Story by Daryl Gregory
Art by Carlos Magno
I continue to be impressed by Boom! Studios’ new Planet of the Apes series. Much like KotOR or Tales of the Jedi did for the Star Wars universe, this new book shows us the ancient future of the Apes world, and is doing a fine job of building a hefty mythology around that history.Issue 3 focuses primarily on Chaika, a Silent (mute) with revolutionary ideas – ideas her father won’t buy into as he searches for the person that assassinated the Lawgiver.
Although this is a sci-fi book set in a familiar cinematic world, the book’s lore and murder-mystery trappings set it apart from much of the rest of the Apes universe. Characters – both ape and human – are presented with depth and breadth that is absent in most of the movies. Nix and Alaya, especially, are noble and likeable characters, even when portrayed as antagonists. Gregory’s portrayal of Chaika as a strong willed and impetuous youth is touching and identifiable. She wants to prove herself to her father and her people, but her decisions lead her down a dangerous path.
And I can’t heap enough praise on Carlos Magno’s art. His depth of detail and subtlety of expression are astounding at times, regardless of whether he’s drawing a bloody action scene or a quiet discussion between father and daughter. His environments are rendered with as much stunning detail as his characters, which serves well to pull the reader even deeper into the mythos being created here.
Rarely does a comic book based on a movie property diverge so far and simultaneously live so completely within its source material, and still present a successful story without relying on referential fan service. Planet of the Apes is a must-read.
