Planet of the Apes: The Official Adaptation of the Science Fiction Classic, Based on the Screenplay

by Doug Moench

Book by Moench, Doug

Genres: Media Tie In

125 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Doug Moench, is an American comic book writer notable for his Batman work and as the creator of Black Mask, Moon Knight and Deathlok. Moench has worked for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics and many other smaller companies; he has written hundreds of issues of many different comics, and created dozens of characters, such as Moon Knight. In 1973, Moench became the de facto lead writer for the Marvel black-and-white magazine imprint Curtis Magazines. He contributed to the entire runs of Planet of the Apes, Rampaging Hulk (continuing on the title when it changed its name to The Hulk!) and Doc Savage, while also serving as a regular scribe for virtually every other Curtis title during the course of the imprint's existence. Moench is perhaps best known for his work on Batman, whose title he wrote from 1983–1986 and then again from 1992–1998. (He also wrote the companion title Detective Comics from 1983–1986.)

Moench is a frequent and longtime collaborator with comics artist Paul Gulacy. The pair are probably best known for their work on Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu, which they worked on together from 1974–1977. They also co-created Six from Sirius, Slash Maraud, and S.C.I. Spy, and have worked together on comics projects featuring Batman, Conan the Barbarian and James Bond.

Moench has frequently been paired with the artist and inker team of Kelley Jones and John Beatty on several Elseworlds Graphic Novels and a long run of the monthly Batman comic.

Reviews

[Dann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adapted from the classic sci-fi film, Planet of the Apes is a thrilling and provocative adventure. A reprint of the original Marvel comic series, the story follows an astronaut who crash-lands on a mysterious planet where society is ruled by apes and humans have devolved into dumb beasts. Though it claims to be adapted from the film, it’s more of an adaptation of the screenplay; as evidenced by the inclusion of a couple of significant differences. Additionally, the artwork makes no attempt to follow the character and set designs, and instead delivers its own vision. Translating especially well, the Planet of the Apes graphic novel recaptures all of the action and excitement of the film.