Planet Of The Apes Verses Fantastic Four #3 - Marvel Comics

PLANET OF THE APES VS. FANTASTIC FOUR No. 3, June 2026

Considering that this twenty-page-periodical contains plenty of pulse-pounding action, a nicely depicted trip down memory lane for those onlookers familiar with Franklin J. Schaffner’s 1968 motion picture, and a reasonably impressive cliff-hanger, there shouldn't be any doubt that Josh Trujillo’s script for Issue Three of “Planet Of The Apes Verses Fantastic Four” ticks all the boxes. However, for some within this mini-series’ audience the American author’s handling of Doctor Zaius and General Ursus seems somewhat off-key, as if the writer has somehow erroneously swapped the two leading cast members’ personalities around with one another.

For starters it really is hard to believe that the fiery “main antagonist of the 1970 film Beneath the Planet of the Apes” would so willingly obey the orders of two humans, even if one of them was Doctor Doom. Of course, it’s difficult to know what feats of strength the ruler of Latveria may well have shown the Supreme Commander of the gorilla army off-screen so as to bend the senior soldier to his will. But even so, to hear Ursus so timidly agree to the Red Ghost’s plan and then accept Victor placing his hand on his shoulder just doesn’t ring right; “You will serve us, General, and in turn, you will reign as ruler of this accursed planet.”

Likewise, the orangutan politician’s behaviour is a far cry from the member of the Ape National Assembly seen on the silver screen, with Zaius almost suffering an embolism due to his uncontrollable anger when referred to as a “monkey” by Ben Grimm. This insult sets the Minister of Science off into a savage attack against the likes of Cornelius and Zira – who are trying to protect the powerless Fantastic Four – and yet when Taylor previously tied him up and gagged him in the Forbidden Zone, the Chief Defender of the Faith appears uncomfortable at best, and certainly doesn’t have his armed entourage shoot the human down in cold blood when he eventually has the chance.

Far more successful than the writing is therefore arguably Andrea Di Vito’s artwork, which adds plenty of dynamism to the various demonstrations of super-powers this comic’s storyline requires. In addition, the Italian illustrator does a very good job of morphing Ape City’s most recognisable characters into “The Apetastic Four”, as well as suggesting the viciousness of the one-sided struggle taking place within the simians' municipal as President Gaius’ governmental forces are overrun by Ursus’ more numerous farmers.

The regular cover art of "PLANET OF THE APES VS. FANTASTIC FOUR" #3 by Greg Land & Rachelle Rosenberg