As far as planets go, you can’t get much better than Mars. I mean, Earth can sustain human life, but Mars is still way up there. Named after the Roman god of war, records of the Red Planet go back to the Babylonians around 400 BCE, and it would continue to be the fascination of astronomers, astrologers, and science fiction enthusiasts for the next few thousand years—and that fascination has been widely reflected in our media. From the adventures of John Carter to The War of the Worlds to the Justice League’s Martian Manhunter, pop culture has had a long preoccupation with Mars and its citizens. Few examples, however, are as amusing as the sinister Martians of Mars Attacks. Conceived as a series of trading cards for Topps in 1962, Mars Attacks would expand into comic books, action figures, and perhaps most famously, a star-studded film from 1996 directed by Tim Burton—all of which would maintain the dark, tongue-in-cheek humor of the original cards. So, whether you’re preparing for a Martian invasion, deeply concerned with planetary alignments, or just a really big fan of giant, red, celestial bodies, the Mars Attacks materials below are sure to add some hilarity to your Red Planet Day celebrations.

For more great comics, books, and movies, make sure to check out the offerings of your local Library branch as well as the hoopla and Kanopy apps.

Mars Attacks 50th Anniversary Collection

Mars Attacks!

Mars Attacks: Occupation

Mars Attacks Vol. 1: Attack from Space

Mars Attacks Red Sonja

Mars Attacks! (2018)