Writer – Ron Marz, Ian Edginton
Artist – Ariel Medel
Colours – Nanjan Jamberi
Letters – Rob Steen

After failing to find something that would regenerate the atmosphere of Mars in last issue’s story, John Carter and Dejah Thoris are still on the hunt for something, anything to save their dying planet. By chance, they come across some farmers in need of help as something is killing their livestock and the heroes are soon made aware that it is not just livestock, but people too that are dying. Of course, what else is there to do but aid these farmers and perhaps in the meantime, kill two birds with one stone by finding that elusive measure that will save them all? Joining Ron Marz on this book is Ian Edginton and the two craft a fun tale involving a mysterious threat who may just be more than a match for either of our heroes. The artwork is quite different from what it used to be in the book and yet Ariel Medel still does a really solid job and lends the story a little moodiness while making it just a bit eerie as well, suiting it perfectly. It is nice to see that after some really great books showcasing the science-fiction aspect of the property Edginton and Marz inject a little horror into the title, something few have ever done. While the book has been really good ever since the reboot, mixing up the genres a little will keep things fresh and it opens up new possibilities for storytelling, not that there is anything wrong with all the great sci-fi action it has seen in the past. The cliff-hanger is fun only because it is so clichéd and readers have seen it many times before, not only in other comics but in this one as well which is strange to say and yet it works and works well. Be that as it may, John Carter: Warlord of Mars remains one of Dynamite’s better titles thanks to its creative team and the job they do, introducing new concepts and villains and simply doing an all-around, fantastic job.

3.5 out of 5