John Carter: Warlord of Mars #2 (Marvel, 1977) | Comic Issue Overview
John Carter: Warlord of Mars #2 (July 1977) titled "From the Shadows... Stara-Kan!" After rescuing Dejah Thoris, Carter and Tars Tarkas investigate an Atmosphere Factory filled with murderous White Apes!
Story Summary | John Carter: Warlord of Mars #2
Gil Kane's lavish and uniquely-stylized illustration work sends readers on a vivid trip to Mars, where Carter, Dejah Thoris, and Tars Tarkas investigate the ruins of a Zodangan city. After Carter captures a spy and puts him on trial, the mysterious man with a robotic arm breaks out of prison on a mission to destroy the Atmosphere Generator and kill all life on Mars. Carter and Tarkas battle a group of murderous, giant white apes as they search for the spy in the Atmosphere Generator, and nearly die until Princess Thoris crashes her spaceship into the building. She is captured, and Tarkas and Carter fall to their doom. It seems that all is lost...
Fans of Gil Kane's work on the Star Hawks comic strip series and Conan the Barbarian will absolutely love this issue of John Carter. It shines with Kane's unique approach to anatomy, background details, and attention to detail... particularly regarding Dejah Thoris. Wolfman's over-dramatic script is dense and filled with adventure.
Creative Team
Writer and Editor: Marv Wolfman
Pencils: Gil Kane
Inks: Rudy Nebres
Letters: John Costanza
Colors: Janice Cohen
FAQ | John Carter: Warlord of Mars #2
Q: What is John Carter, Warlord of Mars #2?
A: John Carter, Warlord of Mars #2 is the second issue in Marvel Comics’ adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic Barsoom (Mars) science-fantasy saga. The issue continues the adventures of Earthman John Carter as he navigates the brutal politics, aerial warfare, and alien civilizations of Mars, expanding on the world-building introduced in issue #1. Marv Wolfman is the writer, and famed artist Gil Kane provides the brilliant pencils.
Q: Is John Carter, Warlord of Mars #2 valuable?
A: Value depends heavily on condition. While not considered a major “key issue,” John Carter #2 is sought after by fans of classic science-fiction comics, Edgar Rice Burroughs collectors, and readers assembling full series runs. Higher-grade copies, especially well-preserved newsstand editions, command stronger prices. I bought my copy for $1.00, and it is much loved.
Q: Who created John Carter, Warlord of Mars #2?
A: The series was produced by Marvel Comics and features creative talent adapting Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original A Princess of Mars universe. Credits typically include established Marvel writers and artists of the era, bringing Bronze-Age/early Modern-Age comic sensibilities to one of science fiction’s most influential pulp heroes.
Q: How many issues are in the John Carter, Warlord of Mars series?
A: Marvel’s John Carter, Warlord of Mars series ran for 28 issues, making it a substantial run compared to many licensed science-fiction comics of the time. Issue #2 is an early chapter and an essential part of a complete set.
Q: Why is John Carter, Warlord of Mars #2 considered collectible?
A: Collectibility comes from a combination of factors:
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The enduring popularity of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom mythology
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Strong crossover appeal to sci-fi, fantasy, and pulp collectors
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Classic Marvel Bronze-Age storytelling and artwork
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Demand from readers completing full John Carter series runs
While not a high-dollar key, it is a solid and historically important science-fiction comic.
Q: Is John Carter #2 a good reading copy or mainly for collectors?
A: Both. Lower-grade copies make excellent reading copies for fans of planetary romance and classic sci-fi adventure, while higher-grade examples are ideal for collectors building a curated Marvel or Edgar Rice Burroughs collection.
Q: What makes John Carter an important science-fiction character?
A: John Carter is one of the most influential heroes in science-fiction history. First introduced in 1912, his adventures on Mars inspired generations of creators and directly influenced later works such as Star Wars, Flash Gordon, and modern space-opera storytelling. The Marvel comic series helped introduce this legacy to comic readers.
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