Dejah Thoris #0

Dejah Thoris #0 by Amy Chu and Pasquale Qualano. Cover art by Jay Anacleto

I have been looking forward to this book for a VERY long time. As a huge fan of the "Barsoom" universe and the novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs, I was ecstatic to learn that we would be receiving a new solo series based upon the popular heroine of the John Carter books. While earlier last year we were treated to the underrated miniseries John Carter: The End, I've been eagerly awaiting a new ongoing series set in the world of Barsoom. Amy Chu, who is making a big name for herself over at Dynamite Comics, handles the writing duties of the issue. Chu is also currently writing Red Sonja for Dynamite, another one of their popular leading ladies. This series has been marketed as the untold stories of Dejah Thoris before John Carter arrived on Barsoom. In this series, Dejah Thoris is on the hunt to locate Ephysium, or the "Gardens of Mars," to help save their dying world.

Amy Chu dives straight into the story without worrying too much about explanation, yet makes it an easy read for new fans and old ones. However, there might be some names new fans might be confused about. Ultimately, I believe it's for the best, instead of worrying too much about getting new readers caught up on the world of Barsoom, Chu takes us straight into the plot. Dejah talks with her grandfather about the Gardens of Mars before her bedtime and promises him that she would find it. While the Red Martians have largely forsaken the stories of Ephysium, the optimistic Dejah Thoris seeks to find it to save not only her own people, but everyone on Barsoom. Chu does a great job of presenting Dejah as a selfless individual, who reluctantly learns about her people's hatred towards the Tharks, and shows a disdain for war and cruelty. It's one of the things I love most about Dejah Thoris, she's a strong, fierce woman but she shows compassion and love for all. 

Pasquale Qualano draws the issue and his artwork is truly fantastic. Dejah Thoris has had plenty of amazing artists draw her over the years, and Pasquale Qualano is shaping up to be another one to add to the list. Whether he's drawing the young Dejah or older one, great care has been taken to present her in a regal, yet soft and kind manner. 

Amy Chu and Pasquale Qualano have started off strong by giving us an introductory issue that's easily accessible to any reader, without bogging down the narrative with exposition. We're given a bit of world building and are clear on Dejah's motives. I've really been enjoying Amy Chu's Red Sonja run and after this issue, I am extremely excited to see what she has in store for Dejah Thoris. I highly recommend readers to scoop this one up, especially at the low price of $.25! It's been too long since I've returned to Barsoom, but I am glad to be back on another exciting journey with one of my favorite heroines. 

9/10