John Carter in the Warlord of Mars

April 1, 2013

In preparing for its John Carter movie adaptation, Disney envisioned a three-film series of the first books of Burroughs's Barsoomian sagas--considered fundamental to modern science fantasy--depicting the humanoid inhabitants of Mars. The first film was mostly based on the original The All-Story magazine serial "Under the Moons of Mars" (later, in book form, A Princess of Mars). The movie, unfortunately, tanked, and its sequels are on hold. As tie-ins to the expected films, these audiobook versions, read by Scott Brick, one of the best-regarded narrators in the business, are exceedingly well done. The sequels tell of Carter's return to Mars and violent efforts to save his wife from the barbarous races and individuals infesting the planet from pole to pole (and who even plague one of Mars's moons). Brick grasps the stories' essentials--action, wonder, and honor--and runs with them. VERDICT Despite the lack of interest that could have resulted from the films, these top productions still should be big hits with classic sf fans.--Don Wismer, formerly with Cary Memorial Lib., Wayne, ME

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