/r/Barsoom

Photograph via snooOG

The Barsoom universe is a fantastical vision of Mars and other planets, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1912. The pioneering Mars Saga is one of endless adventure and thrills, sweeping romance, ancient cities, and lost secrets. A new film saga, open world RPG (PS5/XBX/PC), and a streaming series are all potential directions for this beloved universe. Welcome to the largest online Barsoom community on Jasoom (earth)!

Barsoom is a fictional representation of the planet Mars created by American pulp fiction author Edgar Rice Burroughs, who wrote close to 100 action adventure stories in various genres in the first half of the 20th century, and is now best known as the creator of the character Tarzan. The world of Barsoom is a romantic vision of a dying Mars filled with lost cities, heroic adventures and undiscovered ancient secrets.


Posting Code

Spoilers can be posted using the following formatting:

[Tars Tarkas is a Jeddak](/spoiler)

Which in turn will show up in your post like this:

Tars Tarkas is a Jeddak

Posts containing spoilers without using the above method (except in clearly labelled threads) should be reported.


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/r/Barsoom

849 Subscribers

22

Doomguy and Dahlia, my demon girl OC from my Doom fanfic "Day of Wrath", as John Carter and Dejah Thoris; art by Charleian

2 Comments
2024/01/13
17:51 UTC

10

The Mars Saga (IP Plan/Roll-Out Vision) 2027 (115th Anniversary) - 2037

Dear ERB Enterprises,

Dune has proven that when solidly and passionately realised an older, extremely influential IP can have not only a new life but be a zeitgeist creative, cultural and industry force.

The umbrella name we will use won’t be Barsoom or John Carter of Mars, but one which will make that last word ubiquitous, inseparable from the JCM property:

#The Mars Saga.

And as with all lasting sagas the first story will be crucial. We will find our Denis Villeneuve, or our Greta Gerwig.

And The first film will be called The Mars Saga: Dejah’s Quest.

It will be telling of the original story from the perspective of ‘A Princess Of Mars’ herself.

Upon this strong foundation, the remaining 10 Barsoom books will be adapted in exciting rewritten forms, with Dune and Dune Part Two as our touchstones (and Dune Prophecy, and Dune Awakening).

Once buried or put to the side, we will now fly the name MARS with pride.

6 Comments
2023/12/13
20:50 UTC

13

Do you think ERB did well when he chose to not elaborate on the Barsoomian languages while worldbuilding?

To compare, Star Trek places a great deal of emphasis on the difference between the aliens' languages to the point where the native language is explored in certain episodes while still maintaining a universal lingua franca (English).

I personally think he made the right choice because creating a fictional language can quickly spiral into its own thing nearly independent of the source material i.e. the Na'vi language from James Cameron's Avatar movies.

8 Comments
2023/12/06
01:20 UTC

17

If the John Carter (2012) film had been titled "A Princess of Mars" would it have done better at the box office?

The movie lost Disney something like $200 million and was widely seen as a marketing disaster. The movie itself is pretty fun. Audiences at the time, myself included, just didn't understand the John Carter title. Would they have garnered more interest naming it after the first story?

15 Comments
2023/12/02
20:23 UTC

3

What are your favorite quotes, either from the books or from the movies?

4 Comments
2023/11/08
00:39 UTC

3

Princess of Mars: Introducing John Carter the OG Superman

0 Comments
2023/09/20
16:07 UTC

9

I want to start reading this series but I wanted to ask: what edition of the book do you recommend? and: Is there an illustrated version?

Since watching the John Carter movie I've always wanted to get into this series. I want to buy the books, but I usually prefer illustrated versions (like the Illustrated Editions for The Witcher series or the ones for A Song of Ice and Fire). I've researched but keep finding many different ones that seem to vary on quality and I'm unsure which to get.

I've seen theirs a graphic novel, but I would honestly prefer an illustrated book (since all the art, modern or old, of the Princess of Mars is amazing). Is the Graphic Novel good?

7 Comments
2023/09/11
10:33 UTC

7

The Road to 1,000 members on r/Barsoom: JCM is a 'cozy movie'

To celebrate the sub being on the road to hitting 1,000 members, I wanted make a 'share your story' for the underrated gem that is 2012'a John Carter of Mars (I don't call it John Carter).

It's not just any movie—it's a 'cozy movie', at least to me :)

For those unfamiliar, a 'cozy movie' is one that has a timeless quality, inviting viewers to escape into its world time and time again. It often features elements of hidden or alternative realities, much like JCM.

The film becomes a portal to another realm, enchanting us with its spellbinding landscapes, intriguing characters, and captivating narratives. These movies have the power to transport us, much like Lucy in 'The Chronicles of Narnia', from our ordinary lives into extraordinary worlds, always promising the comfort of return. This cyclical journey, coupled with the warmth of familiar characters and narratives, imbues it with a 'coziness'—a sense of solace, warmth, and familiarity that keeps us coming back, eagerly reliving the adventure while snugly wrapped in the blanket of nostalgia :)

Any time I see JCM, with the 'Inter Mundos' of it all, and John's research-filled study - that same feeling hits.

It offers a unique universe rich in lore and characters that feel like old friends. It's the kind of film that provides comfort, familiarity, and adventure in equal measure, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon or a late-night movie with snacks :)

Would love for others to share their cozy movie rituals around JCM!

0 Comments
2023/09/11
04:34 UTC

9

Back to the name we know. Episode 2 is out, and Episode 3 is cooking!

3 Comments
2023/09/03
07:59 UTC

55

I'm high

2 Comments
2023/08/27
06:17 UTC

3

Regarding Chapter 13 of 'The God of Mars': Are they flying by aircraft or sailing by boat?

4 Comments
2023/08/25
03:40 UTC

5

Reading pace recommendation for TGoM: Chapters VI through VIII

I recommend reading Chapters VI through VIII in a single sitting because it dwelves so deep into the mythos of Barsoom, and further exploring the Therns through Phaidor and the First Born through Xodar. I felt pity for Phaidor during this section due to >!the rapid deconstruction of her worldview;!< and by stopping just before Chapter IX "Issus, Goddess of Life Eternal", it has already built up so much suspense, that you're left wondering if Issus >!really is a Goddess or just another phony.!<

On the other hand, reading one chapter per day is also a great plan because each one contains a lot of immersive worldbuilding. Subterranean regions are a big thing in this book. The flying ships, imaginative details, and the distance travelled by John Carter and company would be better served through a guided reading group rather than alone, IMO.

I'm really enjoying The Gods of Mars thus far.

4 Comments
2023/08/23
02:44 UTC

3

Not sure if this is allowed, but does anyone know where I can listen to John Bolen's reading of 'The Gods of Mars' and 'The Warlord of Mars'?

I remember seeing those titles offered to listen for free somewhere that clearly wasn't Audible, but my usual audiobook sites don't show either book.

6 Comments
2023/08/13
04:08 UTC

4

If you were to run a book club on the Barsoom series, how would you go about it?

For me, I would focus on the trilogy because John Carter is the main narrator and he's a likable character, so it'd ease new readers into the 11-book series.

2 Comments
2023/07/19
22:39 UTC

19

Tan Hadron and Tavia from 'A Fighting Man of Mars'

4 Comments
2023/07/19
05:37 UTC

8

Which is your favorite beastie from the novels?

Kind of embarrassing, but in the 26 years or so that I've been a fan, I've only read the first four books. I'm working on Chessmen, now.

Anyway, which beasties are your favorites? I'm going to least for each book I've read, as they introduce more with each one.

Princess of Mars: White Apes. Just cool and menacing

Gods of Mars: The blue plant-men. They stuck with me all these years

Warlord of Mars: The Sith. Apts were interesting, but the encounter with the Sith was more menacing, I feel.

Thuvia: I mean, we've seen Banths before, but this is where they shined best, I think.

Overall: Tough. I'm going to have to go with Blue Men, but I also really wanna say White Apes.

Honorable Mention: WOOLA! He's the best individual beastie, but calots aren't the best species.

9 Comments
2023/07/15
06:07 UTC

6

Who holds the publishing rights these days, and where are they selling?

As I peruse the cluttered Barsoomian listings on Amazon, I note that plenty of outlets/people are selling the public-domain volumes of the series. Still, seemingly no one is publishing the last four volumes. Who holds the publishing rights these days, and where are they selling?

4 Comments
2023/07/02
10:30 UTC

21

Phaidor

7 Comments
2023/06/08
22:07 UTC

5

best novel of barsoom pt 2

4 Comments
2023/06/06
03:03 UTC

5

so i want to collect the Dejah Thoris comics from Dynamite comics and wanted to kow the best way to collect them/start

i already have a trade back the garden of mars

5 Comments
2023/06/03
23:53 UTC

6

best novel of barsoom? pt1

5 Comments
2023/06/03
23:18 UTC

20

Woola the Super-calot

2 Comments
2023/05/19
01:22 UTC

23

Heliumvale Backing-board, far sale if interested

4 Comments
2023/05/18
17:47 UTC

29

Damn I love desert planets

5 Comments
2023/05/13
21:50 UTC

34

Dejah Thoris Backing-board sketch

5 Comments
2023/05/09
18:06 UTC

10

Read the books then saw the movie..

The books are great so far. Why did they get it so wrong in the movie!! Ugh.. hopefully someone else can do a proper movie or tv adaptation.

9 Comments
2023/05/06
14:05 UTC

34

Princess in Repose.

2 Comments
2023/04/19
17:50 UTC

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