While I’m not much of a fan of science fiction books, I love the covers. It seems I’m not the only ones, pulp art – where buxom babes and hulky heroes reign supreme – is popular with many as is proved by the abundance of pulp art out there. I must admit that the art of the likes of Frank Frazetta catches my eye more than any other.
Below are a few sample of covers from the Edgar Rice Burroughs Barsoom series starring John Carter – which one is your favorite?
A Princess of Mars – Buy the book or read it free electronically
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The Gods of Mars – Buy the book or read it free electronically
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The Warlord of Mars – Buy the book or read it free electronically
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Thuvia, Maid of Mars – Buy the book or read it free electronically
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The Chessmen of Mars – Buy the book or read it free electronically
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The Master Mind of Mars – Buy the book or read it free electronically
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A Fighting Man of Mars – Buy the book in paper or electronic format
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Swords of Mars – Buy the book in paper or electronic format
Synthetic Men of Mars – Buy the book in paper or electronic format
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Llana of Gathol – Buy the book in paper format
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John Carter of Mars
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Zohar – Man of la Book
These are not the most appealling sci fi stories for me either, but I love the collection of pulp covers you have put together – sometimes the covers are the best thing about a book.
I am reading the third in the series right now. I used to read the comic when I was but a wee lass, and have now discovered why they were/and still are so popular. I’m looking forward to the movie, but am also a bit sceptical, because they have John Carter with long hair, and he had short hair, a point that was/is important in the stories. I’m surprisingly impressed by ERB’s writing style and how articulate he was. I’m enjoying his writing immensely. Easy, informative and now dated, it’s fun to read. Thanks for posting this artwork!
I’ve been meaning to read this series ever since I (finally) read Tarzan and was told that Burroughs had also written this early sci-fi series. I kept putting it off (I enjoy sci-fi adventure movies, but haven’t often been gripped by sci-fi novels). But finally with the movie coming out this year, I picked up a copy and have started reading. My cover is different than those pictured here (shows domed cities or something like that…I’m not that far in the book yet, so I’m not sure if they are domed cities or something else).
I’m a bit torn on the scantily clad overly buxom women featured on sci-fi and fantasy artwork. While I can certainly appreciate the art (especially as a male reader), they make me squirm a little bit especially now that I have a nearly-teenage son that I am trying to bring up to properly respect women without objectifying them.
Still, this is a fun collection of varied artwork. It’s also a great testament to the wide variety of interpretation available from a single work. I know it’s getting bad press already, but I am still interested in seeing the film to see how it stacks up to the novel (which I’m enjoying so far)