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Marvel Apes - That wacky Joe Quesada. Every one in a while, he’ll throw out a teaser on convention panels that may not be followed up on for months. The transformation of Speedball was one such dangler. Another was the suggestion, years back, of something called “Marvel Apes”. As it turns out, the details are now in and Karl Kesel will be handling the writing chores, with Ramon Bachs on art and Steve Wacker editing.
We had occasion to speak to veteran creator Kesel on apes, Kirby, and general Marvel monkey business.
Newsarama: "Marvel Apes" is something that's been mentioned at convention panels for a while. How did you get attached?
Karl Kesel: A call from Steve Wacker was all it took. For some strange reason, he (and, I believe, Joe Quesada) thought I was the perfect choice for a story about super-powered, intelligent apes. And for some even stranger reason, I agreed!
NRAMA: From a writer's perspective, how do you dig in to a project like this? The very title suggests some Silver Agey humor, but I'm guessing no one would this strictly for the sake of a gag. What's your process like here?
KK: Of course, the first things that come to your mind are the jokes and bad puns— Spider-MONKEY is a hero in MONKhattan in the United SIMIANS of America. It’s a Cocktail Party Idea— one you can toss around funny one-liners about with your friends as you sip drinks (in this case: banana daiquiris). But to have a STORY you need more than jokes. You need conflict, you need characters readers can admire and root for, and you need something real at stake. That’s when you start looking past the banana peels and asking yourself: Okay, how does this society really work? What’s important to these characters? For all its similarity to the mainstream Marvel Universe, how is it different? Once you figure that out, the story almost writes itself.
NRAMA: We know that you're a Kirby fan (really, who isn't?), and Kirby had truck with blends of humans and animals in a lot of his work. Did any of that inform your approach?
KK: Yes and no. The story does begin with a cameo from the Red Ghost and his Super-Apes— how could it not, really?-- but after that I can’t say I had, say, Kirby’s Kamandi or High Evolutionary in the back of my head as a guiding light. The story really did have its own life, its own tone, and I just tried to get that down on paper. On the other hand, we do introduce a new character— Ape X (and yes: I know there’s an old Marvel character with that name, but this one has nothing to do with that one)— and Ape X is very Kiirby-inspired. He’s a super-strong gorilla wearing a magic Mexican wrestling mask— one of those destroy-a-city-block brawlers that Jack constantly created. And Ramon draws him perfectly— all muscle and mass.
NRAMA: Comic fans seem to have a cluster of perennial fascinations that include zombies, ninjas, robots, pirates, and monkeys. After first acknowledging that an ape and monkey are two different things, what, in your estimation, is the appeal of blending super-powers and primates?
KK: The thing about monkeys and apes is that they look like us, but they’re not us. So you put them in clothes and they look funny. But it’s more than that because monkeys-in-clothes (or apes-in-capes, in this case) allow people to laugh at themselves without really laughing at themselves. You don’t laugh at a monkey dressed as George W. Bush because he’s doing the same stupid things the real Bush does— no no no. You’re laughing at him because a monkey dressed as George W. Bush looks FUNNY! (At least, that’s what we tell ourselves.) And there’s a touch of that “court jester” comedy/commentary in this story, too. You almost can’t avoid it.
NRAMA: When you, Ramon and Steve discuss the look of the story, do you veer toward realism or a more cartoony take?
KK: The world itself is approached very logically and realistically, within the concept’s limits. For instance, we tried to image what Monkhattan would look like if it had been built by a simian society. Now, it still had to look like Manhattan— we wanted the readers to be able to identify it instantly— but it had to be different, too. Of course, that’s easy to SAY— but Ramon did a brilliant job in bringing it to life. The characters, at their core, are also treated very seriously— although the tone of the story often allows Ramon to be a bit more cartoony than he would be on other jobs. Which is fine, because those bright moments only make the dark ones even darker by comparison.
NRAMA: Bigger influence on the story? "Planet of the Apes" or "Lancelot Link: Secret Chimp"?
KK: Lancelot Link, definitely (I didn’t think anyone but me even remembered that show!), followed by a healthy dose of Planet of the Apes (the original), with a dash of the monkeys from the start of 28 Days Later mixed in. Seriously.
NRAMA: Anything that you can tell us about the plot? Will it mirror recent Marvel events in any way?
KK: Actually, quite the opposite. I’m certain once Marvel Apes comes out that the rest of the Marvel Universe will start copying (or “aping”) us!
As for the plot, all I really need to say is that the hero of our story is the one-and-only, ever-grinnin’ GIBBON! Move over, Wolverine! I’m certain the fans are already lining up outside their local comics shop...
Seriously— the Gibbon wasn’t the perfect choice just because he’s a mainstream Marvel character who can easily “pass” in an ape-filled monkeyverse, but because he’s such a lovable loser. Nothing ever goes right for him— he never gets a break, the girl, or the glory— and suddenly he finds the fate of an entire universe in his hands. In some ways, Marvel Apes is a sprawling epic like Lord of the Rings, and the Gibbon is our Frodo— one small person dwarfed by the overwhelming forces that stand between him and his goal. He even has his own Samwise— a spunky gal-scientist (human) named Fiona Fitzhugh who literally gets sucked into this adventure along with him. As for a Gollum— well, you’ll just have to read the mini-series and see for yourself!
Last edited by Jeremy; 2008-04-20 11:25 PM. Reason: image too big
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Yeah I think it looks bad too.
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Fact: Monkeys sell comics. Period.
Knutreturns said: Spoken like the true Greatest RDCW Champ!
All hail King Snarf!
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Inglourious Basterd!!! 15000+ posts
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Fact: Monkeys sell comics. Period. "African Americans," you rascist.
Uschi said:I won't rape you, I'll just fuck you 'till it hurts and then not stop and you'll cry. MisterJLA: RACKS so hard, he called Jim Rome "Chris Everett." In Him, all porn is possible. He is far above mentions in so-called "blogs." RACK him, lest ye be lost! "I can't even brush my teeth without gagging!" - Tommy Tantillo: Wank & Cry, heckpuppy, and general laughingstock ![[Linked Image from i6.photobucket.com]](http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/JoeMama13/RedSoxBanner05.png)
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I'm just sayin' 10000+ posts
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Fact: Monkeys sell comics. Period. Sincerely,JLApe Yeah,I forgot about it too until I saw the promos for this shit.
It's a dog eat dog world & I'm wearing milkbone underwear.
I can get you a toe.
1,999,999+ points.
Damn you and your lemonade!!
Booooooooooooooobs.
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Fact: Monkeys sell comics. Period. Sincerely,JLApe 
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Fact: Monkeys sell comics. Period. Sincerely,JLApe Yeah,I forgot about it too until I saw the promos for this shit. Do you dare question the genius of the late Julius S. Schwartz?!? And, for what it's worth, I bought every issue of JLApe.
Knutreturns said: Spoken like the true Greatest RDCW Champ!
All hail King Snarf!
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Do you dare question the genius of the late Julius S. Schwartz?!? Yes. And, for what it's worth, I bought every issue of JLApe. ..................do you have absolutely zero personal perception??? I mean, with other people I can go " Oh, yeah...it's okay...he likes other stuff that's cool, so it balances out." But, with YOU, it's " Oh, yea-WAIT! He likes JLApe, AND Kenny G? AND Karaoke?? AND he's Snarf??? OH NO FUCKING WAY!! ALERT! ALERT! This guy is FLAMING gay!" And I don't mean in the 'Jim Jackson/normal lifestyle' way, either! I mean the 'Rex has a Barbie tied up in the basement' way! The 'Hey, sucking dick and having circle-jerks with my Karaoke buddies is a great Friday night' way! You are just lame, Snarf. You girl. GAH!! 
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um...jim jackson hates himself for being gay. There's nothing "normal" about that.
November 6th, 2012: Americas new Independence Day.
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cookie monster 7500+ posts
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Do you dare question the genius of the late Julius S. Schwartz?!? Yes. And, for what it's worth, I bought every issue of JLApe. ..................do you have absolutely zero personal perception??? I mean, with other people I can go " Oh, yeah...it's okay...he likes other stuff that's cool, so it balances out." But, with YOU, it's " Oh, yea-WAIT! He likes JLApe, AND Kenny G? AND Karaoke?? AND he's Snarf??? OH NO FUCKING WAY!! ALERT! ALERT! This guy is FLAMING gay!" And I don't mean in the 'Jim Jackson/normal lifestyle' way, either! I mean the 'Rex has a Barbie tied up in the basement' way! The 'Hey, sucking dick and having circle-jerks with my Karaoke buddies is a great Friday night' way! You are just lame, Snarf. You girl. GAH!! 
 Dear, sweet Harley Kwink...I'm madly in love with you. Marry me! We can go to Canadia. Or Boston or something. It'll be grand...You know the cookies are a given. They are ALWAYS a given. You could dump me tomorrow and you'd still get the cookies. Boston..shit, wherever dyke weddings were legalized. And where better to rub their little piggie noses in how bad they suck than right on their doorstep? What are they gonna do? Be jealous of you? Stare furiously at your tah-tahs? Not willingly give you cookies, but instead begrudgingly give you their cookies? Woman, time to wake up to the powers you wield - Uschi
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um...jim jackson hates himself for being gay. There's nothing "normal" about that. Says the sock-raper?
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I'm just KIDDING, rex. Don't get all bitter-pussy on me...
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Snarf you're still lame...
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Like I ever have anything to do with pussy. 
November 6th, 2012: Americas new Independence Day.
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Damn, this thread went dark...
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Hip To Be Square 15000+ posts
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Fact: Monkeys sell comics. Period. Sincerely,JLApe Yeah,I forgot about it too until I saw the promos for this shit. Do you dare question the genius of the late Julius S. Schwartz?!? And, for what it's worth, I bought every issue of JLApe. And once again, you wonder why you cant get laid!
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brother from another mother 15000+ posts
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Oh wait. Now I do.
I wish I didn't.
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Remember back in the days? Back when I didn't see a crude, Atari-GIF of an ape in a Superman costume? Remember those days, Lothar? Remember? I do. Those were good days.
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I never said anywhere that I liked Kenny G, Pro. Maybe you're projecting.
Knutreturns said: Spoken like the true Greatest RDCW Champ!
All hail King Snarf!
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No one told you to think!!
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Heh. That was actually meant for Jeremy. But, it works with Snarf, too...
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I never said anywhere that I liked Kenny G, Pro. Maybe you're projecting. Sure Kenny G, suuuuure....
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faggot 15000+ posts
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It's Marvel's turn to go ape ... so Rob Liefield is illustrating, then? i didn't read any of this
Old men, fear me! You will shatter under my ruthless apathetic assault!
Uschi - 2
Old Men - 0
"I am convinced that this world is of no importance, and that the only people who care about dates are imbeciles and Spanish teachers." -- Jean Arp, 1921
"If Jesus came back and saw what people are doing in his name, he would never never stop throwing up." - Max von Sydow, "Hannah and Her Sisters"
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Heh. That was actually meant for Jeremy. But, it works with Snarf, too... You be quiet, Promethe-ASS! ...jerk... 
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brother from another mother 15000+ posts
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Remember back in the days? Back when I didn't see a crude, Atari-GIF of an ape in a Superman costume? Remember those days, Lothar? Remember? I do. Those were good days. Than this should give you a big woody http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...%3Doff%26sa%3DN
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I don't know. Jealously I suppose.
Nice new av. Is it some gay Doctor Who or gay Watchman thing?
Looks like young Jeremy is calling you names. You're probably gonna have to take him to the woodshed.
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Ignored by 3 users and 2 moderators 4000+ posts
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Prometheus cool User Escapologist
15000+ posts Mon Apr 21 2008 11:40 PM Reading a post
Forum: Comic Books
Thread: It's Marvel's turn to go ape
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I don't know. Jealously I suppose.
Nice new av. Is it some gay Doctor Who or gay Watchman thing?
Looks like young Jeremy is calling you names. You're probably gonna have to take him to the woodshed. He tried doing that once already, thank God the cops were nearby...
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It's Marvel's turn to go ape ... so Rob Liefield is illustrating, then? 
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Inglourious Basterd!!! 15000+ posts
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That's clearly a fake. Liefeld doesn't draw that well.
Between this shit, and the rumors that Barry Allen's coming back at the end of Final Crisis (possibly as the leader of the Black Lanterns, per a different rumor), I'm glad to be dropping titles and may end up dropping comics altogether. My money is better spent elsewhere...
Uschi said:I won't rape you, I'll just fuck you 'till it hurts and then not stop and you'll cry. MisterJLA: RACKS so hard, he called Jim Rome "Chris Everett." In Him, all porn is possible. He is far above mentions in so-called "blogs." RACK him, lest ye be lost! "I can't even brush my teeth without gagging!" - Tommy Tantillo: Wank & Cry, heckpuppy, and general laughingstock
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"Hey this is PCG342's bro..." 15000+ posts
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I never said anywhere that I liked Kenny G, Pro. Maybe you're projecting. Sure Kenny G, suuuuure.... It was Gallagher. I love those "concerts". The bit when he smashes the watermelon with the sledgehammer? That gets me ever time! -Snarf.
"Are you eating it...or is it eating you?" [center] ![[Linked Image from i13.photobucket.com]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a275/captainsammitch/boards/banners/blogban3.jpg) [/center] [center] ![[Linked Image from i13.photobucket.com]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a275/captainsammitch/boards/banners/jlamiska.jpg) [/center]
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I don't know. Jealously I suppose. Our love is unconditional...  Nice new av. Is it some gay Doctor Who or gay Watchman thing? You know, I'd love to tell you, but I just don't know/remember. I think it's just a gay modern art thing... Looks like young Jeremy is calling you names. You're probably gonna have to take him to the woodshed. Oh he'd LIKE that, wouldn't he!
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It was Gallagher. I love those "concerts". The bit when he smashes the watermelon with the sledgehammer? That gets me ever time!
-Snarf. Your memory is without question, your legend without end...
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Snarf meant "every" time.
That doesn't change his love for Gallagher, though...
"Are you eating it...or is it eating you?" [center] [/center] [center] [/center]
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