Review - Planet of the Apes/Green Lantern #1 (@boomstudios @DCComics)

"Nay'astoth. Ml'n'agado."

The Lantern Corps are tasked with defending the universe against all manner of evil. The Planet of the Apes are just trying to live--albeit under various definitions of what "ruling" should be. The clashing of the two is something to behold and thankfully BOOM! Studios and DC Comics have teamed up to let readers behold in Planet of the Apes Green Lantern #1. The issue is written by Justin Jordan, illustrated by Barnaby Bagenda, colored by Alex Guimaraes and lettered by Ed Dukeshire.

When Taylor goes missing, Cornelius investigates and discovers an ancient ring, unlike anything the universe has ever seen. As its power echoes through the stars, the Guardians of the Universe must reveal to their Lanterns a secret they had hoped would remain buried. With the Green Lantern Corps, led by Hal Jordan, racing to get to the source of this power before Sinestro can get his hands on it, they will discover a truth that will change them forever.

The universe of Green Lantern is rife with all manner of strange and fascinating characters so it only makes sense for Jordan to drop the Lantern Corps onto the Planet of the Apes. In fact, the union of the two reflects a perfect match that underscores the sense of galactic wonder that comprises both properties. Jordan does a great job of setting up both sides of the mash-up, introducing readers to the Lantern Corps and their mission to defend the universe while at the same time presenting Cornelius and his quest for knowledge. Working in the ulterior motives of Sinestro adds another layer of villainy to the book as Jordan emphasizes to the reader the true power of the rings and how it's coveted by many. Jordan's dialogue is strong in laying out the players and how they'll likely interact with one another.

Bagenda's artwork is somewhat gritty. It's an interesting approach that affords the story a look that fits better with the sparsely populated Planet of the Apes than the universe at large. Bagenda illustrates the Lantern Corps and Cornelius as pretty easily recognizable to fans of both properties, but there's a dull filter applied to the work that underscores the environment. The linework feels blurred at times as well, but Bagenda's rendering of Cornelius under the influence of a ring is pretty impressive. The colors by Guimaraes supplements the aforementioned grit in that the typically vibrant colors of the various Lantern Corps feels dulled at times.

Planet of the Apes Green Lantern #1 is going to be a pretty fun crossover. Cornelius is no stranger to foreigners and understanding them, but working with the Lantern Corps will be a completely different relationship than he's used to. Jordan's script features informative dialogue and events that seem to build up naturally. The illustrations by Bagenda are a little rough around the edges, but offer a certain rawness. Planet of the Apes Green Lantern #1 has a lot of things going for it in the first issue that sets the tone for what could be a great crossover series.

Planet of the Apes Green Lantern #1 is available now.