Plus get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Published by ABLAZE
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
From Eisner Award winning writer Mark Russell and artist Roberto Meli comes the Eisner-nominated compelling sci-fi story...
Traveling to Mars tells the story of former pet store manager Roy Livingston, the first human to ever set foot on Mars. Roy was chosen for this unlikely mission for one simple reason: he is terminally ill and therefore has no expectation of returning. Roy is joined on his mission to Mars by Leopold and Albert, two Mars rovers equipped with artificial intelligence, who look upon the dying pet store manager as a sort of god. Against the backdrop of not only his waning days but those of human civilization as well, Roy has ample time to think about where things went wrong for both of them and what it means to be a dying god. A riveting story of planetary exploration and of finding meaning in your final days.
Collects the critically acclaimed 11-issue series plus cover gallery and bonus material.
Traveling to Mars tells the story of former pet store manager Roy Livingston, the first human to ever set foot on Mars. Roy was chosen for this unlikely mission for one simple reason: he is terminally ill and therefore has no expectation of returning. Roy is joined on his mission to Mars by Leopold and Albert, two Mars rovers equipped with artificial intelligence, who look upon the dying pet store manager as a sort of god. Against the backdrop of not only his waning days but those of human civilization as well, Roy has ample time to think about where things went wrong for both of them and what it means to be a dying god. A riveting story of planetary exploration and of finding meaning in your final days.
Collects the critically acclaimed 11-issue series plus cover gallery and bonus material.
Product Details
- Publisher: ABLAZE (December 15, 2026)
- Length: 280 pages
- ISBN13: 9781684975631
Browse Related Books
Raves and Reviews
An intensely personal and honest story born from frustrated anxiety over the easy choices for a better future that society continues not to make. There's catharsis in this very smart and well-done comic, and I can't recommend it enough. Verdict: Buy
– ComicsBeat.com
Mark Russell is the consistent satirist in mainstream comics right now, and Traveling to Mars turns his jaundiced eye on space travel in a bleakly funny subversion of the genre. Space travel is founded on optimism, the model established by editor John W. Campbell where capable white men go to space for the betterment of Mankind. Russell turns that completely on its head. Score: 8/10
– BleedingCool.com
It's beautiful. It's smart and intelligent, quirky and humorous. It delicately holds all those wonderful nuances fans of Russell's writing will quickly recognize, but it all feels elevated as if it were dogma. The art is equally brilliant.
– blakesbuzz.substack.com
Traveling to Mars #1 delivers a story of reflection. I'm positive we're going to see a lot of surprises as the story progresses as Livingstone reflects on life and deals with his new robot friends. This feels like a series that's going to not just deliver some laughs but also very well might tug at heart strings. Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
– GraphicPolicy.com
hilarious social satire, mixed with poignant and beautiful meditations on the meaning of life and the value of leaving a lasting legacy after. Russell is joined on this book by Roberto Meli, an up-and-coming talent in the world of comics. He does an admirable job in capturing the feel of this book, and I'm very excited to see where his career goes from here.
– BiffBamPop.com https://biffbampop.com/2022/11/08/readthisbooktravelingtomars1fromablaze/
When Mark Russell is writing the story you know you'll be getting deep and well-thought-out themes, often with well-placed humor. Traveling to Mars delivers on this and then some. If you're a fan of The Martian or Not All Robots, then you'll want to check out Traveling to Mars #1. Rating: 8.5 out of 10
– youpromisedmecomics.com
The creative team nailed this one. Thoughtful, meaningful, caring story with space travel with inventible twists and turns coming in future issues.
– capesandtights.com
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
-
Book Cover Image (jpg): TRAVELING TO MARS HC
Hardcover 9781684975631
