Warlord Of Mars: Dejah Thoris: Colossus Of Mars (2012)
Fiction Review by The Gravedigger
06.29.12
This story takes place over four-hundred years before earthman John Carter met and fell in love with his princess, Dejah Thoris. The Twin Cities of Helium are at war with each other--but this comes to a halt when the Jeddak of Yorn orders their troops to stand down. The reason is that he's picked a bride for his son, Valian, and that bride is Dejah Thoris. Of course, she wants no part of this but it will bring peace to the kingdom, so she reluctantly agrees. Valian isn't a bad person--he's this overweight nerd who has a crush on her and won't do anything to harm her. But his father is a bully--and wants more power. He continually abuses Valian, which eventually catches up with him...
When Yorn's workers uncover The Colossus--this huge, humanoid statue, in the catacombs of lesser Helium, he's anxious to use it weapon. But while trying to figure out how to get inside of it--and thereby control it--mechanical tentacles come out and make him a part of this weird machine. Possessed by more power, he then goes about attacking the green, four-armed Tharks--and then sets his sights on the cities of Helium. Will Dejah Thoris stop him? Or will it be an unexpected savior.
This original story, collecting issues 1-5, is just okay. Only recommended if you're an Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars fan.