I tried reading the book recently, and by gods… it’s… interesting to say the least. I think the writing for the female character(s) was really jarring for me. I can’t remember, but I couldn’t keep reading it. Some may like it, sure, but I certainly didn’t find the book enjoyable enough to keep going.

Edit: that being said, I watched the movie in high school and really enjoyed it. I hated that they never made a sequel. But, with the naming issue and it releasing at the same time as a blockbuster, it really didn’t get as much traction as they wanted.

[–] Overspark 2 points 6 days ago

The books are over a century old so while I didn't click with them either it's easy to set why they're not up to modern standards.

The movie bombing had many more reasons. Disney got a new CEO while it was being made who didn't believe in it, so it basically got no marketing at all. It also demanded script changes during filming, which is why the character of Dejah Thoris alternates between powerful woman and damsel in distress throughout the movie. And there was a dispute over what the movie should be called. IMHO John Carter is the worst title they could have gone for, my personal favourite would have been Barsoom.

But yeah, for everyone who missed it it is definitely worth a watch, it's a contender for the most expensive and beautifully made B-movie of all time.