American Mythology Productions 2020
Written by Mike Wolfer & Matt Betts
Illustrated by Vincenzo Carratù
Coloured by Periya Pillai
Pellucidar: Dark of the Sun
Written by Christopher Paul Carey
Illustrated by Mike Wolfer
Coloured by Periya Pillai
All Lettering by Natalie Jane
In 2020, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. will be launching the Edgar Rice Burroughs Universe, an all-new series of interconnected novels by today's top sci-fi writers... And it all begins at American Mythology with a groundbreaking comics prequel series to the first ERB Universe novel, Matt Betts' Carson of Venus: The Edge of All Worlds! In Carson of Venus: Eye of Amtor, stranded Earthman Carson Napier fights against time and the planet Venus itself, tasked with gathering natural artifacts from across wild Amtor before a mad king executes his friends Ero Shan and Nalte. But Carson is not alone, as Princess Duare battles at his side against unearthly creatures and savage landscapes! Then, thrill to the adventures of scientist Jason Gridley and his mysterious protégé Victory Harben in the astounding Pellucidar: Dark of the Sun, a special, three-part, back-up story that launches the epic plot-line that will run throughout the novels in the first ERBU "super-arc!"
For me this is something I find myself enjoying so very much. While Dynamite may utilise the world of John Carter what American Mythology is doing is something else entirely. If for whatever reason you aren't familiar with the worlds that Burroughs created these stories are the most closely resembling what it was he did. So for long-time fans and for those being introduced the effect is nearly the same, we're welcomed into worlds of awe, wonder and pure imagination. Also that I am constantly amazed by what we see within the pages is incredible, it's like opening a new gift with each arc because you just don't know what's going to be inside. The love, care and passion that these are done with shines through every panel of every page and that's something that bleeds into the reader as well.
First of all thank you for this opening splash page because we see these giant zebra hyena's and they are after the ugly brutish my little ponies and it sets the stage for what's to come beautifully. Since Burroughs drew heavily upon the influences he knew it should come as no surprise that we see an isolated “neutral” city that seems to be run by a cross of Roman and Greek influences. I felt the Robot warning me of danger almost immediately and I think that adds something to the mix that is welcome and missing in general. That feeling you get from the mix of writing and illustration that creates the ambiance that is as much a tell as anything else.
The story & plot development here is amazing and how we see the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is perfectly presented. The character development is strong and constantly growing and moving forward. The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way while also helping to create the books ebb & flow is so nicely rendered.
The interiors here are phenomenal! The linework is exquisite and the creativity and imagination on display that is brought to life through how the attention to detail shines through, fabulous dahling. I am a fan of the way we see backgrounds and how they work within the composition in the panels to bring depth perception, a sense of scale and that overall size and scope to the book. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a strong and beautiful eye for storytelling. The colour work is extremely well handled here and the array of purples we see makes my heart sing, it's regal of course and my favourite colour. The way that we see the highlights, shading and shadow work created through the varying hues and tones within the colours is gorgeously rendered here. Plus that hairy chest on Carson, sigh.
I am definitely looking forward to what is coming next as the pair have to find the materials needed for the job Carson needs to do.
The back-up feature here is as delightful as the main one. Though I have to admit the interiors are a lot more interesting. That first page with the skulls, flowers and vines for the border oh yeah that's what I am talking about! This is the kind of crisp, clean and strong linework that I gravitate towards. The dialogue and what we see happening is fantastic! It is all about the banter between them for me as it has this ring of authenticity and playfulness that is rare to come by. I just wish it were longer lol.
So American Mythology and the worlds of Edgar Rice Burroughs continues to thrill audiences as it was always meant to and should be!