ERBzine 8223a: Drabbles Feb 15-28, 2026

SWORDS OF MARS

February 15: On this day in 1936, Edgar Rice Burroughs Incorporated published the first edition of SWORDS OF MARS. The book had a beautiful wraparound dust jacket by J. Allen St. John and was dedicated to Ed’s future wife, Florence. The first letter of the first word of the prologue and each chapter to spell out, “To Florence with all My Love Ed”

The two illustrations included with this post are a preliminary sketch and the final cover drawing by J. Allen St. John.

The publishing history of the novel, an electronic version, and dozens of illustrations are located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag7/0736.html

The seventh book in the Barsoom series features John Carter as the primary protagonist for the first time since the original trilogy. Welcome back, John. He goes undercover in the city of Zodanga to destroy the powerful Guild of Assassins. Carter faces rival scientists, saves his kidnapped wife Dejah Thoris, and travels to the moon Thuria, featuring high-stakes political intrigue and action. As he approaches Thuria, he is reduced in size proportionally, as the moon is sized to Barsoom. The bad guy in the story is FAL SILVAS, and with a name like that, you know he’s gotta be a villain.

The drabble for today is 107 words long and it was written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It has been excerpted from the opening of the prologue of SWORDS OF MARS. It gives us the only clue as to the location of the cave found by John Carter in A Princess of Mars is located. The prose is pretty darn good, as well.

SWORDS OF MARS

The moon had risen above the rim of the canyon near the headwaters of the Little Colorado. It bathed in soft light the willows that line the bank of the little mountain torrent and the cottonwood trees beneath which I had been camping in the White Mountains of Arizona.

My thoughts returned again to Geronimo and his fierce Apache warriors; and these vagrant musings engendered memories of Captain John Carter of Virginia, whose dead body had lain for ten long years in some forgotten cave in the mountains not far south of this very spot -- the cave in which he had sought shelter from pursuing Apaches.

RUNAWAY

February 16: On this day in 1934, Hulbert Burroughs crashed ERB’s new airplane, the Doodad, on a solo flight. A strong crosswind was reported. ERB had successfully completed his solo flight only days earlier. Hulbert was uninjured.

An excellent article, including many photographs, about Hulbert is available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag19/1985.html. The article features several photos of Hulbert during the World War II and cover illustrations of his science fiction stories.

The drabble for today is, “Runaway,” and it was inspired by Hulbert’s experience and a couple thousand hours in the air. The crash was real. The drabble is fiction.

RUNAWAY

Edgar Rice Burroughs helped his son, Hulbert, from the crashed Doodad, Ed’s new airplane. Hulbert said, “Sorry about the damage.”

“Hang the airplane. I can buy a new plane. Are you okay?”

“Physically, yes. I’m a bit shook-up.”

“I suppose so. Crash landings will do that.”

“Everything was going great, but the wind came up just I was landing. I thought about going around again, but I expected the wind to get worse.”

“You know what they say about any landing you can walk away from?”

“I do. I’d hoped to run away from this one before you got here.”

THE MASK OF RONA

February 17: On this day in 1967, episode #23, “Mask of Rona,” of the Ron Ely Tarzan television series, featuring Leslie Parrish and Jock Mahoney was broadcast. The plot revolves around a reclusive artist who has created a sculpture or "mask" rather than a character named Rona wearing a physical mask. The episode centers on Tarzan finding the artist, with the "mask" serving as a plot device rather than a garment.

Jock Mahoney, was of course, a former Tarzan. Leslie Parrish’s numerous credits include Daisy Mae in the film, “Lil Abner” and appearances on television’s ‘Star Trek,” and “The Man From Uncle.”

The big line in the episode, “I claim no part of any land. To me the jungle’s all the same and a man may go wherever he pleases. In peace.”

Pretty much everything there is to know about Tarzan on television is located at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag0/0014.html

The fictional drabble for today, was inspired by the episode, “The Mask of Rona. And the first Zorro novel, THE CURSE OF CAPISTRANO by Johnston Maculley.

THE MASK OF RONA
Tarzan said,” I’m searching for The Mask of Rona.”

The man sniffed, “You smell fine, but then I’m an artist, not a perfumer. If you want to mask your aroma, I’d suggest a strong aftershave.”

“Not mask my aroma. The Mask of Rona.!”

“I’ve several masks for sale. Pick one you like. If your money’s good, I’ll name it whatever you want.”

Tarzan selected a simple black mask. The artist smiled “Except that one. I’m shipping it to a man named Zorro in Capistrano, California.”

“That’s a little hard to swallow. I assume The Curse of Capistrano isn’t body order.”

COMPACT CONVERSATION

February 18: On this day in 1908, actor and voice artist Angelo Rossitto, who portrayed an evil dwarf in the 1932 version of “Tarzan the Ape Man,” was born in Omaha, Nebraska. Angelo Salvatore Rossitto acted in more than seventy films, playing dwarfs, pigmies, midgets, gnomes, monsters, villains, and aliens. He was two feet eleven inches tall. Today, he is best known for his appearances on Baretta and his role as Master (MasterBlaster) in MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME. We shouldn’t forget the classics, THE WIZARD OF OZ, SEVEN FOOTPRINTS TO SATAN, JUNGLE MOON MEN, MESA OF LOST WOMEN, and THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. Angelo never made enough from acting to support himself and he ran a newsstand, reportedly located at Las Palmas Avenue just off Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles for over thirty years.

Extensive details and several photographs about the 1932 TARZAN THE APE MAN film, starring Angelo Rossitto are available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag6/0611.html The film also included a couple of other folks named Johnny Weissmuller and Mareen O’Sullivan.

The 100-word fiction drabble for today is, “Compact Conversation, and was inspired by Angelo Rossitto.

COMPACT CONVERSATION

The man stopped at a newsstand. “Excuse me,” he said to the newsie, “Didn’t you have a small role in Sampson and Delilah?”

Angelo Rossitto replied. “Is that a short joke?”

“Not intentionally, but you have to admit it’s a little funny.”

“Pretty insensitive.”

“My apologies. I wasn’t trifling with you. Didn’t intend a smidgen of disrespect."

“Smidgen. That some slang to insult little people?”

“No, I’m sorry. Washington Post, please,”

The man took the newspaper and counted his change. “You only gave me fifty cents back. I’ve been short changed.”

Angelo shrugged, “You really want to start this again?”

STAYING BUSY

February 19: On this day in 1863, ERB’s father, George Tyler Burroughs was commissioned by President Lincoln as Captain and Commissary of Subsistence. George had enlisted in the Union Army on April 1, 1861. As a private he participated in the battle of Sudley Springs and Bull Run. After Bull Run and with no further assignment, he was mustered out, but on December 16, he reentered the service as a First Lieutenant in the New York Volunteer Infantry, where he served as regimental quartermaster. Soon he was commissioned by Lincoln as a Captain and Commissary of Subsistence. After serving in the Union Army for four years and two months, he was honorably discharged with a rank of brevet major. A brevet major is a major who has the rank of major, but is still paid at his previous rank.

After the war, George Tyler Burroughs operated a furniture store and a distillery, He was active in politics, veterans’ organizations, the Freemasons, and the Knights Templar.

A great article about Captain Geoge Tyer Burroughs is available for your reading pleasure at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag9/0942.html

The 100-word drabble for today is, “Staying Busy,” and it is excerpted from the previously referenced article, ‘Memories From the Danton Burroughs Family Archive, Another in a Series of Burroughs Family Stories and Tributes.’

STAYING BUSY

George Tyler Burroughs was a vigorous and dynamic man who took an active role in political, civic, and social affairs. In 1881 he was called to Washington to testify in the November 14th and 15th trial sessions of the assassin of President Garfield (possibly because of his knowledge of guns). In November 1879 he was officially requested to assist in planning a reception given to General and Mrs. U.S. Grant by the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, at the Palmer House. Many other achievements followed, including: his appointment as United States Supervisor of Registry and Election in 1880.

HEART TARTARE

February 20: On this day in 1939, Rex Maxon / Don Garden daily comic story arc, “Tarzan and the Fires of Tohr” began. Don Garden presented the synopsis for this strip to ERB in December 1938. He based the storyline on the radio script of the same name by Rob Thompson. “Tarzan and the Fires of Tohr” had been inspired by ERB's novel, “Tarzan and the City of Gold.” Ed approved the synopsis with no requests for changes or corrections. The story features Tarzan, Jane and Princess Marika, the daughter of the Sulton of Bangola. The Princess had heard of Tarzan, but never met him, however she was sure that he’s the man for her.

The entire story arc is available at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag47/4701.html

The 100-word drabble, “Heart Tartare,” for today is based on the newspaper comic strip version of “Tarzan and the Fires of Tohr. It includes several lines from the initial encounter between Jane and Princess Marika. If you’re interested, a nice recipe for Heart Tartare is located at: https://en.jaegerinden.com/vildtopskri.../vildt-hjerte-tatar

HEART TARTARE
Princess Marika, the daughter of the Sultan of Bangola stopped Jane from releasing a captive ape. “The creature is mine.”

“This ape belongs to no one,” Jane answered. ”He is a friend of Tarzan, my mate. I intend to free him."

“Tarzan!” Marika sighed blissfully. “From the tales that I’ve heard, he’s such a man as I could love.”

Jane smiled confidently. “I’ll soon be with him.”

Marika regarded coolly. “The stronger lion often robs another of its prey, madam! Marika’s heart is the heart of a lioness!”

“Excellent. A lioness’s heart, while still beating, makes for a lovely lunch!”

INTERLUDE

February 21: On this day in 1943, the “John Carter of Mars” Sunday comic episode # 64, written and illustrated by John Coleman Burroughs, Distant Traveler, was published. The episode is a romantic one, with John Carter and Dejah Thoris having an opportunity to relax for a brief moment and express their love for each other. It’s almost a happily-ever-after moment, but the last panel reminds us that one thing that is almost never mentioned in fairy tales and the like, is that happily-ever-after depends on when the writer chooses to end the story. I love the artwork on the last panel.

The entire story arc, every single panel, may may be read at no cost to you at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag22/2207.html

The drabble for today, “Interlude,” is one hundred words adapted from that episode.

INTERLUDE

John Carter had rescued Dejah Thoris, but she was weak from her ordeal. He hunted daily for meat so that she would have enough food to regain her strength. The couple made plans to travel to her kingdom.

The fighting man was puzzled that he would be content to remain forever in this jungle paradise with the Martian princess.

The girl wondered at her growing attachment for this warrior of another world.

But the happiness of each was to be short-lived, for one evening a long figure appeared on the plain beyond the forest. It was a Green Martain warrior.

FIXING THE HORSERACE

February 22: On this day in 2012, the underpromoted Disney film, John Carter, premiered at Royal Cinema in Los Angeles. The film was based on “A Princess of Mars,” and starred Taylor Kitsch as John Carter and Lynn Collins. I won’t belabor how poorly I believe Disney treated this film, other than to say that it was misnamed and possibly deliberately un promoted, so as to avoid competition with the Stars Wars franchise which Disney was trying to acquire and would buy a few months later.

Details, numerous photos, reviews, interviews and other articles about the film are available on several websites, but I suggest starting in ERBzine at: https://www.cartermovie.com/

The 100-word drabble for today, “Fixing the Horserace,” was inspired by the fate of the John Carter movie. It’s entirely fictional, or is it? Do the math.

FIXING THE HORSERACE

Disney’s president said, “Minimal advertising for that Mars movie. I’m buying Star Wars. I don’t want any competition.”

‘Sir, you know Star Wars was kinda based on “A Princess of Mars””

“Who cares. I’m investing four billion in Yoda and friends. Leia’s a princess. I don’t want two science fiction princesses.”

“So, scrap making Dejah Thoris a Disney princess?”

“Hell, yes. Rename the film, ‘John Carter’ Sounds pedestrian alongside Luke Skywalker. Cut the advertising budget 90%."

“Sir, if we do that the film will lose over two hundred million dollars.”

“Simple math, moron. Four billion or two hundred million. Duh!”

SOME OTHER GUY

February 23: On this day in 1935, the Rex Maxon / Don Garden daily comic adaption of the novel, Tarzan and the Lion Man concluded after a run of 138 daily installments. The newspaper duo had an affinity of wild girls of the jungle and couldn’t resist introducing Baiza, the wild girl, into the storyline. The adaption follows the adventures of Tarzan and Stanley Obroski, an actor and Tarzan lookalike, who came to Africa to make a movie. After an injury, Stanley believed that he was Tarzan.

Read the entire adaption at: https://www.erbzine.com/mag37/3768.html

The drabble for today, “Some Other Guy,” was inspired by the original novel, the adaption and a song by Jimmy Buffett. The title is from the classic alibi from a thousand stories. “It wasn’t me, it was some other guy.”

SOME OTHER GUY
There’s and actor in the jungle

And he looks so out of place

In wardrobe clothes, manicured toes

And make up on his face.

He came here to make a picture
He fell and here’s the thing
His mind is gone, he’s thinking wrong
Believes he’s the jungle king.

He hangs out with the great apes
Night and day they’re raising hell
Dum-dum dancing, and romancing
Anything female that’s without a tail

Tarzan hunts him through the jungle

For the actor’s bad behavior, Tarzan gets the blame

Search every tree, stop his wild spree

Before he goes home to Jane.