BETRAYAL OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Written by Corinna Bechko and Gabriel hardman

Art by Gabriel Hardman

Colors by Jordie Bellaire

Letters by Ed Dukeshire

Edited by Dafna Pleban

Covers by Gabriel Hardman, Declan Shalvey, and Jordie Bellaire

Published by BOOM! 

I always liked the Planet of the Apes movie growing up, but for some reason it never led me to delve into its many sequels and onward to ever become a full fledged Apes freak. I saw the Tim Burton remake and then wished I hadn't. My scatterbrained childhood could only truly focus on comics. It is a habit that maintains to this day. You put Planet of the Apes in a comic book and the odds of me checking it out increase. You put Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman, the husband and wife team who brought you Heathentown, on a book called Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes, then I will definitely check it out. I'm happy to say that I wasn't at all disappointed.

Bechko and Hardman (Hulk, Agents of Atlas) are big Apes fans. They weave an amazing tale of mystery, politics, and social conflict both casual readers and hardcore fans can enjoy. This tale is as fine and thrilling as anything else you will see in any media this year. Hardman, a storyboard artist for many films including the upcoming Dark Knight Rises, handles the storytelling masterfully and with a pacing that feels exactly right. Jordie Bellaire's colors add wonderfully to the bleak atmosphere that exists beneath the rigid rule of ape law.

The planet of the apes is not a good place for humans, and not good for many apes either. The story takes place around 20 years before the original film, and focuses on General Aleron whom is accused of murdering a fellow soldier some 15 years before. At the same time a human, Tern, who has been taught sign language and is witness to the murder of his ape mentor Cato is being pursued by military forces. General Aleron also seems to have a soft spot for humans, one that makes him an easy target for political gain. The story adds a deeper element to the familiar characters of Dr. Zaius and Prisca and by the end sets them on a path that makes you more deeply understand the characters we came to know 44 years ago. The mystery is very well done, with a climax done in a way I honestly didn't see coming. The story leaves you with answers, and ends on a path that sets our characters on a more open, and possibly more dangerous, road.

If you missed this sell-out series it will be collected by the summer and can be pre-ordered. The series will be followed up with a sequel, Exile on the Planet of the Apes. Bechko and Hardman will maintain writing  duties and the art will be handled by Damian Couceiro. A bummer to not see Hardman drawing some Apes, but he will be joining Rick Remender for a stint on an upcoming Secret Avengers run. Corinna and Gabe's writing has already proven to deliver and I'm eager to see what Couceiro can bring to the table. It is easy to see that these creators care about what they are working with. As a long time comics fan, it is like a breath of fresh air when you can see that coming through onto the page.

-BS