I have been anxiously awaiting this book. Being a huge fan of the source material I had very high hopes.
When it was announced Dynamite was launching this I had my doubts. I wondered if they would stay true to Burrough’s novels or try a “Modern interpretation of the Sci-Fi classic”!
Well I guess they did both.
Arvid Nelson offers us a peek into this world of Mars as well as the nature of John Carter’s character. It serves as a excellent prequel to this series. Stephen Sadowski’s art is what I call the “Dynamite style”. The look is very 2D and bold. The style fits here very well. Burrough’s Mars comes to life under his pencil in a bold way. He captures the fantasy as well as the science fiction of Burrough’s stories in a modern style. That IMO is not an easy task. He also does a great job of illustrating the American “Old West”. I am not saying the art is “groundbreaking” or perfect but it is very good. IMO Sadowski put a great effort into getting it right and he did.
Carter is depicted in this as a true “Son of the South” and gentleman. One who will not hesitate to make a defiant stand in the face of very poor odds for his honor. Nelson expands quite a bit upon this aspect of the character in a limited number of pages. We also get a excellent introduction of the different factions of Mar’s populace.
To sum this up, this is a lot for a buck, it would be enough for full price. I cannot imagine anyone who is open to be a fan of this closing this issue and not be anxious for more.
As far as covers, well the Joe Jusko one was my first choice from the moment I saw the image. It is just plain awesome. Alex Ross offers a classic painted image that is very nostalgic. J.Scott Campbell gives us a typical naughty Campbell cover that looks even naughtier in B&W, almost forbidden. Finally Luccio Parrillo offers a very dark savage painted image to round out the 4.
I may sound like a mark for this character but honestly this is a great first issue period. Good enough to make my sub list. Good enough for me to recommend highly.
I liked “The Last Phantom”, I really liked this, Dynamite is doing their properties more justice and I reward that with my $$$$$ and praise.