Tarzan #209
Published by DC and © Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., June 1972
Title: “Origin of the Ape-Man Book 3: A Mate for the Ape-Man”
Synopsis: Tarzan becomes king of the apes, but realizes he’s a man. More humans – including Jane – come to the jungle.
Writer: Joe Kubert
Artist: Kubert
Review: The pacing of this third installment of Joe Kubert’s excellent adaptation of “Tarzan of the Apes” is a bit jerky, but the story remains enjoyable. And the art, of course, is outstanding. Kubert continues to make the jungle a living, breathing place, and his action sequences are superb.
•••
Title: “John Carter of Mars”
Synopsis: John Carter learns more about life on Mars, as the Tharks capture the beautiful Dejah Thoris.
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Murphy Anderson
Review: Murphy Anderson’s art here isn’t as nice as his first installment (see review), and the story feels a little rushed.
Grade (for the entire issue): A-
Second opinion: “4 out of 4 stars.” – Michael Tierney, Comics Buyer’s Guide #1609, October 2005 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Joe Kubert’s fight choreography is simply excellent, particularly the first battle between Tarzan and the great bull-ape Terkoz.
Notable: Includes a three-page text story titled “Fight For Life,” with reprint art from Hal Foster. … Includes a note from the editors explaining that DC Comics would return to a 20¢ cover price the following month. … “The Dum-Dum” letters page includes an LoC from Jim Steranko. … Includes a two-page, text-and-photos feature titled “Tarzan of the Movies.” … The John Carter story would continue in Weird Worlds #1.
Character quotable: “I AN TARZAN … KING OF THE APES!” – Tarzan, King of the Apes
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on March 10, 2010.
