Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) - , reviewed on 8/23/2014 + 569 more book reviews

Comic readers and creators have a long history with the concept of parallel universes. Marvel takes the concept and puts a unique spin on it with the creation of one in which apes emerged as the dominant species from the evolutionary process. Take that universe, and create a tangent with our own in which a few denizens cross into the other plane of existence, and you have the premise of Marvel Apes.

The Evolution Starts Here appears to be the 2nd graphic novel in a series, collecting books published under prior and separate cover. Fortunately, there is sufficient flashback so that those of us who have not read (or in my case, even heard of) the earlier book will not be lost due to that omission.

I found the overall story to be enjoyable, easy to follow, and a nice salute to the Marvel Universe which is what I've come to expect when Karl Kesel is at the helm. Long time readers will appreciate that when Super Apes are involved, it should not be a surprise that the Red Ghost would make an appearance. Toss in a tip of the hat, although not an actual appearance, to the High Evolutionary, and the only regret is that Kesel didn't manage to find a spot for Gorr, the Golden Gorilla in his tale. (Long-time Fantastic Four watchers may remember Gorr from his appearances in that comic back in the mid-70s.)

A perfect romp uh, no. There's a little side story going on that involves the Ancient One and Charles Darwin, which I've given up on trying to understand although this is the contribution of Tom Peyer to the mix, Kesel's hands are clean on this one. Somehow, the simian version of the Invisible Woman has turned human, with no explanation other than something happened and we'll try to cure her. And the Marvel Zombies make an appearance, as well THEIR universe is not nearly as well explained as the Ape universe, so those of us unfamiliar with it had to make a lot of assumptions and guesses. (I'd seen something about it a few years ago in a magazine article, otherwise I'd have been in worse shape when the concept was introduced in this book.)

RATING: After weighing between 4 and 5 stars 4 1/2 stars, rounded down to 4. Yes, it was entertaining and yes, I will fondly remember details after I've moved on to other material. BUT I had enough issues with this book that I cannot hand it my highest rating.

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