It’s no secret that earthlings love Mars Attacks. Topps’ crazed galactic conquerors have journeyed from the red planet to terrorize comics, trading cards, and Hollywood; but one medium has been left conspicuously uninvaded: classic literature!

Moby Dick, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and Robinson Crusoe are easily some of civilization’s most accomplished and cherished works of literature. But what would it be like if frothing invaders had been holding Melville, Stevenson, and Defoe at gunpoint, forcing them to reimagine their renowned works through the bloodshot eyes of a crazed, skull-faced Martian?

They’d probably be a lot cooler, right?

Right!

Finally, this summer, these timeless lessons on the nature of humanity will receive their long overdue invasion courtesy of writers Phil Hester, Beau Smith, and Neil Kleid and artists John McCrea, Kelley Jones, and Carlos Valenzuela in the 48-page one-shot MARS ATTACKS: CLASSICS OBLITERATED! Experience Melville’s supreme terror as he realizes a fearsome white whale is no match for a face-to-face encounter with a Martian! Delve into true horror as the Martian High Command sets their sights on weaponizing Dr. Jekyll’s volatile serum! And find yourself exploring the deepest reaches of one Martian’s existential war when he finds himself marooned on Earth!

Be sure to look out for the variant cover by living legend Earl Norem!

They may seem like a mindless horde bent on destruction, but when viewed through the prism of great, enduring literature, it’s clear that we have a lot to learn from our alien overlords.

You’re welcome, Earth.

MARS ATTACKS: CLASSICS OBLITERATED (FC, 48 pages, $7.99). In stores 6/5/13.