One of the main appeals of comic crossovers is how mismatched the characters are and to take them out of their established comfort zone (just look at Dark Horse’s DC Comics crossovers if you need examples). But sometimes, you are handed a crossover that is such a perfect match, you’re unable to believe it has not been done before. Case in point: Tarzan on the Planet of the Apes.
Caesar’s birth in the original Planet of the Apes films was a result of the time travel at the core of that story. Tim Seeley and David Walker relocate that birth to 19th century Africa, where Caesar crosses paths with Tarzan, leading to a much different fate for Man and Ape.
Like Dark Horse’s previous Tarzan crossovers, this tale is set in a parallel universe where the entire mythos of the series is upended by a small change in the status quo (parallel worlds are of course par for the course in Planet of the Apes). But this change comes off as more natural than other alternate universe stories as both worlds fit together so well. Whilst the idea of a human being raised alongside the apes that inhabit the world Planet of the Apes sounds very unlikely, it actually adds a new layer to the characters that enhances what has been previously established.
It helps that unlike most crossovers (when one character is unceremoniously dropped into another’s world), Tarzan is naturally fitted into the Planet of the Apes storyline by moving the location of Caesar’s birth which provides quite a fresh take on the cross-company crossover. The two lead characters have an interesting dynamic with Tarzan and Caesar brought up as childhood friends by Zira and Cornelius which provides a nice twist on the evolution of Caesar’s view on humans and Tarzan’s relationship with his species (especially his brother). It’s very clear that both Walker and Seeley are familiar with both franchises which make for some great moments that span across both the early 1901 jungles of the Tarzan franchise and the dystopian nightmare that is the world of Planet of the Apes (dinosaurs also being involved helps too). This all supported by some great art from the team of Fernando Dagnino and Sandra Molina who do a stellar job of replicating the pulp feel of the period Tarzan occupied which is a natural fit for the Planet of the Apes characters. The colouring in particular is very strong and helps add to the authenticity of the piece. The future scenes are equally great with some great character designs and very faithful approach to the Planet of the Ape series.
Fans of either franchise will find plenty to enjoy and will enjoy this new twist on their favourite characters. Plus anyone who is a fan of crossovers will definitely enjoy this fresh approach to bringing together two worlds.
Tarzan On The Planet Of The Apes is published 30 May 2017 by Dark Horse
9781506701578 – P/B – £16.99
Find more Tarzan here
Post by Leo