Comic Review: John Carter, Warlord of Mars #13

Sorry for the lateness of this review but better late than never as we find "What Lies Beneath."

Now on foot after their flyer gave out, John Carter and Dejah Thoris are going through the desert when they find an oasis. But as Carter says if it looks too good to be true and before they know it they're about to become lunch for a a large tentacled beast that resembles a cross between something out of Lovecraft and the Sarlaac Pit. Fortunately our heroes escape. Unfortunately they find something worse-sleeping Plant Men, ready to hatch and feed.

A pretty simple issue, "What Lies Beneath" is nothing more than monster action, utilizing one of the creepiest creatures from the novels in take off on such films like Alien and The Descent. Honestly that's a good thing as we get a change up from Carter and Dejah having to rescue people from the latest _____ in the blank threat and are instead fighting for themselves. The interaction between the two is handled well (even if Ron Marz and Ian Edginton do resort to the horrid banter from the movie at one point) but all in all a vast improvement over the last issue.

Helping is Ariel Medel's artwork, especially in capturing the desolate look of the desert, the rather creepy Plant Men and our heroes. There is some oddities-like the aforementioned Sarlaac-Cthulu monster-but all in all it complements the story and helps carry it through.

If you're looking for a solid "people in a cave getting attacked by monsters" this tale is right up your alley. Fans of John and Dejah will also enjoy the tension so pick it up if you haven't. Next time more comic reviews and surprises. Until then be safe.