Posted in: Comics | Tagged: boom, Chad Lewis, dana gould, HRL, planet of the apes, rod serling

Dana Gould and Chad Lewis to Adapt Rod Serling's Original Planet of the Apes Script at BOOM! in August

Published Thu, 01 Feb 2018 15:35:52 -0600

If you've watched the original Planet of the Apes films, watched the remakes, read the comics, and are feeling like there's just no more blood remaining to be squeezed from that stone, you're in for a surprise. BOOM! Studios is publishing an adaptation of Rod Serling's original script for the 1968 film Planet of the Apes. The Twilight Zone creator's original screenplay was rewritten by Michael Wilson for what eventually became the movie, though producers did film a scene from it which has been released in the past.

But now, that first draft is finally getting made, courtesy of writer Dana Gould and artist Chad Lewis. Called Planet of the Apes: Visionaries, the book is coming out in August. Here's the description from the press release:

This is the world you know from the acclaimed Planet of the Apes film series, but with key differences – Taylor is Thomas, and Ape City isn't a crude, primitive grouping of huts; instead, it's a bustling and urbane metropolis filled with cars and skyscrapers and a vibrant Ape culture. In a world where Apes wear modern clothes, drive modern cars and rule the late night talk show scene, the arrival of one man will forever change how Apes – and Humans – view themselves.

Using the original 1966 makeup test and concept art as a jumping off point, discover an all new, yet classic "look" to the classic franchise in PLANET OF THE APES: VISIONARIES which also features a stunning cover by Eisner award-winning superstar Paolo Rivera (Daredevil). This landmark graphic novel continues the year long celebration of the Planet of the Apes 50th Anniversary at BOOM! Studios, which has included all new comic book series, coloring books, archival collections and more.

"Planet of the Apes meant as much to me growing up as baseball means to most kids. No lie," said Gould in the press release's first obligatory quote. "That I'm now able to be involved with this universe in a creative capacity, much less adapting the original Rod Serling script… I mean, Rod Serling! I am incredibly grateful to BOOM! Studios for this once in a lifetime opportunity."

"Planet of the Apes: Visionaries is a dream project because it combines my love of retro sci-fi fi and anthropomorphic characters," said Lewis in the second obligatory quote. "There's nothing better than drawing human emotions on gorillas and chimps! Dana has deftly translated these great characters and world into the graphic novel format and it's a joy to illustrate every corner of the rich universe."

"For every Planet of the Apes fan that's wanted to see what Rod Serling's original film would've looked like and the team on this graphic novel will blow you away," said editor Dafna Pleban in the third and final obligatory quote. "Dana Gould and Chad Lewis having lovingly adapted the ambitious, original plan for Planet of the Apes film into a graphic novel that speaks to the timeless, unflinching themes of the franchise while offering an entirely new vision of familiar faces."

Look for this in stores in August.