“Road to the Planet of the Apes”
By Roy Thomas
An editorial on how this magazine came about. They had the option to the rights years ago but didn’t do anything until now since the movies were released on TV and a series was being produced. How difficult it was to negotiate those rights now than it would have been earlier. The magazine would adapt the five movies and have a six movie they created called Terror on the Planet of the Apes.
“Terror on the Planet of the Apes”
Writers: Doug Moench and Gerry Conway
Artist: Mike Ploog
Jason a human and Alexander a chimpanzee are teenage friends about 100 years after the Battle movie. Jason has somewhat a chip on his shoulder about how apes dominate things. One day the lawgiver abdicates and leaves a weak orangutan in charge then heads out to the Forbidden Zone. As the two go home Alexander finds out that his father was beaten my masked gorillas for being too friendly with humans. Alexander goes to warn Jason but finds him at his home. Masked gorillas came and killed his parents. They track them to their camp and are taken prisoner. They witness the leader Brutus who is head peacekeeper kill his wife because she was going to report him. Brutus frames Jason for the murder and Alexander breaks him out of prison. The two head to the Forbidden Zone to find the lawgiver.
“Escape from the Battle for the Conquest Beneath the Planet of the Apes An Overview of the Apes Series”
By Gary Gerani
An article that summarizes all the five films.
“Rod Serling Recalls”
By David Johnson
An interview with Rod Serling the one who wrote the original screenplay. He tells of how the original one with modern ape society would have cost over 100 million to do. Blake Edwards was the original director. Says that the dialogue was mostly replaced by Mike Wilson. Also talked about his time with Twilight Zone and Night Gallery.
“The Face of the Apes”
By Ed Lawrence
An article on how the makeup for the apes worked. The designer John Chambers got his start during WWII by designed prosthetic limbs.
“Planet of the Apes”
Writer & Artist: Uncredited
Three astronauts crash on an unknown world. They trek across a desert and find a lush valley with mute dumb humans. Suddenly gorillas riding horses and carrying guns attack. Taylor is shot in the throat.
The the first issue of the classic Planet of the Apes. I loved this magazine. I remember finding it being sold at a comic convention held in a bowling alley for $1 each twenty-five years ago. I am glad I got such a deal since this is now so rare. So basically they had an ongoing original series that picked up 100 years where the movie left off. So we were treated to new adventures in the ape universe. They also would have other original stories and some interesting articles. The Rod Serling interview was awesome. I love the Planet of the Apes and this was probably the only source for new material at the time. A very excellent series.