Writer: David F. Walker
Art: Dave Wachter, Bryan Valenza, and VC’s Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 17th, 2023
Humanity slips ever closer to the brink of extinction as the Army of Man continues to target apes in a misguided attempt to end the spread of the ALZ-113 retrovirus as Planet of the Apes #2 by David F. Walker continues. With groups of apes in Europe, Africa and Asia continuing to grow in intelligence and power, the threat of simian domination of Earth becomes increasingly possible. Meanwhile, the United Nations makes a bold move to the save the human race.
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Walker gives fans the lay of the land in 2016. And things aren’t looking great for humanity. The human population will more than likely be devastated and wiped out due to the ALZ-113 virus within five years. However, one doctor has a plan that caused this reviewer to think pretty hard about human history itself. Deep in the heart of Planet of the Apes #2, Walker implants this notion of slavery of apes and it’s a fascinating take. Humanity using the apes as “slaves” to survive. Yet, the good doctor refers to this not as “slavery” but as survival.
This led me to question history in general. Now, I’m by no means saying slavery is right. It’s not! However, how many cultures and civilizations before us thought the very same thing as the doctor? Enslaving anyone is wrong but if the view of that culture is survival does that make it right or wrong? It’s a great question to ponder. And in my opinion, any good comic becomes a great comic if it gets you thinking. Moreover, Planet of the Apes #2 showcases the very foundation of teaching apes to fight, protect, and ultimately create a civilization on their own. This group at this research center is training and teaching them. What we see in this issue is the beginning manifestations of the ape population learning these tasks from none other than a dying human race.
Additionally, Walker gives fans a side story as to how the World Health Organization in Switzerland fell which was an intriguing addition to the narrative providing a more rich backstory to this Planet of the Ape tradition. Ultimately, fans get little action this week but tons of background and story beats to sink their teeth into that will really get fans thinking.
ART
Dave Wachter and Bryan Valenza don’t get much to work with throughout the opening story. The colors are dark and drab while the images appear to come across as almost muddied. Nevertheless, it’s the end of the issue that saves it for this art team. The story involving Pug and his band of apes showcased the promise Wachter and Valenza have for the upcoming issues. The size, stature, attire, and action sequences involving Pug mixed with the sharp color choices were a harsh contrast to the opening story adding the extra fuel and excitement that Planet of the Apes drastically needed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
What Planet of the Apes #2 lacks in action it overcomes in unique plot threads and guiding questions. Sure, this story is moving slowly but the comic itself is incredibly informative helping to place the status quo in 2016. Furthermore, to all the fans wondering how the apes even began to learn some of the items we saw in the movies, look no further than this very issue which is steeped in authentic lore that should drive anyone’s curiosity. From questions pondering humanity’s struggles with slavery down through to the quality of life itself, Walker will definitely cause fans of Planet of the Apes #2 to have some critical conversations about some heavy topics. So far, I highly recommend giving this issue and series a try. Even with the lack of action, I still found Planet of the Apes #2 quite enjoyable. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!