The classic sci-fi novel series John Carter of Mars is ready for its latest media makeover, this time in its first-ever animated series adaptation. Based on the works by author Edgar Rice Burroughs (Tarzan), the project is being developed by his estate and showrunner Michael Kogge, author of several companion books to popular story universes such as Star Wars, Harry Potter and DC.
John Carter originated in the pulp series Under the Moons of Mars, first published by The All-Story in 1912 and later serialized as the novel A Princess of Mars. The stories center John Carter, a Civil War veteran who is mystically transported to a Mars teeming with life and populated by various alien races who call their home world Barsoom. Through his adventures, the Earthman battles various Martian monsters and alien villains, often to rescue Dejah Thoris, Princess of the Martian city-state of Helium.
John Carter’s adventures have extended to comic books (since the 1930s), video games and film projects, including the direct-to-video feature Princess of Mars (2009) and Disney’s John Carter (2012). Looney Tunes animator Bob Clampett attempted in the 1930s to adapt the story to a color cartoon in collaboration with Burroughs, which was never completed. The character has also influenced many other creators and has appeared in works by Alan Moore and others.
In a statement to The Wrap, Kogge noted: “In this era of incredible animation, with shows like Castlevania, Blood of Zeus and Twilight of the Gods pushing the genre of fantasy action-adventure to new heights, there couldn’t be a better time for the Martian saga of John Carter and Princess Dejah Thoris to be told through bold, ground-breaking animation.” Kogge, who is represented by WME and Felker Toczek, has already written an audio series based on the Martian novels, which is being recorded with voice stars including Ian McDiarmid, Bruce Boxleitner and Sean Patrick Flannery.
Jim Sullos and Wolf Larson are overseeing the John Carter of Mars animation project for Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. A sneak-peek will be presented during the Burroughs-themed panel at San Diego Comic-Con this Friday, July 25.
[Source: The Wrap]
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