The Incomparable Dejah Thoris (Top Ten Almost SFW Illos)
17. Jun, 2009 
16 Comments
What with all of the internet hype ramping up big time for the Pixar John Carter On Mars film project, I figured I’d take a quick look at past illustrations of one of ERB’s more enduring (and frequently imagined) characters, the Princess of Helium and interplanetary babe of babes – Dejah Thoris.
Most are familiar with the various Frazetta renditions (and his is among my faves), or perhaps J Allen St. John or Schoonover’s earlier efforts (true to form and classic illos of their eras) – and I am familiar with all of them – but I was truly blown away by the vast number of artists who have tried their hands at rendering the most beautiful woman on nine planets (and yes, nine planets is historically contextual:? John Carter cares not what definition crazed astronomers use for the heavenly bodies – he only cares for the heavenly body of Dejah).
Interestingly enough, everyone (with the exception of James Spratt – see below) has seen fit to give Dejah at least some clothing – or at least some cleverly arranged body ornaments, despite the fact that Burroughs explained VERY clearly that the Martians are a race of confirmed nudists.
Few artists seem to be willing to go all the way and, while there IS a lot of nippleage – not to mention many fine, curvaceous butts – almost all of the Dejah’s shown here remain at least marginally safe for work.
I don’t think there’s a pubescent boy on the face of Jasoom who hasn’t had some kind of relationship with Dejah (and we all know that men remain pubescent boys regardless of how many candles there are on the cake).? So feast your eyes and shield your screen.? After the cut – My Top Ten (Plus One) Picks of the Images of Dejah Thoris, Martian Princess!
(Where it has been possible to identify the artist, I provide credit and, in all cases, the original sources are linked to.)
Adam Hughes - true to the text
James Spratt - true to the text
Bruce Timm
Bruce Timm (close up)
Frank Frazetta
Garrett Blair
Josh Howard
Ken Allan
Kevin West
Steve Woron
Bane
I went through some 50 different illustrations – B&W, color, sculpture – even a doll rendered from a Cher doll – to winnow down to these 11.? I may post the rest on another day, since all of them provide, ummm, food for thought…
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Thanks Steve!
number 11 is how I pictured her.
ERB’s Barssom will always be Frazetta illustrated in my mind — but I certainly would not mind seeing more of Bane’s take on that world; very nice.
Thanks, Bill, it’s nice to be noticed. I thought somebody needed to break the ice with the nudity, give us all a little more freedom. Hat’s off to Bill Hillman at Erbzine. Hey, great jobs, guys!
James, thanks for writing in – I’m particularly fond of your comic book treatment of the novel and have read it on the ERB site a few times.
Thanks, Crotchety. I’m about 2/3ds done, best I can figure (eeeevil grin), or maybe not. The comic look grew out of the pen and pencils technique. (Yah, I know–shaddup an’ draw!) More coming soon, and thanks again.
James – way cool. Check todays info dump…
COF, now I’m impressed; damn, I’m good! *cackle!*SNORT*snarfle*five-armpit-farts-in-a-row! and a huge SEG. Ya done got ma hin’ laig t’ kickin’!
I agree with you on not making fundamental alterations–”Shut up and draw!”–to the plot of such a great–”Shut up and DRAW!”–story, but some embellishment is, I–”SHUT UP and DRAW!”–th-think, a–”SSSHHH—permissableanddesirableelementinanyartist’sinterpretation!
James,
lol. SUAD!
You da man! Ha-haaaaaaaaaa!!!
Dear Crotchety:
I have written a six part screenplay thesis on the life and works of ERB. It is x-rated since I too have remained true to the text when it comes to Barsoom. Writing this screenplay thesis really got me in touch with ERB and his characters in way I had never experienced before. I have it posted on a website for peer review:
edgarriceburroughsthescreenplaythesis.net
I have been following the comic book too, and enjoy its faithfulness to the story, especially the nudity.
Thank you.
Woodrow Nichols
Hi, Crotchety: Taking a little break. I’d highly recommend Woodrow’s screenplay as a good read. His writing style carries you right along, and ERB aficianados will get a real kick out of it, if you like the earthier side of our heroes. Not for Pollyanna.
Hi James, thanks for checking in!
I sure will check that out.
FYI, its a bit slow around here lately – I’ve been tied up with other things and the hacker hit didn’t help.
be good!