PLANET OF THE APES '68: A CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES TRIBUTE

Classic Monsters of the Movies celebrates one of the most thought-provoking science-fiction pictures ever made: director Franklin J. Schaffner's Planet of the Apes 1968. 

Writers/researchers Nige Burton and Jamie Jones cover all bases of 20th Century Fox's talking-apes blockbuster in this deluxe volume, which ranges from Pierre Boulle's Monkey Planet to legendary actor Charlton Heston's pledge to spearhead the startling story to the big screen. 

Not only is director Schaffner saluted, but script adaptors Michael Wilson and Rod Serling. Apes composer Jerry Goldsmith is highlighted as well, who gave the world one of the greatest, Bartok-inspired scores imaginable, as are producers Mort Abrahams and Arthur P. Jacobs, who executed the the anomalous adventure with dystopic grace. 

In addition to the auspicious and essential Heston, who played time-traveling astronaut, George Taylor, the authors list bios on the superb supporting stars and players, many of whom were cloaked by John Chambers' uncanny, chimpanzee/orangutan/gorilla makeups: Roddy McDowall (Cornelius); Kim Hunter (Zira); Maurice Evans (Zaius); Lou Wagner (Lucius); Buck Kartalian (Julius); James Daley (Honorius); James Whitmore (The Council President); Robert Gunner (Langdon); Jeff Burton (Dodge); and uber-beauty Linda Harrison (Nova). 

Planet of the Apes 1968 has always been a favorite of mine and will always remain so. I'm thankful that Burton and Jones chose to essay this timeless parable and hope that they devote "ultimate editions" on its companion chapters in the near future. 

Order this historic, simian salute at 

https://www.classic-monsters.com/shop/product/planet-of-the-apes-1968-ultimate-guide-magazine/

ANOTHER LAST OMEGA MAN TEASE (FOR WHAT EVER! #3)

I can't help myself. Jim Main has shared another image for What Ever! #3, and now I must share on "bizarrechats". 

It's a Marc Haines tribute to "The Omega Man", which will accompany my comparative article, "The Last Omega Men".

Haines does an outstanding job recreating the faces of Charlton Heston, Rosalind Cash, Anthony Zerbe and Lincoln Kilpatrick (each surrounded by fiery trimming) in what could be taken as an alternate, theatrical poster for the 1971, horror/science-fiction release, based on Richard Matheson's acclaimed novel, "I Am Legend".  

Haines' striking image, along Kevin Duncan's superb "Omega Man"/"Last Man on Earth" crossover illustration (see June post), has me most excited for What Ever! #3's big, post-apocalyptic premiere. 

It's coming soon, Main claims, and when it hits, it's certain to be a real doomsday stunner. (Keep checking "bizarrechats" for updates.)

A LAST OMEGA MEN TEASE (FOR WHAT EVER! #3)

What Ever! #3 will contain my essay, "The Last Omega Men" (an in-depth comparison of "The Last Man on Earth" and "The Omega Man", both based on Richard Matheson's eerie novel, "I Am Legend"). As a teaser treat for such, publisher Jim Main has just revealed the above illustration by the talented Kevin Duncan. 

I love the way Duncan crosses the movies' prime heroes and adversaries alike, with Anthony Zerbe, Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Charlton Heston and Vincent Price each featured. 

More post-apocalyptic wonders are in store for What Ever! #3.  From what Main claims, its release is right around the bend.