Planet of the Apes – The Comic Series That Expanded the Apocalyptic Saga

Based on the iconic 1968 film series, Planet of the Apes was a groundbreaking comic book series that delved deeper into the post-apocalyptic world of intelligent apes and their human counterparts. First published by Marvel Comics in 1974, the comic series expanded on the universe of the films, bringing fans new adventures, thought-provoking stories, and an exploration of the social and political themes that made the original films so influential.

Planet of the Apes Magazine was a black-and-white horror anthology published by Marvel Comics under the Curtis Magazine imprint from 1974 to 1977, spanning 28 issues. This series marked the first ongoing comic book adaptation of the Planet of the Apes franchise, offering readers a blend of movie adaptations and original stories set within the same universe.

Content and Structure:

• Movie Adaptations: The magazine adapted all five original Planet of the Apes films, with each adaptation spanning multiple issues:

  • Planet of the Apes (1968) – Issues #1–6

  • Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) – Issues #7–11

  • Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) – Issues #12–16

  • Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) – Issues #17–22

  • Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973) – Issues #23–28

• Original Stories: Interspersed with the film adaptations were original narratives, such as “Terror on the Planet of the Apes,” which ran from Issues #1–6, and “Kingdom on an Island of the Apes,” featured in Issues #9–10.

Creative Team:

The series featured contributions from notable writers and artists:

• Writers: Doug Moench and Gerry Conway were among the primary writers, crafting both adaptations and original tales.

• Artists: The artwork was provided by artists such as Mike Esposito, Mike Ploog, George Tuska, and others, bringing the stories to life with dynamic illustrations.

Significance:

Planet of the Apes Magazine played a pivotal role in expanding the Planet of the Apes universe beyond the films, offering fans new stories and deeper exploration of the franchise’s themes. The magazine’s blend of adaptations and original content, coupled with its mature storytelling, set it apart from traditional comic book series of the era.

Collectibility:

For collectors, the magazine’s limited print run and its status as the first ongoing Planet of the Apes comic series make it a valuable addition to any collection. Issues featuring original stories or notable cover art are particularly sought after.

In summary, Planet of the Apes Magazine stands as a significant publication in the history of comic adaptations, offering a unique and mature take on the Planet of the Apes franchise that continues to be appreciated by fans and collectors alike.

Although it was short-lived, the Planet of the Apes comic series remains a beloved chapter in the history of sci-fi comics, offering a rich, engaging expansion to one of the most innovative and influential franchises in genre cinema. For fans of thinking-apes, dystopian futures, and compelling action, this series is a timeless must-read.