style of Edgar Rice Burroughs!

The only mountains we know Carter visited on Earth are in Arizona. He was never in Tibet.

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The Man Who Makes Murder!

Mike Vosburg (Pencils) Ricardo Villamonte (Inks) Ben Sean (Colors) John Costanza (Letters)

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Dejah Thoris, now attired once again as Daria (remember her?) is welcomed by the battleship of assassins. Carter, about to be thrown in irons, creates a distraction (battle) and leaps, taking his wife to the yard arm above the ship's deck. There he fights a mock sword battle while he attempts to read his wife's thoughts.8 He learns quite a bit...and something more that startles him. In that moment Carter is hit by rifle fire and falls to the deck. Meanwhile, in Helium, Tardos Mors chats with his wife Tharia9, concerned over the missing couple. Mors Kajak and Tara10, Dejah Thoris' parents, enter, having returned from the coronation of Gahan as Jed of Gathol. Tardos Mors is worried that his efforts at peace may not last. Back on the assassins' ship, Carter comes to, in chains. He's taken on deck where he witnesses a battle between Dejah Thoris (as Daria) against three highly trained female assassins. She dispatches them. Just as the gathered assassins, appreciative of the pretty fighting they have witnessed begin to cheer, Tal Mordin is informed of the deception. He decrees that Dejah Thoris must fight again, only
8 9

Telepathy is part of the Barsoom saga. Character does not exist in ERB's novels. We do not know the name of Dejah Thoris' mother.

10

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this time it is a gigantic green man!

Comments: There's a lot of action and filler material in this episode. Many of the motivations of the assassins is revealed, as well as a reliance on technology. Dejah Thoris undergoes yet another costume change!

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Betrayal!
Mike Vosburg (breakdowns) Ricardo Villamonte (finished art) (Pencils), Ricardo Villamonte (Inks) Roger Slifer (Colors) Rick Parker (Letters)

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The big green man is Tars Tarkas. The Thark manages to free John Carter and between them they create such a terrific diversion that Dejah Thoris is able to enter a small flier and leave the great airship. Carter and the Thark vanish into the bowels of the ship to commence guerilla warfare. The tactic is highly successful. In no time at all the assassins are running scared trying to find the two men. We are shown more of the technology in use, including computers. Elsewhere, Dejah Thoris has arrived at Helium. Unfortunately, the city's heightened alert makes it impossible for her to land at her father's palacethe patrol ships surround and then take her into custody. When brought to the officer in charge, no one believes she is the princess. They are sure they have Daria in custody.11 The officer takes the princess into the dungeons and chains her. He then reveals he is a member of the assassins and leaves her to face the dreaded ulsios12 of Barsoom.

11 12

Daria's death was not reported to the city at large. Giant rats

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Hide-'n'-Seek!
Mike Vosburg (Pencils) Ricardo Villamonte (Inks) Ben Sean (Colors) Elaine Heinl (Letters)

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Carter and Tars Tarkas continue their silent war against the assassins, who are really becoming unstrung. In Helium Mors Kajak and Tara get a little amorous in the garden. From a window his mother observes with a smile. When her husband enters, looking for Mors Kajak, she reminds him that they, too, once were that spontaneous. Tardos Mors takes her into his arms and proves he's not too old to remember. Carter's battle plan has advanced. He enters the cabin of the chief assassin, Tal Mordin. Tal Mordin attempts to enlist the Earthman to join his plan for conquest. John Carter listens, buying time for Tars Tarkas to complete his part of the plan. The master assassin sees and opening and attacks Carter. Tars Tarkas sets the last of his charges and works his way through the decks. Carter's battle with Tal Mordin has the master assassin on the defensive. The assassin backs away. Carter, caught in battle frenzy, follows and realizes, too late, he has been led to the ship's deck. Suddenly surrounded, Carter explodes into action. Tars Tarkas enters the fray, taking Carter's back. They battle until sunrise, which detonates the radium charges the Thark has planted. In the ensuing chaos the two disengage, locate an undamaged flier, and escape. Meanwhile, Kantos Kan follows up a suspicion and discovers Dejah Thoris in the dungeon. Upon 31

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release the princess begins to explain, but they are confronted by the hidden assassin Surbus and his men.

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Night of the Long Knives!

Mike Vosburg (Pencils) Ernie Chan (Inks) Bob Sharen (Colors) Diana Albers (Letters)

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Dejah Thoris cleverly manages to get off a few pistol rounds, distracting Surbus' men long enough for Kantos Kan to get into action. Moments later the villains are dead and the pair race to the royal palace. Along the way they discover the jeddak's guard has been murdered by poison and that a ship filled with assassins is landing in the courtyard. Inside the palace we see a dark figure with drawn knife approaching the sleeping figures of Mors Kajak and Tara. The attack is unsuccessful. Mors Kajak rushes out to "see what's afoot." He returns shortly, revealing the assassin invasion to his wife. He will go to the royal nursery to protect the children while she runs to the apartments of her father-in-law with warning. She sees assassins about to enter and fires. Warned, Tardos Mors exits the apartments and slays the remaining assassin, ordering the women to seek cover. An unseen assassin takes aim at the trio. But he is seen by Dejah Thoris and Kantos Kan racing down the corridor. The princess of Helium throws her sword, killing the assassin. Kantos Kan vows to guard the stairwell13 leading to the apartments and the royal nursery. Tardos Mors, and the three women, enter the nursery where Mors Kajak and Sola, the green woman, are sorely tested by the hordes of assassins

No stairwells are found in red or white martian architecture, ramps and spiral ramps are used.

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breaking eggs and killing children. The battle is long and bloody. In the midst of combat, John Carter and Tars Tarkas appear in their flier. Carter leaps into the fray, directing the Thark to bring help. When the battle for the nursery is over, many of the children are safe. Carter and the jeddaks carry the battle to the assassins, with the aid of Tharks from the embassy led by Tars Tarkas. The assassins' coup is thwarted. The weary royal family takes inventoryuntil a barrage of radium blasts from a roof top lays low the mother of Dejah Thoris. Tal Modin believes his takeover might yet succeed, but he has reckoned without consideration of John Carter's physical ability. He must race to a waiting flier when Carter leaps to the rooftop. Carter makes one final leap and secures a grip on the flier, but Tal Modin's muzzle laid across the warlord's temple sends the Earthman falling from the sky.
Comments: Children are killed in this episode. Dejah Thoris' mother dies. The action scenes and emotional content are high calibre.

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Marathon of Death!
Mike Vosburg (Pencils) ? (as M. Hands) (Inks) Slifer (Colors) Jim Novak (Letters)

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Tars Tarkas races to the fallen warlord on a thoat. Carter regains consciousness in time to see Tal Mordin's aircraft near the horizon. The Thark raises his radium rifle and sends a few rounds, which damage the master assassin's flier. Carter and the Thark follow on thoatback. The trek is long, the slowly descending smoking flier ever before them. In time they arrive at the city where Tars Tarkas had his battle with the green warrior seeking unseat him as ruler of the Tharks. The battle inside the city is standard fare. Tal Mordin succumbs to the same supernatural deviltry Tars Tarkas once faced. Carter is displeased, he wanted to question the man to find out where is the master assassinfor though he looked like Tal Mordin, he did not fight like the master assassin! The two continue. Later they find the wreckage of a flier shot down. The men are dead. John Carter recognizes the fragrance of Dejah Thoris. John Carter goes on alone...his fantastic strength is greater than the thoat's endurance. He doggedly maintains a grueling pace until... He reaches a camp where Warhoons are torturing the remaining men and there...chained to a stake, is Dejah Thoris. Carter silently takes out a guard, reducing numbers, moving ever closer to his wife, who is now the last surviving human. The Earthman stampedes the Warhoon thoats into the camp, scattering the green men. Slays a few. Rescues his 37

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wife. They leap upon a thoat and race away. Later, in Helium, Carter is pacing back and forth. The expectant father (this he learned during his mind to mind contact with Dejah Thoris on board the gigantic assassin airship). He is surprised when he's shown an egg.14 Kissy-face lovey-dovey follows. And we, dear readers, will never know where is the Master Assassin!
Comments: It is obvious that Marvel intended John Carter, Warlord of Mars to continue. The threat of the guild of assassins was not destroyed, the master assassin remains at large, and we know that John Carter still faced the failure of the atmosphere plant and ten long years back on Earth before returning to Mars for the events of Gods of Mars. One last issue was produced by Marvel before the series ended.

Carter muses he likes the Jasoomian method better. Waiting seven years to meet his son seems unnatural. Our question is seven "earth years?" ERB's version is five Martian years.

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Afterword Those looking for adaptations of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars books should look elsewhere. Marvel, even when it tried very hard, just did not seem capable to doing it straighta modern-ish spin was always inserted and the characters did not follow their previous roles. However, if one is looking for extensions of stories we loved in pulps and hardbacks and those gaudy paperbacks, then Marvel did a good job. There is much to like about the artwork. Wonderful images of a dying world, vast vistas of unexplored territory, horizons that beckon with mystery and excitement. The scripting was better than journeyman, in fact, I would label it solid gold hackand that is a complement! Things we expected were usually there. Insertion of Barsoomian words and measures, fliers, radium pistols, swords... and a few things we did not expect like bullwhips and computers! What was not glossed over or drastically altered was the romance between the Jasoomian and the Princess of Heliumthat rang true. Seeing Dejah Thoris as an assertive woman, trained in the arts of war, capable, even devious, is not too great a stretch. These qualities were hinted by Ed Burroughs and were the same guide posts that I used in creating the character of Deethe alias used by Dejah Thoris in a terrific Barsoomian novel entitled When The Princess Disappeared. I had help on that project but I wrote the "Dee" parts. So, 39

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there's no surprise that I liked Marvel's portrayal of the wife of John Carter, Warlord of Mars! Fans of Burroughs who are also fans of comics might enjoy Marvel's take on the warrior of two worlds. Fans of the books who do not routinely read comics might find this version interesting, even intriguing. What we are left with is a legacy of John Carter in comics...and very little at that. Previously the only comic versions were those created by John Coleman Burroughs for newspaper syndication and three single issues adapting Princess and Gods by Dell, illustrated by Jesse Marsh. The Marvel JCWOM is far more ambitious, is lavishly illustrated and colored, and either ended too soon, or not soon enoughdepends on who you ask.

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