One of the very first books I picked when I was a child was Edgar Rice Burroughs Warlord Of Mars. It captivated my attention, as Burroughs prose swirled in my head with such imagery, that within my mind’s eye I saw Mars as he described it. The book had all the makings of a blockbuster as it took the average man and put him into a world full of beings that looked nothing like him. It was a world; I would visit multiple times throughout his adventures that featured the epic hero, John Carter.
Much like most of Burroughs’ heroes, John Carter, was a complex man, who would have to travel the hero’s journey, before the reader could appreciate all of their complexities. That is why I have mixed feelings of the movie adaptation of the principal book, as I found it entertaining but felt cheated simultaneously. Which is why I am a big fan of Ron Marz’s efforts at Dynamite, as he has bottled the essence of the John Carter I remember in the books? At the same time, I have always wondered if any other character other than Dejah, would go on their own adventure.
An incarnation of this concept is what I found when I read in Bigfoot: Sword of the Earthman #1 from Action Lab Entertainment. Writer Josh S. Henaman has deftly take part John Carter, part Planet Hulk, and bring about a new hero. As they say in the prologue, one who would have not been missed because no one believed he existed in the first place. Within the first few pages, he is found on Mars and taken prisoner, where he makes an ally in a fellow prisoner. Before long a, riot breaks out, and him and his ally, find a way out of the prison. By issue’s end, our hero and his compatriot, fend off alien creatures and fall into the clutches of an alien gang.
Overall, an excellent comic, which shows much promise, as it not only has the flavors of the two above mentioned books, but also tethers a thick string to Turok, the Dinosaur Hunter. The story by Josh Henaman,, is a godsend in many ways, as he has found a way to revive fantasy in a fun way. The art by Andy Taylor and Tamra Bonvillain definitely shows promise, with their excellent character designs. Altogether, an interesting first issue, which will have readers coming back for more.
Story: Josh S. Henaman Art: Andy Taylor and Tamra Bonvillain
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Action Lab Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
