In DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 3) #10, available from Dynamite Comics on February 10th, 2021, the green nations of Barsoom rage war under the madness brought on by the Longborn while Tars Tarkas and Thuvia try to broker peace. When the meeting of the minds falls apart, Dejah Thoris arrives with urgent news and a bold plan.
The Details
- Written By: Dan Abnett
- Art By: Sebastian Piriz
- Colors By: Dearbhla Kelly
- Letters By: Simon Bowland
- Cover Art By: Lucio Parrillo
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: February 10, 2021
Was It Good?
Yes. Dan Abnett’s winning streak on the Dejah Thoris title hasn’t missed a beat. In a short number of pages, you get a grand sense of scale for the war in mid-battle. Each character has a distinctive voice, and it’s interesting to read a collection of characters that are all leaders in their own way respect each other and work together, even if they don’t necessarily agree.
The art in this issue is, also, very good. The color palette for the entire issue is soft to near pastel, but it’s a complimentary choice when you consider everyone is dressed for, living in, and fighting through the desert heat.
The story reads well. There’s plenty of action. The characters are unique and engaging. And the art is pleasing.
Short Story Long
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Tars Tarkas and his daughter, Sola, lead a small band of outcast warriors to stop the last battle of the green nation before the nations wipe each other out. Their plan? Protect Thuvia long enough while the battle rages so she can use her empathic mind connection to link the Jeddaks together in understanding.
It’s not long before the small band is noticed by the bloodthirsty warriors fighting on the battlefield. Tars and Sola do their best to protect Thuvia, but she’s not strong enough to establish a connection in the chaos. What’s left of the band is forced to retreat.
Surrounded and out of options, Llana (granddaughter to John Carter and Dejah Thoris) and Jackson Clyde arrive to fight the berserkers back. The newly reinforced band see rescue airships approaching and make their way through the battle to evacuate. Once onboard, they discover the entire rescue operation was led by Dejah Thoris.
Back at the palace, Dejah explains all of Barosoom’s troubles are due to the Longborn’s plan to wipe out the inhabitants of the planet so they can rebuild a new civilization. Their only hope is to band all the green nations together into an army and fight to free Barsoom from the Longborn’s influence.
Tars and the others are skeptical, however, until Dejah reveals a few toys and a new ally that might make all the difference. We end the issue with Dejah making a battlefield move of her own.
It’s a simple story, but it sets up everything beautifully. Despite mostly close up shots and intimate moments, the story feels big. The stakes are huge, and the characters act and talk like real people (err… aliens).
Final Thoughts
DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 3) #10, available from Dynamite Comics on February 10th, 2021, brings perhaps the final war to Mars. The world feels lived in and authentic. The characters act and speak with genuine desperation. And the art suits this dying, barren world perfectly.
Score: 9/10
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