DC Comics and Boom Studios are unleashing the next big and unexpected crossover. We recently looked at some crazy comic book crossovers we've seen from the past. These happen more often than you might think and not just when you're talking about when heroes like Batman and Superman joining forces to fight a supervillain. There are moments when comic book publishers get together to combine different franchises in one epic story.
With the Planet of the Apes/Green Lantern miniseries, the two worlds will somehow be brought together. We talked to writers Robbie Thompson and Justin Jordan to find out how this happened and what we can expect.
Comic Vine: Who first pitched this crossover and how did everyone get involved?
Justin Jordan: Well, for me, it was simple: They asked me. Specifically, Dafna [Pleban] reached out when Robbie's schedule became such that he couldn't do the actual scripts. Since it was both a chance to do Planet of the Apes and work with Robbie and Barnaby, I was all in, right away. I'd have said yes to anything with any one of those three, but I got the trifecta.
Robbie Thompson: I met Dafna through some mutual friends, and I'm a big fan of her work. She's a very talented editor, and I was hoping to get a chance to work with her. I was lucky enough to get a call to pitch on this story. It was a blast working with her and [Boom Associate Editor] Alex [Galer] in figuring out how to bring these franchises together. The best part was going back and watching all the original movies--not a pain to do that research at all! And yes, while my schedule got overloaded, it ended up being the best thing ever for the book because Dafna brought on Justin and he's done an outstanding job bringing this story to life.
What characters will be used in the story?
Jordan: ALL OF THEM.
Well, damn near. Basically, every ape that's appeared in the original films (except for Ceasar), plus Sinestro, Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, Kilowog, and a whole bunch of other Lanterns. This may actually have the largest cast of any comic I've written.
And a surprise guest star in issue three!
Did DC and Fox give any restrictions or limitations about what could happen or which characters could be used?
Jordan: They didn't to me. Actually, DC suggested we could use a character that had--until then--not been in the story. Which was good, because they proved to be hugely important, so that worked out.
Thompson: Not really restrictions or limitations, but they both have a profound understanding about the franchises they're steering. I have to say that they were enormously helpful throughout the early stages of crafting this series, pitching in great ideas for the series and a ton of great "casting" ideas.
Who's your favorite Green Lantern and which is your favorite Apes movie?
Jordan: John Stewart is probably my favorite GL and, ironically, he's not in this. I am also--given that I wrote him for several hundred pages--a big fan of Kyle Rayner, but I consider him a White Lantern. I will say that writing Guy Gardner ended up being probably the most fun bit here.
My favorite Apes movie is Beneath the Planet of the Apes. It's not as good as the original, but it really amps up the craziness, and it has the most hilariously bleak ending of maybe any movie I've ever seen. Seriously, check out the end narration.
Thompson: Hal was my first Green Lantern and will always be my favorite. I do love Guy quite a bit, though, too.
And while I have a special place in my heart for the first Planet of the Apes, my favorite is hands down Beneath the Planet of the Apes. That movie blew my mind when I was kid, especially the insane ending that Justin's talking about!
What are you most excited for readers to see?
Jordan: So, so many options for this answer. Barnaby [Bagenda's] badass art, for one thing, but I'm particularly pleased with issue five where we really lean into the amount of mayhem we get up to.
Thompson: I'm really excited for readers to see Barnaby's amazing art and the incredible variants that Boom has assembled.
Planet of the Apes/Green Lantern #1 is on sale now in stores and online. The art is by Barnaby Bagenda with colors by Alex Guimaraes. Be sure to check out the preview pages above.