IDW's "Mars Attacks:" Impressions on Issues #1-4

*here be spoilers.

Writer: John Layman.

Artist: John McCrea.

Colorer: Andrew Elder.

The added exposition in IDW Comic's "Mars Attacks" works very well to tell the story of what the invaders from the red planet want: to take revenge on the entire human race. Issue #4 nicely pieces together the story in a level that makes Tim Burton's movie be like a striptease.

In the theatrical take, nobody knew what the Martians were after. The translation device was only used once and a miscommunication got them angry enough to start destroying the world. Burton made a fun campy product, but he didn't delve into any particular pathos other than to evoke some of the ethos that was prevalent to the 90's.

In the comic book version, an all-new story is presented. In issue #1, General Zar leads a mission of destruction, to take revenge on the citizens of Earth. He does this because of a bad encounter that dates back to the ancient times involving the Aztecs. But there was also another incident in '62. Free Love was not what these aliens were after. Zar was part of a recon mission and by some unexplained misfortune, he hits a space orbiter. He is forced to crash land. The farmers could only react the only way they knew how, to defend themselves rather than saying how can we help? One of the aliens gets hauled away and he is sold to the circus.

By issue #2, he manages to escape only to be captured by the military. He is later tortured to reveal some high tech secrets. As for what his fate is, the story switches to the present to show other Martians in disguise and infiltrating the White House. All of Earth's world leaders are being targeted but one character, Charlie Spenser, a Vietnam vet. He saves the president but his future looks grim when he sees giant sized ants under alien control.

In issue #3, a few of the story ideas start to tie themselves together. The life of Sidney Rose, a ringmaster of a flea circus, is examined. From what he was doing back in '62, working at a real circus before it was attacked, to now, he seems to have a knack for meeting the aliens everywhere he goes!

When the aliens attack, he is always in the thick of the fight. He meets a wounded soldier who gives him a strange container that he decides to open. And, the mist that escapes transforms his fleas into monsters that can potentially turn the tide of the battle. The fight may well be about the Martians versus Them!

By issue #4, more of the story and thought processes are nicely brought out when Zar's motivations are finally revealed. This comic book series is worth reading once readers get to know what goes on in that pulsing mass of alien brain matter.

Unlike Burton's theatrical interpretation, the tale John Layman penned is much different than the cynical movie universe. This author gives us characters that readers want to care about. Anticipation for the next issue is better than any typical super-hero story arc since everyone here is mortal. They could potentially die at any minute. The art by John McCrea recalls some of the same magical style in Wallace Wood's trading card set. With chapter markers designed to look like the cards, the integration is well worth noting.

Unfortunately, finding the transitions of different eras in time might not always be recognized. Bolder direction and a caption box designed differently can help to distinguish between the flashbacks and modern day invasion settings.

At least no previous knowledge is required for this new series that celebrates the 50-year anniversary of this franchise. Some readers may want to explore all the merchandise this series has to offer. New trading cards and toys have been developed by Topps and IDW's marketing department. They are trying to cash in by enticing readers to collect all the variant covers, especially for issue #1. Where it sports 57 different covers! One of them is an exclusive.

To have an extension of the trading card set by buying the comics, packaged with a new card, can be a better idea. And both collections can mutually grow if die-hard invaders decide if they must collect them all.

But with no indication of how long this series will run the trick is in how to get fans to continue buying variant covers. Some pockets do not run that deep, and to cry afoul will mean joining the Martian cause and say en masse, "ck, eke, ek, Ack!" (translation: kill, don't buy, only if you must, 10-4)

Overall: 7 out of 10.

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