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 is a fantastic mix of old and new fans of the series will enjoy.

Written by Marc Guggenheim, Beware the Planet of the Apes #1 is a great start to a new chapter in the Planet of the Apes series. The comic charts new territory while also honoring what has come before it. Guggenheim mines material from the classic films and the issue mines material from classic comics as well.

Beware the Planet of the Apes #1 takes place before Taylor’s arrival and the comic plays up on the history we know. Since it revolves around Cornelius, Zira, and Nova, the story plays up what has happened in the films, and comics, while charting new territory. That includes using excerpts from Adventures on the Planet of the Apes by Doug Mench, George Tuska, Mike Esposito, Tony Mortellaro, Dave Hunt, and George Roussos.

The art by Álvaro López, color by Alex Guimarães, and lettering by Joe Caramagna is solid. There’s something very cool seeing the modern style juxtaposed with the pages and panels of the classic comic peppered throughout the issue. Much like the films, the characters have distinct looks and is easy to recognize everyone and it perfectly captures the style of the films. It nails the adaptation aspect.

It’s that clear love of what has come before that really sinks in and is clear in Beware the Planet of the Apes #1. It honors what has come before which will get fans excited while also laying a new chapter for those who might not be as familiar. It’s a must for fans of Planet of the Apes.

Story: Marc Guggenheim Art: Álvaro López
Color: Alex Guimarães Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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