John Carter: Warlord of Mars #7

Writer – Ron Marz
Artist – Ariel Medel
Colours – Nanjan Jamberi

Ron Marz, the writer of our erstwhile hero, has already put John Carter and Dejah Thoris through one fairly trying time and so deigns to give them a bit of a rest. But like any good writer, Marz also injects a bit of action to liven things up and the little trip that Dejah and John take ends up being more than a simply getaway. After a more personal arc with an enemy from the past, this one finds the two facing the dangers of years gone by once again except this time it is from Barsoom, or Mars as it is more commonly known. It is nice to see Ron Marz finally starting to explore the Red Planet though it was only a matter of time before you knew that he would. Also great to see was the book addressing one of the problems that has plagued the planet for so long, more specifically the loss of atmosphere and how over time it will soon run out. As such, not only is the little day trip the two go on simply about getting away and spending a little time together as a couple but also to look into a long-standing problem for the people of Mars. The rest of the cast only puts in a momentary appearance which is all right considering and you have to love Woola no matter how short a time he is present. The best moment of all though has to go to the great sequence featuring Dejah Thoris as she faces down a whole cadre of Warhoons. The Warhoons are out for blood as they believe that they have not received enough compensation for aiding in the defeat of the foreign invaders. Suffice it to say, Dejah Thoris is not a helpless woman and she will do what it takes protect John Carter at all costs. Great writing from Marz and some really good artwork from Ariel Medel makes this issue a win.

3.5 out of 5

Hellbreak #3

Writer – Cullen Bunn
Artist – Brian Churilla
Colours – Dave Stewart

The Kerberos team are not having the easiest of times down in the hell known as Meramec. Jenner is injured and on the run, Dieter and Franklin have been separated from the group as well while Nadia, Joseph and Carlyle are being led down a path which unknowingly to them is the wrong one. It seems that the latter three have forgotten one of the most important rules of travelling to the infernal realm and that is not to trust anyone but themselves. Hellbreak is not only a great horror title but one packed full of action as well and it is all thanks to Cullen Bunn and Brian Churilla who do a fantastic job of making it the best possible book they can month in and month out. One of the things that make it such a compelling read are the characters and though they are still fairly new to the reader, Bunn is fleshing them as the story progresses and they are becoming more personable with every passing issue. Jenner is a natural born leader and most of the team seems pretty rock solid though if there is one member who could be a liability, it looks to be Joseph who thinks breaking a rule here or there is all right to do. The creatures in this book are inspired and so far it has been quite a lot of fun to see how much different they are from book to book, hell to hell. With yet another exciting cliff-hanger, Hellbreak is one of the best new books to come out from any publisher.

4 out of 5