A most ingenious and problematic solution.
Creative Staff:
Story: Erik Burnham
Art: Ediano Silva
Colors: Dinei Ribeiro
Letterer: Troy Peteri
What They Say:
Dejah and Vampirella may have reached an understanding with the Black Martians, but complications continue when the self-styled goddess Issus arrives with an offer that could save Vampirella’s people… though the goddess’ price would change Martian society forever—starting with Dejah Thoris!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The opening issues of this series has worked well to establish an easily plausible way to bring these two characters together. Erik Burnham has given reason for Vampirella to be on Barsoom and to work with those there in a way her people won’t while also tapping into Dejah’s desire to do right by everyone and find peaceful solutions. It’s gotten a strong visual look thanks to Ediano Silva whose artwork is rich and detailed throughout and comes across beautifully with Dinei Ribeiro’s color work. There’s a color design expected for Barsoom and it’s leaned into nicely here without going too far down that path that it becomes overdone.
While the women are off on their mission we do see that the Jeddak and Dejah’s father are working towards preparing for the worst. It’s an understandable side of leadership in having multiple plans and taking a new look at fortifications to be ready in case things don’t go as hoped, particularly since Dejah and Vampirella are later than they should be. Which is fun to watch unfold while we see how the pair are also dealing with the Therns, having survived the planet men. The way the Therns operate is definitely played well with them viewing all that come through as something they can make their own, right down to the bones, though you know that these two women will not go quietly into that. Thankfully, they do get a little bit of help with a group of Firstborn having arrived to deal with the Therns. You have to chuckle with Vampirella as she wonders just how many different races exist on this world because it’s getting crowded quickly from her point of view.
This eventually leads us further down the river to where Issus actually exists and they get an audience with her. This is a pretty fascinating piece overall as we see how it goes with Dejah being respectful and hopeful of learning much from her while Vampirella is able to see into her mind a bit and realize the truth. Having read only some of the Barsoom books out there in the last few years I don’t know if it’s a break or not but I like what we learn about Issus and the bargain she strikes with Vampirella that will help her people but also benefit Issus in the long run and truly turn her into a kind of goddess. The problem is that it’s not the kind of solution that Dejah was looking for and she’s uncomfortable about all the truths being revealed here and what it means to her as her worldview changes.
In Summary:
I’m really enjoying this series with what it’s doing. Burnham has worked the blending of the two worlds well with some neat commentary coming from both about the other and a bit on themselves as well. The plans being worked out all have a lot going for them based on how many different things could happen when Vampirella’s people get here, with a focus on Issus delivering well. Ediano Silva nails this look well throughout the book as our title characters look fantastic as Vampirella fits into this world while feeling apart as well. I’m looking forward to what’s still to come as it can all go wrong in so many ways and there’s an allure in that.
Grade: B+
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: November 28th, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
