Dustin Gebel
Marvel announces a new installment in the wider tapestry of the Planet of the Apes saga. This January, writer Marc Guggenheim and artist Álvaro López are teaming up for a four issue miniseries, Beware the Planet of the Apes serves as a prequel to 1968’s Planet of the Apes. This allows for a blend of old and new characters, including Cornelius, Zira, and Nova.
Guggenheim discussed his inspirations for the book and connection to the original films in the press release, stating:
“I’ve been entertained and intrigued by Planet of the Apes ever since I got a Mego Doctor Zaius doll as a birthday present, and my local television station ran the original pentalogy every afternoon for a week in the summertime. In many ways, Apes is one of the OG franchises, filled with mystery, fascinating characters, and some truly off-the-wall surprises. That’s the spirit I’m working to evoke with Beware the Planet of the Apes. I’m particularly excited that we’re going to be reusing some of Doug Moench, George Tuska, and Alfredo Alcala’s original Marvel work on Adventures on the Planet of the Apes as a part of our storytelling.”
The miniseries continues Marvel’s 20th Century Studios imprint of comics, which has highlighted Planet of the Apes alongside Predator and Aliens. Before the Disney acquisition of 20th Century, they previously published tie-in Planet of the Apes comics back in the ‘70s.
Alongside the press release, Marvel has also shared a first look at Taurin Clarke’s cover for issue one and a detailed synopsis for the series, both of which can be seen below:
INTO THE FORBIDDEN ZONE! In a hostile world run by aggressive gorillas, scientists Cornelius and Zira are the only apes alive who see value in the mute, dumb human race – but even they know human capabilities have severe limits. So when their nephew Lucius goes missing, it is with great trepidation that they turn to a human ally, a young woman who will someday earn the moniker “Nova”…
BEWARE THE PLANET OF THE APES #1 (OF 4)
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM
Art by ÁLVARO LÓPEZ
Cover by TAURIN CLARKE
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