In this review of Planet of The Apes Versus Fantastic Four #1, what twisted machinations bring these two beloved franchises together for the first time ever? Powerless and in chains, the Fantastic Four are forced to defend themselves.
Planet of the Apes Versus Fantastic Four #1
Writer: Josh Trujillo
Artist: Andrea Di Vito
Main Cover: Greg Land
Variant Covers: Francesco Mobili, Germán Peralta, Netho Diaz, Phil Noto
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: February 4, 2026
This review contains spoilers
Planet of The Apes Versus Fantastic Four #1 begins with a wistful monologue from The Watcher, Uatu, who posits yet another alternate reality, one where Marvel’s First Family encounters a desolate future Earth, and experiences its brutal and quick system of justice when they are dragged before the Ape Council for the crime of being talking humans (AKA heresy).
Doctor Zaius calls for order after General Ursus and the Gorillas demand swift justice, while Chimpanzee scientists Zira and Cornelius share their concerns over the FF’s fate as they observe the dire proceedings. Meanwhile, Sue Storm’s eloquent speech is interrupted by her brother Johnny, whose charm offensive fails after explaining that the FF were simply battling Red Ghost and his Super-Apes back in New York when they ended up stranded on this world.
Back in the Baxter Building, Red Ghost had attempted to access Reed Richard’s “Di-Quantum Stabilizer” as his Super-Apes kept the heroes occupied, but the device accidentally activated and the FF were transported to this Planet of The Apes (PoTA), without their powers. The bewildered FF witnessed uniformed Gorillas on horseback hunting down terrified humans, and the team were soon rounded up as well.
Back in the trial, after several lengthy exchanges between Doctor Zaius and FF, the Council find the Fantastic Four guilty of heresy for defying the natural order as Doctor Zira protests, but in a shocking twist, Doctor Zaius, Ursus, Zira and Cornelius unexpectedly manifest the Fantastic Four’s superpowers, putting a wrench in the proceedings.
Planet of The Apes Versus Fantastic Four #1 ends back on Earth 616, as Red Ghost reveals that it was his scheme to strand the FF on the alternate Earth without their powers as the villain implores Doctor Doom for help in his conquest of the Planet of The Apes. To be continued? Most assuredly.
Analysis
Planet of The Apes Versus Fantastic Four #1 plays mostly as a straight forward “What If”, (complete with an appearance by The Watcher). The issue successfully mashes up the imaginative dystopian world of the original Planet of The Apes film with the retro feel of early Stan Lee/Jack Kirby 1960s era Fantastic Four storytelling.
While it’s surprising that acclaimed PoTA comics scribe David F. Walker isn’t penning this particular crossover, writer Josh Trujillo is more than up to the task, delivering a charming and clever mash up that evokes the fun of the 1960s storytelling. Trujillo’s clever script is peppered with witty dialogue and easter eggs for fans of both franchises.
Despite the serious tone and dystopian feel of the original PoTA film, Trujillo provides a lighter touch to the series, (despite the Fantastic Four being threatened with a death sentence). Trujillo’s solid scripting captures the voices of both the FF and the beloved original PoTA characters, and extrapolates where needed to provide a mix of action, drama and a sense of humor.
That (nearly) final twist is a deus ex machina for sure, but it just adds to the overall fun of the premise. Zaius’ deadpan reaction to turning into the Thing is also priceless. Planet of The Apes Versus Fantastic Four #1 might feel reminiscent to the 2016 Green Lantern/PoTA crossover where the Apes get power rings, but this series feels a touch more grounded.
Adding Uatu to the proceedings provides an instant “oh, it’s an imaginary story” (I know, aren’t all stories imaginary?) for Marvel fans, but it doesn’t lower the stakes for the FF’s current predicament just because this is a crossover. Fans like the characters and want to see them succeed. The back and forth between Zaius and the FF during the trial is quite enjoyable.
Red Ghost’s admitted culpability in stranding the FF, and the introduction of Doctor Doom makes it likely that the original and new FF teams will need to work together to reset things while battling an army of Doombots or something. Also Red Ghost and his Super-Apes are a clever retro villain team to include in the series and should provide some interesting conflicts on a planet of talking apes.
While the exact timeline for this crossover is not explained, it is likely early in the Fantastic Four’s career, but long enough that the heroes are clearly thrown off by not having their powers at the ready.
Artist Andrea Divito nails the look and feel of the lived in world of the original PoTA film and the character likenesses are recognizable without just being straight up portraits. Divito also captures the welcome moments of levity including Johnny’s scene stealing antics (and Reed’s mortified reaction) while also providing smaller, quiet moments of dramatic tension.
The action is fun, the panel layouts are energetic and the various outfits are detailed and recognizable.
Final Thoughts
Planet of The Apes Versus Fantastic Four #1 is a brisk, enjoyable retro-style romp for fans of unusual comic book crossovers. The series streamlines the set up and gets to the heart of the conflict (and the wild plot twists) within the first issue. The pacing, dialogue, characterizations and artwork are all outstanding.
