A New Power Ring Debuts in Planet of the Apes/Green Lantern, And Here’s Your Exclusive First Look!

Planet of The Apes/Green Lantern is coming, and with it, an addition to the complex history of the Green Lantern emotional spectrum.

Written by Robbie Thompson (Silk) and Justin Jordan (Green Lantern), and illustrated by Barnaby Bagenda (The Omega Men), Planet of the Apes/Green Lantern debuts February 1, and the first issue will introduce the Universal Power Ring, a weapon created by the Guardians that harnesses the power of the emotional spectrum.

You can get your first look above, and see a page where it’s operating in-story in the attached image gallery.

“One of the coolest things we were able to do was to explore new corners of the mythos for both the Planet of the Apes and Green Lantern,” said series editor Dafna Pleban. “Robbie and Justin really wanted to find a way to make the threat to both properties as visceral and essential as possible. Creating a ring that amplified all the conflicting emotions Cornelius has for his home –his hope, fear and everything else– felt both narratively engaging and just visually cool, something that Robbie, Justin and Barnaby captured really well in this design. How it got to the Planet of the Apes, and why? We can’t wait for you to find out.”

This isn’t the first time there’s been a ring that could do more than just harness one element of the emotional spectrum: the blue rings can enhance the power of other rings, while white ring calls on the power of life itself and allows its user reality-shaping powers. Currently a storyline involving a “Phantom Ring,” which lets the user wield the power of the ring most tied to their current emotional state regardless of their “worthiness” of the ring in question overall, is playing out in Green Lanterns.

“We’ve been having endless amounts of fun collaborating with our friends at DC Entertainment and this new crossover only ups the ante,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “Both Planet of the Apes and Green Lantern boast decades of entertaining stories and dozens of fan-favorite characters. The result of crossing over these two incredible franchises is an ambitious, epic story that’s brimming with one of the most enjoyable cast of characters in all of comics.”

When Taylor goes missing, Cornelius investigates and discovers an ancient ring, unlike anything he has ever seen. As its power echoes through the stars, the Guardians of the Universe must reveal to their Lanterns a secret they had hoped would remain buried. With the Green Lantern Corps, led by Hal Jordan, racing to get to the source of this power before Sinestro can get his hands on it, they will discover a truth that will change them forever on…the Planet of the Apes!

“We’re excited to partner with BOOM! Studios for another fascinating crossover, combining favorite characters in an epic adventure,” said Hank Kanalz, Senior Vice President, Editorial Strategy and Administration, DC Entertainment. “A Green Lantern Ring seeks out one who is utterly honest and born without fear, so landing a Ring on the Planet of the Apes is filled with unlimited potential. The real fun begins when other rings—and other apes—get thrown in the mix!”

The main cover to issue #1 is illustrated by iconic Green Lantern artist Ethan Van Sciver. Variant covers include a movie poster homage cover by Steve Morris (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a Silver Age-themed cover by Paul Rivoche (Batman ’66), a foil-stamped cover by Felipe Massafera (Wonder Woman), and a vintage action figure cover by David Ryan Robinson (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers).

The issue’s final cutoff date is today, so call your retailer right away if you want to be sure to get one.