Mars Attacks Volume 1: Attack from Space, by John Layman and John McCrea

Remember the movie Mars Attacks from the 1990s?  This new comic from Layman and McCrae captures the same over-the-top humor, with the same Martians, but in completely new stories.  After repeatedly being attacked by humans on exploratory visits to Earth, the Martians have had enough and are set on revenge and nothing short of the collapse of human civilization.  By breeding giant insects, assassinating world leaders, and wreaking general chaos and destruction, the Martians look to be well on their way to their ultimate victory.  Little do they know that humans have more pluck and desire to survive.  This volume ends with hints at a resistance movement among the humans.

This isn't brilliant writing or brilliant comic book art.  It's fun, humorous, violent sci-fi, in the tradition of the movie and the genre spoofed by the movie.  So grab your popcorn, set aside your literary and art criticism hat, and enjoy the ride.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!