[Andrew999]

When I was about ten years old, I had a complete set of Mars Attacks chewing gum cards (trading cards in the US). I've no idea what happened to them (although I have a suspicion my sister stole them in retaliation for me hanging her Sindy doll on a makeshift gallows) – but I note a complete set of Mars Attacks cards was valued at up to $15k in the USA recently – though a set in the UK sold for a more reasonable £700.

Either way, I can’t help wondering if the series was influenced by Julio Ribero’s excellent Platillos Volantes tebeos in ’54-‘55. Later, after moving to France, Julio (when he wasn't hanging around down by the schoolyard) developed the outstanding Dracurella in the ‘70s.

There’s much more on Julio in the usual place here:

https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/ribera_j.htm

In this episode of Flying Saucers, Earth & Saturn team up against the Martian invaders. Wounded Earth hero Perry Curtis is restored to health and rejoins the fray – but who is the mysterious Black Brain and what can it mean for the Defenders of the Earth (and Saturn)! ?

Link to the book: Platillos Volantes 05 La Primera victoria