BAT-MEN
Classification: Extraterrestrial vespertilian semi-humanoid (late 19th Century)
Location/Base of Operations: Subterranean caverns of northern Mars
Known Members: None
Affiliations: None
Enemies: John Carter, residents of Paradise (Klys, others), She-Who-Loves-Us, Tars Tarkas, Dejah Thoris
First Appearance: John Carter Warlord of Mars Annual#3 (1979)
Powers/Abilities: The Bat-Men (or Bat-People)
have short fur to help them keep warm in subterranean environments.
They are vampiric with fangs and survive on other creatures' blood.
Their enlarged ears indicate a form of echolocation in dark locations.
Tall as an average adult human male, they have extended upper limb
extensions with membrane-like material stretching between "finger"
points. Bat-Men are very fast and agile flyers, indicating they weigh
much less than an average human. Their feet and wing tips have
toughened claw-like nails that easily rip flesh.
Traits: The naked Bat-Men live in dark
environments and congregate in colonies. They hang upside-down for
sleep with wings curled around them (like Earth bats) and attack in one
brutal wave against a target.
Type: Bilaterally symmetric semi-humanoid bipeds
Eyes: Two (on head)
Fingers: Two (plus opposing thumb)
Toes: Two
Skin color: Grey fur
Average height: 6'2"
History:
(John Carter Warlord of Mars Annual#3 (fb) - BTS) -
Bat-Men lived in the subterranean caves beneath the Martian city of
Paradise, which was inhabited only by red Martian women. The Amazonian-like women
worshiped the giant fiery goddess She-Who-Loves-Us, who dwelled in a
hidden lava pit below the city and to whom the women sacrificed stray
or kidnapped men. Bat-Men occasionally swooped down in large hunting
flocks against the Martian women when they were outside; the women in
turn tried to eliminate them without success.
(John Carter Warlord of Mars Annual#3) - Lost Earthman John Carter traveled in a solo flier and was lured to Paradise by its current leader Klys. He was seduced by the women there until a hunting horde of flying Bat-Men approached. Prepared, one woman sounded a warning gong and the women fled inside a hall and shut the solid door while Carter used his Earthman advantage in the Martian environment to leap and slash at the Bat-Men. Despite considerable losses, the Bat-Men persevered their onslaught, nearly overwhelming him, until Klys pulled him inside.
(John Carter Warlord of Mars Annual#3 (fb)) - Meanwhile, Carter's beloved Martian woman Dejah Thoris and warrior friend Tars Tarkas searched for the missing Earthman, following his trail, gaining access to Paradise via subterranean caves where they passed sleeping Bat-Men.
(John Carter Warlord of Mars Annual#3) - Carter had
been duped into becoming the next sacrifice of Paradise's women, but
Thoris emerged to rescue him. Tars was waylaid by wakened Bat-Men and
fought fiercely against them. Tars used their flier to smash through
the walls into the huge cavern where Carter was about to be sacrificed.
With the bubbling of lava signaling the rise of the fiery goddess, the
Bat-Men fled. Later, peace was reached with Klys; the battle-hungry
Tars was reluctant to leave with Bat-Men foes still left alive.
Comments: Created by Marv Wolfman, Alan Weiss, Chris Claremont, Tony DeZuniga.
Even the polished up pages of the John Carter omnibus have the Bat-Men colored all grey; maybe their eyelids go down in light.
A bit of an odd story. Paradise has only Amazon-like women against monstrous Bat-Men, yet Klys denies there was ever any connection between the two groups.
It remains to be explained how so many different races/beings allegedly originated from Mars:
Profile by Grendel Prime.
CLARIFICATIONS:
The Bat-Men of Mars should be distinguished from:
images: (without ads)
John Carter Warlord of Mars Annual#3, p12, pan6 (main image)
p13, pan2 (rear shot)
Appearances:
John Carter Warlord of Mars
Annual#3 (1979) - Marv Wolfman (plot), Alan Weiss (plot/pencils), Chris
Claremont (script), Tony DeZuniga (inks), Roger Stern (editor)
First Posted: 05/27/2026
Last updated: 05/27/2026
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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