To paraphrase Charlton Heston’s character in “Planet of the Apes”: “A planet where Apes evolved from Men?…..and now there’s superheroes?!?” That’s right, next February, Marvel is releasing a new 4-issue mini-series crossover: “Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four”, written by Josh Trujillo, with artwork by Andrea di Vito.
Marvel has been “all in” on crossovers lately, as Marvel’s Deadpool recently met DC’s Batman, and it’s been announced that Superman will once again team up with Spider-Man in 2026. There’s also a recent one-shot between Gargoyles and the Fantastic Four (though those are both owned by Disney). This latest crossover though is more along the lines of recent crossovers between Marvel superheroes and the FOX properties, such as Aliens vs. Avengers and Predator vs. Spider-Man.
A meeting between the Fantastic Four and the “Planet of the Apes” makes a lot of sense (thematically), as both stories start with a rocket going in to space (both being tied to the “space race” of the 1960’s). The Fantastic Four’s journey into space led to them getting superpowers and becoming celebrities, whereas the rocket carrying Charton Heston’s George Taylor ends up travelling through time to a post-apocalyptic future ruled by Apes.
Here’s the official synopsis and cover art (and a promo of interior artwork):
PLANET OF THE APES VS. FANTASTIC FOUR #1 (OF 4)
Written by JOSH TRUJILLO
Art by ANDREA DI VITO
Colors by ERICK ARCINIEGA
Cover by GREG LAND
WORLDS COLLIDE! THE MARVEL UNIVERSE AND PLANET OF THE APES COLLIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PLANET OF THE APES VS. FANTASTIC FOUR! Marvel’s First Family find themselves stranded on the Planet of the Apes! Witness history as the Fantastic Four cross paths for the very first time with Cornelius, Zira, Ursus – and of course Dr. Zaius! But they won’t be going alone! Familiar foes from the Marvel Universe have set their sights on Ape City, setting the stage for a battle royale that fans won’t soon forget!
Writer Josh Trujillo shared this statement in the press release: “I grew up watching Planet of the Apes marathons on Saturday afternoons, so it’s a huge thrill to write for these iconic characters! Having Marvel’s First Family butt heads with Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Zaius is just too much fun, and I can’t believe I’m the one who gets to tell this epic tale. It’s a mash-up decades in the making, and I hope you come along for the ride!”
Artist Andrea di Vito also had a few words to share: “It sounds like a weird meeting at first, but then you realize that both these franchises were meant to meet sooner or later. Exploration has always been the Fantastic Four’s main drive. Ending up on the Planet of the Apes is absolutely perfect for a classic FF adventure, set in the immortal tone created by Stan & Jack. I am honored to be the one to illustrate this ‘first official meeting’ between the Marvel Universe and Planet of the Apes.”
Disney (the parent company of Marvel Comics) acquired the rights to “Planet of the Apes” in their 2019 purchase of FOX. Since then, Marvel has been publishing comics for the occasional FOX owned properties, including Aliens and Predator comics. Marvel turned it’s attention to the “Apes” with a Planet of the Apes mini-series in 2023 and a Beware the Planet of the Apes mini-series in 2024 (though Marvel was also notable as a publisher of “Planet of the Apes” comics back in the 1970’s, back when the “Apes” franchise was at the height of it’s popularity).
“Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four #1” arrives in comic stores (and available for digital purchase) on February 4th, 2026.
