The Stop Button

Ploog’s back on the original story with Moench, continuing their long-term storyline about the human and his ape friend. Moench’s heading West, into the congenital United States, and it makes almost no sense. I’m pretty sure the imagery has shown the Golden Gate bridge in Apes land at one time or another. I don’t think anyone ever worked out a map, just winged it.

Moench’s trying not to wing it. Besides moving very fast, it’s interesting to see. Post-apocalyptic, but not exactly.

And Ploog has eased the art a little. Some luxurious ink washes, but not all. It’s excellent, but indistinct.

Whereas Rival’s art on the Escape adaptation is distinct but not excellent. His caricature approach brings out the absurdity—his government bureaucrat meeting is all officials with their eyes bugged out—and it fits the story. When the tone changes, of course, hopefully Rival will get serious.

CREDITS

The Magick-Man’s Last Gasp Purple Light Show; writer, Doug Moench; artist, Mike Ploog. Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Part Two: Strangers In A Strange Land; writer, Moench; artist, Rico Rival. Editor, Archie Goodwin; publisher, Marvel Comics.