Aliens attack Earth! Panic ensues! Humanity is lost! A father and son duo learn to rely on one another like never before. Mars Attacks! is a riveting story of duty and family set at the very brink of human destruction. With classic illustrations and a good dose of humor, Mars Attacks! is a non-stop adventure.
Spencer is an average guy. He doesn’t know what he’s doing with his life but he knows that he’s unhappy. His father, The Major, is an ex-Marine who is deeply disappointed in his son’s lackadaisical ways and that Spencer dropped out of the military. While the two share a tense visit, the Earth is attacked by alien creatures who appear bent on complete destruction. Spencer and the Major find themselves running for their lives.
They embark on a topsy-turvy adventure: crossing paths with a gun-friendly militia group with a cool dog, the actual military, and a paranoid survivor who attempts to kill the two of them when they try to hide in his bunker. In the end, Spencer must make the choice to either continue to employ his passive resistance mentality or return to his more primal instincts to survive. After taking one of the aliens hostage, Spencer learns that these creatures from outer space have used up their own planet’s resources and plan to make the Earth their new home. He then turns the creature over the United States government for further questions. In the end, though, is the martians’ situation really any different from the current state of humanity?
Mars Attacks! by Kyle Starks and Chris Schweizer takes a beloved piece of pop culture and provides a new look for the franchise. The dialogue feels lived-in. The conversations between Spencer and his father are organic and natural. Schweizer captures the bulbous, bugged-eyed look of the aliens perfectly. They are frightening enough to be a threat, but also ridiculous-looking enough to keep with the theme of camp. With a bit of thoughtful commentary on modern social requirements in the writing and eye-catching old-school illustrations, Mars Attacks is an alien invasion tale with heart. The apocalypse is nigh anyway, so might as well enjoy the ride.
Mars Attacks! is appropriate for older teens and adults.. There is some cartoon-y violence and bloodshed. Mars Attacks! will be enjoyable to readers of the Creepshow comics by Stephen King and fans of the original Mars Attacks! comics by John Layman.
Mars Attacks!
By Kyle Starks
Illustrated by Chris Schweizer
ISBN: 9781524109943
Dynamite, 2019
Publisher Age Rating: Teen +
Mars Attacks!
By Kyle Starks
Art by Chris Schweizer
ISBN: 9781524109943
Dynamite, 2009
Publisher Age Rating: Teen +
