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

In the first part of a new story arc, which still continues off of the old one previous to the Tars Tarkas story, a storm has forced John Carter and Dejah Thoris to crash land. As the storm clears, they discover an ancient city which may just be what they have been looking for all along. Of course, it is a little too good to be true as they find themselves prisoners not soon after. In this latest issue, while the pencils of Ariel Medel are not quite as polished as they were in previous issues, the story continues to shine as our heroes have hopefully found exactly what they have been seeking – that being a cure for their planet. Inside, the treasure-seekers who have captured them have discovered the lost technology of the Orovars, those beings whose machines might be able to save Mars from its eventual fate, but by just barging into the hidden chamber, they not only trip the safeguards that are in place, they also awaken someone who perhaps should not have been awakened. Ron Marz and Ian Edginton continue to give this classic science-fiction property the due it deserves and the story is both fun and exciting. It is a little annoying to see John Carter and Dejah get captured as much as they do and one would think that they would be old hands at it by now. With the frequency in which it takes place, the two should be on the lookout and be a little more aware of their surroundings or at least keep some hidden knives on them at all times for such an occasion, but whatever the reason, it happens just a little too often. This book ends on a cliff-hanger as well, ensuring that one will return to see what fate has in store for our heroes. As it just so happens, the authors succeeded in that task and with the promise of more action, the wait should be worth it.

3.5 out of 5