The War for the Planet of the Apes series has been an example with each issue of how a comic book should be written and drawn. While the comic certainly ties into the feature film that was released this summer, it stands on its own in many ways and in some ways surpasses the film series. Writer David Walker has a great command over Caesar and also the narrative as a whole. He portrays Caesar as a complex and multifaceted character that is as interesting to read about as any other character in the series; however, Jonas Scharf really brings the series to the next level with his artwork.
Obviously inspired by The Walking Dead artwork of Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard, he brings a lot of detail to Walker’s writing and shows us a world that resembles that of World War II’s Normandy, France, when the Allies were attempting to take the country back from the Nazis. That is much the case with both factions in the final issue. They are both trying to take one another down once and for all. Caesar is clear about just how the sacrifices of some of his soldiers will happen. He sounds almost like any general or historical leader who is being real with the sacrifices that may happen in war.
Much of the issue is action packed as it runs toward its climax. Some of the apes show themselves to be somewhat smarter than the humans. They set the booby traps, and the humans are the ones who end up getting caught in them. The creative team does a great job of showing just how desperate the humans have become as they fight the apes again and again; however, the question is whether or not there might be any way for both sides to ever reach a compromise over the continued war.
It’s interesting how this version of the apes’ story began with a young ape named Caesar who had a strong bond with a couple of scientists. The evolution of the story into all-out warfare and the different protagonists (or antagonists, depending on how you look at it) on the human side have been fascinating explorations of how some have been hostile toward the apes and yet how others have been friendlier.
In the midst of this continued Apes franchise, either in film or in the comics, it’s clear that both sides have gripes. Through this conflict, it’s reflective of the conflicts everyone has in their lives. None of them are easy or simplistic often with the opposite being the case. They tend to be complicated and difficult sometimes to come to terms with. Yet, the continued loss of life and of loved ones on both sides are the elements that continue to link both sides. Neither the humans nor the apes are that much different, and it’s these common elements that link both sides. As the series concludes, it could continue on. Walker and Scharf both bring their continued A-games here, and it will be remembered as some of the best work they have ever done. Just take a look and be amazed at this great piece of storytelling.
Tommy Zimmer is a writer whose work has appeared online and in print. His work covers a variety of topics, including politics, economics, health and wellness, addiction and recovery, and the entertainment industry.
