Planet of the Apes #3 (Boom! – Gregory / Magno)

Get your hands on these damn dirty Apes! The not-to-be-missed pulse-pounding third issue of the all-new series that takes place before the original 1968 Planet of the Apes movie and in the continuity of the first five films! It’s Man versus Ape as the search for a notorious assassin creates mass chaos and reveals a key origin in the Planet of the Apes mythos! A can’t-miss issue!

Okay, let me put this is context – I was a sci-fi fan from in utero (thanks mom)  and I met Cornelius and Dr. Zaius at the same time I met Cookie Monster and Grover (this sort of puts some of my childhood in focus when I think about it).  Given that I literally have been a lifelong fan of the PotA series and there have been quite a few “not-so-hot” comic versions that have come out over the years that have been let downs – I was thrilled when I heard that the fantastic folks at Boom! got rights to the franchise – I recently relived that thrill as I re-read the first three issues of the series back-to-back.

This new series from Boom! dives into the history of “how” and “why” behind the mythos of the PotA – using Lucas-speak, it’s prequel information.  Author Daryl Gregory (who is also the brilliant story-teller behind another of my monthly current favs Darcula: The Company of Monsters) is able to construct a story that hits broad ideas like government, social structures, caste systems, racism, religion, righteous revolution vs. terrorism and wrap them up in a great narrative filled with action and passion.  Just like the original movie, Boom!’s series could be easily be included on the “additional reading” list for any sociology class.

Carlos Magno, artist, frames the tale well.  The issue switches up narrators several times, and does even go to a third person omniscient point of view – Magno’s set-up and style creates a natural flow to the book lets the reader ride these switches with ease.  For my money, he and the rest of the art team has created an amazing feel of grit and realism without being too dark and going all “Frank Miller” as some indie books tend to do.

In a phrase – LOVED IT!

The Bottom Line: This series will make a PotA fan out of anyone – Rod Serling and Michael Wilson would be proud of what Boom! is doing with this franchise 43 years later!

Grade: Big Hairy A