Dejah is on a scientific expedition to find the lost city of Ephysium. She wants nothing more than to save the people of Helium. And, right now her planet is in dire need of water. In issue #0 Dejah met a great white ape in her father’s dungeon. She was ordered to kill a green in that issue as well, but instead helped him flee. In issue #1 Dejah gathered a party and they set out together to find water. Now she is face-to-face with a white ape and is trying to communicate the creature. Dejah is certain that if she can just speak with the ape, that they will become peaceful.
Unfortunately Dejah is wrong this time and the white ape begins attacking our princess and her party. The white ape lashes out and Dejah takes to action to protect the others. I won’t spoil anything by telling you how the fight plays out. But, I will tell you that Dejah is one fierce protector and fighter. From here Dejah reflects on everything that led her to this path.
Dejah and her party travel over vast deserts, and they eventually run out of water. Luckily Sajad knows how to harvest water from plants. The group travels a very long distance, but Dejah sees familiar landmarks from her studies. And, they eventually reach The Ancient Otz Valley. Something else that’s sad is that Barsoom was once full of oceans, but they have only encountered desert to this point.
The party decides to collect soil samples to take back home. That’s when Kajas thinks they should take a break. Sajad disagrees. He tells the rest of the party that’s a bad idea, and to stay vigil. No sooner as he says that they’re attacked again. This time by large plant monsters. Just when all hope seems lost, Dejah spots one her ships. Will the ship reach her party in time?
Will Dejah and her party survive the attack from plant monsters? The story is getting pretty intense. Things from the last 2 issues are all falling into place. I can’t help but think that if there are plant monsters in the middle of a desert that Dejah is correct in thinking that there is water nearby. It’s the only thing that makes any sense. Dejah studied up hard on Barsoom’s history her entire life.
Even though Dejah has never seen Ehysium she is proving its existence by proving other landmarks nearby exist. I believe in her and that she will uncover the lost city. Sure, the oceans are gone now, but obviously that doesn’t mean they never existed. Amy Chu has done a phenomenal job of developing Dejah Thoris’s character. I find it interesting that in flashbacks and even in issue #0 Dejah very much had her classic look, but she has also evolved that look into a full-fledged warrior. I can’t get enough of this sci-fi adventure.
Rating: 9/10
