Dynamite Entertainment is launching a new crossover event this June. Altered States: Warlords brings together some of the publisher’s biggest characters in a multiversal storyline. The series comes from writer David Avallone, known for Elvira Mistress of the Dark and Bettie Page, alongside artist Mariano Benitez-Chapo.
The project expands Dynamite’s Altered States line. It explores alternate realities, unexpected outcomes, and reimagined timelines in the tradition of What If? and Elseworlds. This installment aims to be the most ambitious entry yet.
A Collision of Worlds
The story begins with Red Sonja. The She-Devil of Hyrkania is suddenly transported from the Hyborian Age to Barsoom, known to Earth readers as Mars. That single shift sets off a chain reaction across time and space.
The ripple effect draws in several iconic characters. John Carter and Dejah Thoris, the famed Warlords of Mars, play central roles. Tarzan, the Lord of the Jungle, arrives from Earth. Vampirella, the alien heroine from Drakulon, also enters the conflict.
Avallone Reimagines Barsoom
Writer David Avallone frames the series around a key twist. Red Sonja arrives on Mars before John Carter, altering the established timeline.
“[Editor] Joe Rybandt asked me if I’d be interested in doing an Altered States series using Dynamite characters, all centered around Barsoom — the Mars of Edgar Rice Burroughs. That sounded like a whole lot of fun, and right up my alley,” Avallone said.
He explained that Sonja’s arrival disrupts the foundation of Barsoom’s society.
“My first thought was ‘Red Sonja: Warlord of Mars.’ Red knocks over the first domino, so to speak, challenging the cult of the Holy Therns at its founding, and setting off a whole alternative timeline where John Carter isn’t the first human from Earth to reach Barsoom… with seismic repercussions for Martian culture, religion, and society.”
The story follows how those changes affect Carter’s arrival and his place on the planet. It also introduces new adventures involving Tarzan and Vampirella as they make their way to Mars.
Creative Team and Artwork
Avallone teams again with artist Mariano Benitez-Chapo. The Kubert School graduate, now based in Philadelphia, takes on his largest project to date. The pair previously collaborated on Savage Tales specials.
The series features an extensive lineup of variant covers. Joseph Michael Linsner and Mike Rooth lead the first issue with Red Sonja-focused artwork. Benitez-Chapo also provides connecting covers across the series.
Some editions highlight his pencil and ink work. Others will appear in full color in later issues. Cosplayer Jackie Goehner appears on a photo cover, posed with an axe.
Collector Editions and Release Details
Dynamite is also offering a blind bag edition for the first issue. Each bag includes one of three randomly selected versions. Options include virgin covers, line art editions, and other premium variants aimed at collectors.
Altered States: Warlords arrives in June, positioning itself as a major crossover event that blends pulp icons, alternate timelines, and interplanetary stakes.
