Planet of the Apes: The Time of Man is an anthology special by various writers and artists celebrating the Planet of the Apes franchise in both its original and rebooted incarnations.
"Cover by Fay Dalton. Celebrate over 50 years of one of cinema's most important franchises with this one-shot collection of stories highlighting the Planet of the Apes' most dangerous the beast called man! Featuring stories from both the original films and new series canon, including the early years of Armando and Caesar before Conquest of the Planet of the Apes , and for the first time ever, a story set after the harrowing events of War for the Planet of the Apes, following a few of the remaining human survivors." [1]
Synopsis
"This historic one-shot features stories from both the original films and new series canon, including the early years of Armando and Caesar before Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, and for the first time ever, a story set after the harrowing events of War for the Planet of the Apes, following a few of the remaining human survivors.
PLANET OF THE APES: THE TIME OF MAN #1 assembles fan-favorite creators including writers Dan Abnett (Aquaman), David F. Walker (Luke Cage) and Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Low Road West); artists Carlos Magno (Kong of Skull Island), George Schall (Dark Horse Presents) and Morgan Beem (The Family Trade); and features covers by Fay Dalton (Normandy Gold) and John Keaveney (Kong on the Planet of the Apes), and Michael Allred (Silver Surfer) in this celebration of one of cinema’s most important franchises.
“Planet of the Apes: The Time of Man #1 kicks off our 50th anniversary celebration with an incredible batch of writers and artists with a passion for the series,” said Cameron Chittock, editor, BOOM! Studios. Featuring familiar faces and all new characters, this collection of stories from the human perspective is one fans will not want to miss.” [2][3]
"Armando´s tale"
Plot:
The story begins just before Cornelius and Zira switch Caesar with another newborn baby chimpanzee from the circus. The couple asks Armando to look after Caesar while they elude the authorities for a while, promising him that they will reunite when the time is right. During this Armando recounts how during his childhood his family migrated to America. He learned English thanks to his grandfather, who read him stories about a doctor who could talk with animals, which were Armando’s favorites. All his life, Armando wanted to talk with animals, though he never expected it to happen under circumstances like these. He accepts this great responsibility and reassures the couple that the danger will soon pass. 24 hours later, Armando learns about the apenauts´ murder. Soon after, he begins to doubt what to do. He knows Caesar is not safe, and all of mankind believes he will lead an uprising that could result in the end of human civilization. Armando is the caregiver, the surrogate father to this baby chimpanzee who may be the seed from which humanity’s destruction takes root. He promises himself that he will do his best to handle this immense responsibility.
At the age of 3, Caesar begins to speak. During this time, Armando has lived in constant fear of the world discovering the truth about his adopted son. One day, while Caesar is reading a book, he asks Armando the meaning of a word, but Armando quickly reminds him that he can’t speak so loudly; he has to keep a low profile. Caesar understands that Armando is worried about someone taking him away. While Armando tells Caesar that he must keep him hidden, he also expresses that he doesn't want Caesar hiding from life, as he deserves to be a part of the world. One week later, Armando is teaching Caesar how to ride a horse. Caesar feels afraid, but Armando reassures him, telling him it’s normal to feel fear when facing the unknown. He shares a phrase his grandfather used to say to motivate Caesar: "Muevete más allá del miedo" which means "Move beyond fear".
In 1981, Armando lets Caesar take part in the circus acts, entertaining many people. However, Armando knows that if they ever discover the truth about Caesar's existence, they would despise him. He hopes it never comes to that, believing that the world people have created will be enough. Four years later, Armando is contacted by a growing simian adoption company that wants to use his talents in training chimpanzees to meet the demand for higher primates as household pets. Armando questions the company’s representative, asking how long before the simple tasks these apes perform become more complex, and how long before these 'ape pets' turn into slaves.
In 1991, Armando visits a doctor who informes him that he has advanced-stage cancer and only three months left to live. He wonders who will take care of Caesar when he’s gone, as Caesar is not ready for the world that awaits him. Armando recalls how, 18 years earlier, he saw the news of Zira and Cornelius’s death, and he hadn’t felt this hopeless since then.
A week later, Armando decides to take Caesar to the city, knowing they can’t hide from the world forever. He has protected Caesar from the outside world for so long, but time is no longer a luxury he can afford. It is time that both move beyond fear.
Cast of characters:
"Man´s best friend"
Plot:
This story centers around a family of orangutans with a bright future, the father of the family named Lucan buys a human on a whim because of how it caught his eye, the plead of sadness the beast had got the better of him. He brought the human to meet his children Elco and Hamid who eagerly tried to talk with the human the family would later name Bolo. By the summer Bolo and the children formed a strong bond, all three played together every day while their parents watched.
Lucan knowing that a pampered human could sometimes get out of hand made sure to train Bolo to know who was the master of the house and teach him the chores at home. The family enjoyed letting Bolo prepare the meals and allowed him to eat with them. Summers and winters passed and Bolo was a fixture in the household, he was a good company to Lucan and Maltra on long evenings, never made a fuss when Lucan had work at home and then one day Bolo even slipped in the swimming hole to save Elco from drowning.
Since then, there was no denying Bolo´s loyalty. Later both of Bolo´s foster brothers, moved away, Elco secured a place at the academy, and Hamid attended law school to become a lawyer like his father. For Bolo, this was a hard time due to the bond he shared with them, and shortly after, he fell ill. Although Lucan, now a member of the council, secured the best medical care, the diagnosis was grim. They made Bolo as comfortable as possible until the end.
Once Elco learned about Bolo's condition, he returned home to visit him, but it was too late. Bolo had passed away the day before. Meanwhile the gorillas took Bolo´s remains in the cart for the tannery, Lucan told his son that Bolo went to live in the country, a nice place where he would be well cared for. Elco expressed how much he would miss Bolo and Lucan offered him to come inside the house.
Cast of characters:
Mountain
Cast of characters:
- Alexander
- Sadie
- Hank
Gallery
Trivia
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