In "Gods of Mars version 2," the second volume of the Barsoom series, John Carter returns to the red planet only to find himself trapped in the land of the dead, where he must confront the cruel goddess Issus and the dark truths of Martian beliefs. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of ancient religion and the consequences of his return from death, themes of sacrifice, power struggles, and the quest for truth emerge. This gripping tale resonates today as it explores the tension between faith and reality, the struggle against oppressive systems, and the enduring fight for personal freedom.