M.A.R.S. Patrol Total War

Talented comic book artist Wood was fortunate enough to work with Harvey Kurtzman, one of the greatest comics writers ever, on Frontline Combat and MAD (both published by E.C.). But Wood was also a professional who could produce lesser work to keep the freelance checks coming. This work, published by Gold Key in 1965, falls into the latter category. Its premise is that America has been invaded by a mysterious military force (wearing purple uniforms and bearing a crab insignia). The merciless invaders kill civilians without hesitation and take their own lives to avoid capture. Key to fighting the invaders is the Marine Attack Rescue Service, who are a bit like S.E.A.L.s or the Green Berets. The M.A.R.S. soldiers are a multiracial force who shuttle back and forth across America on desperate missions to stop invader advances. This is strictly 10-year-old boy territory-indeed, the first woman character doesn't show up until the end, and she initially treats the M.A.R.S. soldiers like they have cooties. Wood's art here is stiff and uninspired, a far cry from his classic E.C. work. The story is silly, and the entire project feels cranked out. Dark Horse has packaged the book nicely, but considering all the classic comics that haven't yet been reprinted, this feels like a wasted opportunity likely to appeal only to hard-core Wood completists.