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A FIGHTING MAN OF MARS (1979)
Acrylic - 24" x 32"

Since I was endeavoring to be the illustrator most faithful to Burroughs' descriptions, Lester del Rey and I had a lengthy discussion about whether the white lizard I wanted to show had six or eight legs. 1/4

#sciencefiction#scifi #scifiart #sff #edgarriceburroughs #johncarter #barsoom

Menacingly, a white, six-legged lizard grips pale rocks rising well above the floor in an expansive cavern. Distant stalactites extend from the ceiling washed in dark pink and purple providing contrast. The lizard perches above twin Barsoomian warriors opening its maw to expose its teeth. As if caught by surprise鈥攅vident by the sword still in its scabbard鈥攐ne of the men is standing upright and poised to attack with just a dagger in hand. His companion crouches warily with a basket-hilt sword held out, tip up. His shoulder length black hair swings forward with motion. A massive bone protrudes from the floor, the ball joint of a femur seemingly larger than the lizard itself. The foreground around it is littered with human bones, swords, and shields.
Menacingly, a white, six-legged lizard grips pale rocks rising well above the floor in an expansive cavern. Distant stalactites extend from the ceiling washed in dark pink and purple providing contrast. The lizard perches above twin Barsoomian warriors opening its maw to expose its teeth. As if caught by surprise鈥攅vident by the sword still in its scabbard鈥攐ne of the men is standing upright and poised to attack with just a dagger in hand. His companion crouches warily with a basket-hilt sword held out, tip up. His shoulder length black hair swings forward with motion. A massive bone protrudes from the floor, the ball joint of a femur seemingly larger than the lizard itself. The foreground around it is littered with human bones, swords, and shields.