So, I’m not a Planet of the Apes guy.
I’ve seen many of the films, notably when I was very young and they used to air on local Toronto television. I actually enjoyed the Mark Wahlberg/Tim Burton one back in 2001, and I’ve seen two out of the three recent instalments (not to mention the original with Charlton Heston), but it’s not a franchise I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. Not in the way I have with the Alien or Predator films, anyway.
I don’t make those connections randomly, of course. As you may be aware, when Disney bought Fox a few years back, they got the rights to all of the above franchises. Which also meant that Marvel became the publishing house for those properties as well once their previous comic licenses expired. Now, with various Aliens and Predator comics already published, comes Marvel’s shot at Planet of the Apes, and I’m happy to say that, in the creative hands of writer David Walker and artist David Wachter, this first issue of the new series is an excellent introduction to the series.
You don’t need to have any previous knowledge of any comics or the films; Walker and Wachter are giving you an origin story free of continuity or confusion. Instead, they deliver a tale that feels very of the moment we’re living in.
Planet of the Apes #1 in in stores now and is well worth a read.
A new era of apes kicks off with part 1 of “Devolution”! The ALZ-113 virus has rampaged across planet Earth, and humanity is crumbling. While well-meaning researchers hunt for a cure, a fanatical group of humans has their own solution: Kill all apes. Peacekeeper Juliana Tobon is one of the few willing to stand against them, but the crisis is spreading, and soon apes will witness the true depths of human cruelty… Eisner-winning writer David F. Walker (Luke Cage, Bitter Root) joins forces with artist Dave Wachter (Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon, Star Wars: The High Republic – Trail of Shadows) on one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises in history!
