DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #6 – Review

DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #6, from Dynamite Comics on January 5th, 2022, concludes the story of the Longborn’s bid to take over Mars with a battle between John Carter against gods and Dejah Thoris against John Carter?!?

The Details

• Written By: Dan Abnett
• Art By: Alessandro Miracolo, Vincenzo Carratu
• Colors By: Dearbhla Kelly
• Letters By: Simon Bowland
• Cover Art By: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: January 5, 2022

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Was It Good?

DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #6 is a lighting fast finale that wraps up the central conflict and establishes a new status quo with razor-sharp efficiency from Abnett and the team.

This issue does two things right that make the entire arc worth the journey. First, it starts with a status quo change that raises questions about John Carter’s return, eventually resolving those questions in a highly satisfying way. Second, Abnett wraps up the story by saving the day (that shouldn’t be a surprise), but all the toys are not put back exactly where Abnett found them, leaving the door open for a universe of new potential stories.

Again, it’s all wrapped up neatly with non-stop action and pacing that’ll give you whiplash if you turn the page too quickly. At the risk of making the understatement of the century, this is a quick read. The previous issue established a ticking clock with Dajah Thoris’s order to blow up the temple, and she and John are forced into a battle for their lives before the order is carried out. You can practically feel the seconds tick with each panel and page turn.

Of course, the briskness couldn’t have been pulled off without Mircacolo and Carratù’s art. The action during the battle is a blur of speed and energy. You could almost be convinced you’d miss something if you blinked. We’ve noted before how Miracolo has a particular mastery of flowing movement, and it’s doubly exceptional in this issue.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

If you don’t remember how or why Dejah and John are fighting for their lives, first read our DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #5 review.

We begin with Kantos Kan and Matai Shang witnessing the airships they’ve called in to bomb the ancient ruins of Dar Shadeth on Dejah Thoris’s order. Shang is adamant they proceed as ordered to cut off the Longborn route to Mars, but Kan is conflicted as he knows destroying the ruins will trap Dejah Thoris and John Carter forever.

Meanwhile, the battle has begun inside Rotak Gall’s time-displaced palace. John Carter clashes swords with two Longborn who’ve crossed into our dimension inside Black Pirate clone bodies. Dejah Thoris goes on the offensive against a John Carter clone created by Rotak Gall’s fiendish experiments.

We conclude the issue with casualties on both sides of the battle, Kantos Kan reluctantly doing his duty, and the revelation that Rotak Gall’s key doesn’t necessarily lead you back to where you started.

Final Thoughts

DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #6 concludes the successful arc with an action-packed finale containing art in constant motion, satisfying ends to all the threads, and a new status quo ending with tons of storytelling potential. More of this, please.

Score: 9.5/10

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