Beware the Planet of the Apes, a four-part miniseries, will delve into the enigmatic world preceding the iconic 1968 movie, Planet of the Apes, crafted meticulously by writer Marc Guggenheim and illustrator Álvaro López. The narrative is intricately woven around timeless characters such as Cornelius, Zira, and Nova, providing readers with a closer glimpse into their lives before the original saga began.
The series unveils a world brimming with hostility and dominated by ferocious gorillas. In this tumultuous realm, Cornelius and Zira emerge as singular entities, unique in their perception of humans. They are the lone voices recognizing the latent value within the mute human race, acknowledging their intrinsic worth despite their evident limitations.
The plot thickens as Lucius, their nephew, mysteriously disappears, compelling them to seek assistance from a young human woman. This woman, characterized by her resilience and fortitude, is destined to be known as ‘Nova’ in the ensuing chapters of her life.
This prequel not only enriches the tapestry of the Planet of the Apes universe but also deepens our understanding of the profound and intricate relationships between the diverse species inhabiting it. The convergence of unique perspectives and gripping storyline promises an exploration into uncharted territories of compassion, conviction, and coexistence.
Marc Guggenheim Hints at Unexpected Twists
Marc Guggenheim expressed his profound admiration and interest in the “Planet of the Apes” series, reminiscing about his early fascination with it. “The joy and fascination I felt towards Planet of the Apes began when I received a Mego Doctor Zaius doll for my birthday and watched the original five-part series during summer afternoons on local TV,” Guggenheim shared. He sees “Apes” as one of the foundational franchises, rich with enigma, compelling characters, and unexpected twists.
Guggenheim is eager to channel his enduring passion for the series into the creation of the comics. “With ‘Beware the Planet of the Apes,’ I’m aspiring to bring forth the essence and spirit of the franchise,” he conveyed enthusiastically. He highlighted his enthusiasm about integrating elements of the original marvel work by Doug Moench, George Tuska, and Alfredo Alcala from “Adventures of the Planet of the Apes” into the narrative, offering a blend of classic and new elements in the storytelling.
Marvel and The Planet of the Apes
The longstanding relationship between Marvel Comics and Planet of the Apes has endured for more than four decades. The intertwining of these two entities began in 1974 when Marvel brought to life the tales of Planet of the Apes. By 1975, fans were treated to Adventure on the Planet of the Apes, vibrant portrayals of the esteemed Planet of the Apes film series.
The science fiction series, renowned for its ingenious development of alternative worlds and its thoughtful approach to societal themes, has evolved over half a century, branching out into various mediums such as comics, novels, movies, TV series, video games, and even toys. Marvel is excited to once again delve into the limitless narrative possibilities of this celebrated saga, continuing to explore and expand its dynamic and complex universe.
Mark your calendars! Marvel’s “Beware the Planet of the Apes” is set to drop its first issue on January 3rd.
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