An advert for the up coming series of Planet of the Apes April 2011
When I was growing up comic books were all the rage – Marvel; The Dandy and The Beano. I remember my brother collecting the Asterix series and although I never really got into them, I do remember feeling a deep appreciation for the art work. This very scary but incredible illustration (above) is exactly the sort of craftsmanship I was in awe of.
In April, Boom! Studios is set to release a new comic line of Planet of The Apes. The stories will be written by novelist Daryl Gregory, who says he’s “stoked” to be part of the project; illustrated by Carlos Magno and edited by Chip Mosher. The stories will take place before the original 1968 Planet of the Apes film.
Boom! Studios, which is based in Los Angeles has yet to “officially” announce the new comics. I was told: “We are still waiting to do our big press push on this. When it happens, you’ll know.” Well, I went ahead and wrote this post anyway.
Here’s the blurb from the first edition, courtesy of Mr Gregory’s blog:
“Get your hands on these damn dirty Apes! Beginning an all-new series that takes place before the original 1968 Planet of the Apes movie in the continuity of the first five films! Ape society has reached a new golden age. But there are ripples of dissent in both the ape and human ranks. Tensions will rise and soon all will be caught in chaos! And amidst all this uncertainty, what is the fate of The Lawgiver?”
Artist Chad Hardin of Hardin Art Studios, has released preliminary versions of the cover he produced for issue one, showing three variations on the theme that has become the final cover.
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- An advert for the up coming series of Planet of the Apes April 2011
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- illustrated by Chad Hardin Planet of the Apes 1
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- illustrated by Chad Hardin Planet of the Apes 2
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- Illustrated by Chad Hardin Planet of the Apes 3
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- Boom! Studios issue 1 Planet of the Apes
Planet of the Apes was originally based on the 1963 novel “La Planète des singes” by Pierre Boulle before it was made into a hugely successful film series. The franchise has a long history in comics, including several years at Marvel Comics and Adventure Comics during the ’90s. The comic book license was most recently held by Mr. Comics.
Marvel Comics - Planet of the Apes
whogivesamonkeys 
Matt
February 26, 2011
Amazing artwork. I loove the original movie Planet of the Apes with Charlton Heston.
urbanprimate
February 26, 2011
I know, talented people. Makes me green with envy. I did a few sketches of some primates during my distance learning diploma in Primatology, in comparison it looks like my 1-year old niece’s handy work!!
Tim
February 26, 2011
I’m very pleased they’re sticking with the classic 1960s version rather than the unfortunate Tim Burton one, although I’m surprised it isn’t tied in to the new film which is coming out later this year (Rise Of The Apes).
urbanprimate
February 26, 2011
Hi Tim,
I haven’t been able to get a proper interview with Boom!Studios yet as it is building up to its big ‘press push’. The email I got earlier this week was rather bland and impersonal. From what I’ve read elsewhere, I think the idea was to stay well away from anything that could (a) lead to creative differences or (b) a problem with copyright/royalties further down the line. It’ll be interesting to see what the prequel coming out in November is like. The original is excellent, and I thought Tim Roth was superb in the more recent remake.
A
Tim
February 26, 2011
Hi Asha,
I look forward to your interview with Boom! They produce some quality comics, and now you’ve explained it I can understand their reasoning.
The Tim Burton remake had some good moments, but overall it just didn’t feel “right”. But then I love the Pierre Boulle novel and all the original movies with a passion. I even have a soft spot for the live-action TV series (as it was part of my youth), but have never seen the animated series.
Tim
urbanprimate
February 26, 2011
Yup I’d have to agree to with you there Tim, the Burton remake was a bit of a damp squib, although the make-up/special effects were ‘other-worldly’. I do wish directors would leave the classics alone and earn their crust making something original.
A