Ray Bradbury was one of the most celebrated 20th Century American writers. Many of his works have been adapted into comic books, television shows and films. He wrote science fiction, fantasy, horror and mystery stories. Among his most celebrated works are Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man.

The Concrete Mixer is one of his earlier stories. It was first published in Thrilling Wonder Stories in April 1949. In the story, a warlike race of Martians plans their glorious conquest of Earth but one of them, Ettil Vrye, foresaw defeat. He was given his choice of joining the Legion of War - or burning! The story contains quite a bit of humor and irony, things not often found in Bradbury stories.