Regarding Reissues: Edgar Rice Burroughs’s John Carter of Mars

Last Friday found me in Barnes and Noble, hoping to get my hands on the March issue of Empire Magazine, which features – as you could probably have guessed – news of The Avengers. It also found me dejected when, yet again, I was denied. (One of these days, Cap cover, my wanting hands will hold you.) However, a trip to a bookstore can hardly be considered a waste of time, and as I browsed the aisles a small display of John Carter related books caught my eye.

I want to – and will, come March 9th – see the movie. That said, I should fess up to the number one reason why: Taylor Kitsch. I should also confess to previously being ignorant of the movie’s inspiration: Edgar Rice Burroughs’s series of novels. Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings set me right in a previous comment thread – thank you, Carl! – and I had it in the back of my mind to one day seek out the original work. It wasn’t my plan to read the books before seeing the movie, but it looks like that may happen yet, because I could not resist bringing a gorgeous omnibus edition of the first three novels home with me. As I waited on line to pay for the privilege of doing so, I cracked it open and began to read the foreword, which introduces the man himself:

“He was a splendid specimen of manhood, standing a good two inches over six feet, broad of shoulder and narrow of hip, with the carriage of the trained fighting man. His features were regular and clear cut, his hair black and closely cropped, while his eyes were of a steel gray, reflecting a strong and loyal character, filled with fire and initiative. His manners were perfect, and his courtliness was that of a typical southern gentleman of the highest type.

…I have often heard my father caution him against his wild recklessness, but he would only laugh, and say that the tumble that killed him would be from the back of a horse yet unfoaled.”

I was thoroughly drawn in. And while I’m going to take my time with A Princess of Mars, the first book from which the excerpt above was taken, I will hopefully have a solid section of it read before heading out to the theater.

Alongside the edition I purchased were several others, including individual editions of A Princess of Mars, The Gods of Mars, and The Warlord of Mars. Fall River Press recently repackaged and reissued them, and, without the benefit of knowing how accurately they fit the stories, I have to admit to digging the new covers. The Warlord of Mars, particularly. The distinct color palettes work remarkably well, for one. Then there’s the obvious tip of the hat to the pulp covers that came before them, which also works, I think, because they’re not going for camp here, more like an ode-to with a modernized edge. (For various reasons, the covers of books two and three remind me of Jon Foster’s work.) And these beauties are a steal at $7.95 each. (Honestly, I was boggled by that fact and kept turning the book over to double-check. These books, covers aside, were of very nice quality. I may very well end up going back for them.) (In case you were wondering: The omnibus I bought is the less expensive option as it collects the three books for $14.95.)

And then there was the movie novelization. From the publisher: “This adaptation will not only give readers an amazing novelization of the upcoming John Carter film, but also the original text of A Princess of Mars.”

This version was tempting – downright hard to resist – because it had an inset of photos taken from the movie (several of which were of a loin-cloth clad Kitsch. Or whatever that is around his waist). I opted not to get it as I was primarily interested in the source material, and knew I’d likely end up having to buy the other books down the road anyway.

Finally, there were two graphic novels:

John Carter: World of Mars – Peter David and Luke Ross

Publisher’s Summary:
“If you thought all the action on Mars began with John Carter’s arrival – are you in for a shock! John Carter: World of Mars is the official prequel to the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures blockbuster film releasing March 2012, and reveals the shocking events that transpire before the hotly anticipated motion picture! Plus it features some of the greatest characters ever conceived by Edgar Rice Burroughs! Dejah Thoris has her hands full with the malicious Sab Than, would-be ruler of Zodanga, who sees kidnapping the princess of Mars as a short-cut to winning the thousand year war between his people and her city of Helium. Meanwhile Tars Tarkas is caught between the desires of the female he loves and his best friend, who needs Tars’ help to become Jeddak of the Tharks … assuming that his ambitions don’t kill them all. Take an unforgettable journey to Barsoom. It’s a trip you can’t afford to miss!”

John Carter: A Princess of Mars – Roger Langridge

Publisher’s Summary:
“Captain John Carter finds himself on a strange new world where he must fight for his very life – and for the heart of a princess! Edgar Rice Burroughs’ legendary novels come to life in this action-packed, all-new re-envisioned adventure! Meet the Tharks, terrible warrior race of Mars! See Woola, the scariest guard dog you’ll ever lay eyes upon! Gasp as John Carter battles the great white apes of Barsoom! And hold your breath as he first lays eyes upon the woman who will change his life forever – the proud and beautiful Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium!

COLLECTING: JOHN CARTER OF MARS: A PRINCESS OF MARS 1-5″

The second one will be mine. And it’s all the art’s fault.

Come to think of it, there was one other book: Under the Moons of Mars: New Adventures on Barsoom. I didn’t look through it, but it contains stories written by well-known authors – Peter S. Beagle, Tobias S. Buckell, Catherynne M. Valente, Garth Nix, L. E. Modesitt, Jr., and Jonathan Maberry, et al. – that are illustrated by well-known artists – Charles Vess, Mike Cavallaro, and so on. (This one appears to be a companion of sorts to yet another omnibus edition of the first three John Carter books.)

And – wow – this post seems to have taken on a life of its own. Hopefully one of you – someone? anyone! – will be interested in it. And, if not, there’s always Mr. Kitsch…