What a lovely surprise…

Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Sebastian Piriz
Colors: Dearbhla Kelly 
Letters: Simon Bowland
Covers: Lucio Parrillo
Editor: Nate Cosby
Based on the stories of Edgar Rice Burroughs
Publisher: Dynamite Comics

Going to be honest, I literally saw the cover for this book and almost didn’t read it. Yes, I know it is supposed to be reminiscent of the artwork of the old school cover art of Burroughs’ works. However, though technically lovely, it doesn’t appeal to me in anyway, just as Conan The Barbarian and others of that ilk hold no appeal. It’s not my bag. So, upon seeing the cover and Dynamite’s most recent history I was super leery of even giving this book a chance. However, I’m glad I did.

Dejah Thoris #8 is a fun, engaging read, pulling you into the story immediately, which is fortunate because this is my first time reading a single page of this comic. Now, I may be helped by the fact that I’m familiar with Edgar Rice Burroughs’ works and am a huge fan of John Carter, so the character isn’t totally unfamiliar to me. However, Dan Abnett still crafts a very real and intriguing world that I very much would like to see more of. In this issue Princess Dejah, her granddaughter and all around badass Llana of Gathol, and friends Jefferson Clyde and Marhok are trying to evade both the Nazis and the U.S. forces who think they are Nazis so they can get to a certain author.  I won’t spoil much more but suffice to say it’s bananas, clever and a really fun adventure.

Sebastian Piriz and Dearbhla Kelly give us some fantastic and dynamic scenes, wonderful face work and just well thought out panels that are filled with clever nods: check out the film Dejah is watching. It’s a nice nod to the time period while also being a potential easter egg for the series and I just love a good easter egg.

Overall this is a great read and I want more.

4 Popcorns out of 5