Don't look for this Marvel Masterworks that is masquerading as an Omnibus. You may not like what you find.
But, all joking aside, if you are a fan of extremely lurid colours in your comics you'll be in bronze age ape heaven.
The direct market edition with the Gil Kane cover has Dr. Zaius on its spine while the standard edition with the new E.M. Gist cover has a Dr. Zira spine. Pick your spine doctor wisely for your bookshelf.
The scripts, not the actual movies, of Planet of the Apes (1968) and Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970) are expertly adapted by Doug Moench, George Tuska and Alfredo Alcala. This means that both adaptions feature many altered, extra and cut scenes not seen on screen.
Note that you will find absolutely no physical likenesses to actors. Charlton Heston (1923-2008), Robert Gunner (1931-2001), Jeff Burton (1924-1988), James Franciscus (1934-1991), Victor Buono (1938-1982) and Linda Harrison are completely unrecognizable.
The Omnibus collects the complete eleven issue run of Adventures On The Planet Of The Apes.
Adventures On The Planet Of The Apes were colourized reprints of the movie adaptations from the Curtis Planet of the Apes black-and-white magazines.
The only difference is that someone is pregnant (just like in Pierre Boulle's novel) in the "Adventures" adaptation of the first film.
Why is Zaius dressed in blue? All of the POTA merchandise from the 1970s had him in blue. Nobody knows why. It's a simian mystery.
Personally, I find that 11 restored comics for $100 is extremely costly and insulting. Even at $50, I would still find this minuscule hardcover overly pricey for what it is.
This microscopic collection features only one extra: the new cover by E.M. Gist. A foreword by Fraser Clarke Heston? A new interview with Moench and/or Lou Wagner? A vintage interview with scriptwriter Rod Serling? NO! Dirty human, you only get a new cover, give me $100 or I'll spray you again with the hose!
I give it a 5/10. Planet Of The Apes Adventures: The Original Marvel Years was so expensive that even my public library refused to get it.
NB: This Hardcover is soon to appear for a much cheaper price in Paperback in May 2024 as Planet of The Apes Adventures Epic Collection: The Original Marvel Years. ISBN-13: 978-1302959999
