Starting in June, Dark Horse will launch a three issue miniseries, Planet of the Apes: The Human War, which takes place a few generations after the events in the film. Another project -- an original graphic novel adapting the film -- will be released in July. Dark Horse's intrepid spokesperson Ivana Fanboy recently visited Amara in his swank Dark Horse office suite to discuss how his dreams of editing a comic-book series based on Planet of the Apes were realized.
Ivana Fanboy: When did you find out that you would be editing the Planet of the Apes projects and what was your reaction?
Phil Amara: Keep in mind that I've been pushing for this for literally years, when other directors were attached to the film. Cameron was alleged to be doing it at one point. Chris Columbus at another. Arnold Schwarzenegger had been rumored to star. All of this talk was happening, but nothing ever materialized. Then we got word that it was finally happening, and no less than Tim Burton was to direct. My jaw dropped, and we were all over it. I can say with all sincerity, I am a geek for the Apes, and I'm very happy to be working on the comics.
IF: Once it was determined that you would edit the Planet of the Apes books, how did you approach learning about the project? Did you go out and rent the old films, read the novel, study what Fox sent...?
PA: All of the above. But I'd watch the Apes films marathons on TV regardless -- it didn't have to be research for the comic.
The real treat in preparing for the series was going to the sound stages in Los Angeles late last year and getting to see them actually film the movie. Standing a few feet from Tim Burton and Rick Baker, with all the guys in the ape suits walking around...yeah, that was a rush, safe to say.
IF: And how was it decided that Dark Horse would two separate Planet of the Apes projects?
PA: We wanted a series that played off the re-imagining of the Burton movie, but we set it decades after to give us leeway with characters and situations. We haven't done an adaptation in a while, and doing one book-style for this blockbuster made sense. They're both beautiful books, with very talented artists delineating the two storylines.
IF: Ian Edginton is a writer you've worked with a lot on other properties, and you hired him to write the miniseries, Planet of the Apes: The Human War. What is it about his work that suggested to you that he might be a good choice for the comic-book series?
PA: He'll do what I say! Ha! Seriously though, that's half true. Ian is one of those good guys who does a great job with comics. He even knows what deadlines are. And sometimes he even follows them. Ha! But really, his work is tough to beat. I've always loved the work he's done for me in the past.
IF: Do you like what he's done so far in regard to the series?
PA: It's great! There's lots of action. It's a good read. The characters are right there for you to understand. It's not a complicated story, but it's very interesting and compelling. It's fast paced and dramatic, just like the film. Comics fans will love it, and Apes fans will really love it.
IF: For the movie adaptation, Scott Allie was chosen to write it. Dark Horse fans may recognize his name from his editing credits on Hellboy and the Buffy the Vampire Slayer books. But the Apes project, that's a heck of a task -- adapting the full-length film into a relatively short graphic novel. What considerations were made when the story was being looked at? How did the two of you decide what was necessary to keep in the story?
PA: First, Scott did my laundry for the week. I think this is an important thing to note. Scott is very dedicated and he loves the comics medium, and sometimes you have to hit him with a pipe to get him to shut up. He did a good job hitting all the main points in the story without losing the cadence. And he chose a really interesting narrative approach, so all the important stuff is in his adaptation, and it makes for a great read.
IF: Let's talk about the artists for these projects. How did you find Paco Medina, the artist who's illustrating Ian's series?
PA: I met him at San Diego ComicCon. The guy is still slow, but he's very dedicated and one of the nicest, most professional new talents to come through our doors. He blends a great hot style with growing technical knowledge. He'll be here for the long haul.
IF: And Davidé Fabbri is doing the art for the film adaptation. He's another guy you've worked with a bit in the past. What made you hire him for this job?
PA: He's just an amazing artist. The guy's roughs look like finished pages. He's so meticulous and professional. What a breath of fresh air.
IF: Were you shooting for a specific look for each of these projects (Davidé and Paco have fairly divergent styles), or were you just looking to get great artists on the job?
PA: Great artists! You got it! Wrap the J. Scott Campbell covers around Paco's work, especially, and you've got one of the most kick-ass comics to hit the racks in years!
IF: What would you consider the perks of your job as the Planet of the Apes editor? (have PA: Getting to see new talent evolve and guiding that for the better is tremendously rewarding. As the editor, it's the only really nourishing perk, the only thing that means something in the long run. But visiting the set was cool, too.
IF: What elements of the film excite you the most, as a longtime fan of Planet of the Apes?
PA: The fact that a new generation will get to enjoy the franchise is great. It's visionary, it's hypnotizing, it's...it's Apes, damn it!
The publishing plan for Planet of the Apes comic books includes a three-issue miniseries building on the film's story, and an original graphic novel adaptation. The three issue series Planet of the Apes: The Human War is being written by Ian Edginton with art by Paco Medina and covers by J. Scott Campbell. The original adaptation of the film is written by Scott Allie with art by Davidé Fabbri. Look for the comic-book miniseries starting in June, and the miniseries collection and original graphic novel in July.