Warning: contains potential spoilers for Beware the Planet of the Apes #4!
Planet of the Apes has introduced a new species of ape to the mythos, and they are being led by one of the original 1968 film’s heroes. Marvel’s Beware the Planet of the Apes, a prequel to the classic movie starring Charlton Heston, has blown up the franchise’s mythos by introducing new elements to the lore. In a preview for issue four, one of these new additions rises to take its place.
Beware the Planet of the Apes #4 is written by Marc Guggenheim and drawn by Alvaro Lopez. Cornelius, Zira and Nova, along with a group of telepathic humans, have entered the Hominidae Empire. The Empire has kidnapped Zira’s nephew, Lucius. Cornelius stumbles across a Hominidae prison, where Gibbons’ apes were being kept as a servant class. Cornelius then stages a prison break, telling the apes they are now free.
Cornelius implores them to rise up and fight back against the Hominidae Empire.
The Hominidae Empire is the Biggest Threat to the Planet of the Apes
They Seek Only Conquest and Chaos
The Hominidae Empire is the latest addition to the lore of Planet of the Apes. First mentioned in Beware the Planet of the Apes #1, the Hominidae Empire is located in the Forbidden Zone. Lucius, while out gathering food, was abducted by the Hominidae Empire. Subsequent issues gave more fleeting glimpses at the Hominidae Empire, further enhancing the mystery surrounding them. Finally, in issue three, the Hominidae Empire’s agenda becomes clear: they kidnap Lucius to pump him for information on Ape City, as a prelude to an invasion. The Hominidae Empire is not to be underestimated.
As Guggenheim and Lopez continued to develop the threat of the Hominidae Empire, another shocking revelation was made: they captured and enslaved other apes. The Gibbons’ apes Cornelius discovers in the preview are one such class of primates. Considered some of the fastest apes on Earth, these creatures should not be as easily conquered as they were. The subjugation of the Gibbons’ apes was another symbol of the Hominidae Empire’s power and cruelty. Now, the Empire wishes to visit this same fate among Zira and the denizens of Ape City.
Related
Planet of the Apes’ Controversial Original Ending Is Actually Available (If You Know Where to Look)
The Planet of the Apes cut its original ending – in which Nova is pregnant with Taylor’s child – but the late-stage change didn’t happen everywhere.
Cornelius Is the Most Unlikely Leader on the Planet of the Apes
Will the Gibbons’ Apes Follow Him?
As the Gibbons’ apes are the Hominidae’s servant class, they may have been integral to the Empire’s crusade against Ape City–and Cornelius just put a serious dent in this effort. When the original, 1968 version of Planet of the Apes opens, the Hominidae Empire is nowhere to be found, meaning the Gibbons’ apes could have completely wiped them out. However, the Gibbons’ apes are not mentioned or seen in the film either, leaving the fate of the newest army on the Planet of the Apes up in the air.
Beware the Planet of the Apes #4 is on sale April 17 from Marvel Comics!
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