Get ready for a pop culture collision of epic proportions! Marvel Comics has just announced a crossover that fans have only dreamed of: Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four. This four-issue limited series, launching in February 2026, will finally bring together two of the most iconic franchises in science fiction history for their first-ever official throwdown. This is not a drill, people—Marvel’s First Family is about to get their damn dirty hands on some apes!
For decades, the Planet of the Apes has captivated audiences with its dystopian vision of a world ruled by intelligent simians. Now, that world is about to be rocked by the arrival of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. The series promises a classic clash of civilizations, pitting the Fantastic Four’s cosmic powers against the raw, brutal society of the apes. And if you thought talking humans were a problem for Dr. Zaius, just wait until he gets a load of The Thing.
Caption: The official cover for Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four #1, showcasing the epic clash to come.
Credit: Cover art by Greg Land
Source: Marvel Comics
A Crossover Decades in the Making
This historic crossover is being helmed by a powerhouse creative team. Writer Josh Trujillo (What If…? Galactus) and artist Andrea Di Vito (Emma Frost: The White Queen) are bringing this monumental event to life, with colors by Erick Arciniega and a stunning cover by Greg Land. The team is promising a story that honors both franchises while delivering a fresh, action-packed narrative.
Trujillo shared his excitement for the project, stating, “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!” [1]
Di Vito echoed this sentiment, adding, “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.” [1]
What Happens When Worlds Collide?
The story kicks off when the Fantastic Four find themselves stranded on the Planet of the Apes, a world where apes rule and humans are subjugated. They’ll come face-to-face with iconic characters like Cornelius, Zira, and the formidable General Ursus. And, of course, the ever-skeptical Dr. Zaius will be there to cast his judgment upon these strange, super-powered intruders.
But the Fantastic Four won’t be the only new arrivals. Marvel has teased that “familiar foes from the Marvel Universe have set their sights on Ape City,” promising a “battle royale that fans won’t soon forget.” [1] Who could these mystery villains be? Doctor Doom, perhaps, seeking to conquer a new world? Or maybe the Skrulls, looking to infiltrate and control the ape society? The possibilities are endless, and the potential for chaos is off the charts.
Caption: The Fantastic Four find themselves in a precarious situation in this interior art sneak peek.
Credit: Art by Andrea di Vito and Erick Arciniega
Source: Marvel Comics
A Rich History of Apes and Comics
While this is the first official crossover with the Marvel Universe, Planet of the Apes has a long and storied history in comics. Marvel first began publishing Planet of the Apes comics in 1974, adapting the classic films and expanding the universe with new stories. After a long hiatus, Marvel reacquired the license in 2022, leading to a new wave of ape-centric comics, including the acclaimed Beware the Planet of the Apes series. [3]
During the interim, other publishers, like BOOM! Studios, took the reins, even producing their own crossovers with properties like Green Lantern and Star Trek. [3] However, a crossover with Marvel’s own characters remained a tantalizing “what if”—until now. This new series marks a significant moment for both franchises, finally bridging the gap between these two sci-fi titans.
The Perfect Storm for a Crossover
The timing for this crossover couldn’t be better. The Planet of the Apes franchise is riding a wave of renewed popularity, thanks to the recent success of films like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024). Meanwhile, the Fantastic Four are poised for a major comeback with their upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to release in 2025. [2]
This convergence of pop culture momentum creates the perfect storm for a crossover event of this magnitude. With both franchises in the spotlight, Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four is set to be one of the most talked-about comic book events of 2026. For more on the history of Marvel’s First Family, check out our article on the legacy of the Fantastic Four.
Why This Crossover Matters
Beyond the sheer spectacle of seeing the Human Torch go nova on a horde of angry gorillas, this crossover has the potential to explore some deep thematic territory. Planet of the Apes has always been a powerful allegory for social and racial injustice, and the arrival of the Fantastic Four—a team that has often been at odds with humanity itself—could lead to some fascinating and relevant storytelling. The series is even launching during Black History Month, a fact that Comics Beat notes adds another layer of significance to the story. [3]
This crossover also represents a new era for Marvel, which has historically been hesitant to engage in intercompany crossovers. The fact that they are now embracing this kind of storytelling suggests a new willingness to play in the larger sandbox of pop culture. It’s a move that could open the door for even more exciting and unexpected team-ups in the future. For more on the history of comic book crossovers, check out our article on the art of universe collisions.
Get Ready for the Ape-pocalypse!
Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four #1 is set to hit comic book shops on February 4, 2026. This is a must-read for fans of either franchise, or for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned sci-fi brawl. So mark your calendars, and get ready to go ape!
For more on what to expect from Marvel in the coming year, be sure to check out the full Marvel Comics solicitations for February 2026.
References
[1] Marvel. “The Marvel Universe and ‘Planet of the Apes’ Collide for the First Time in ‘Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four’.” Marvel Entertainment, 20 Nov. 2025, www.marvel.com/articles/comics/the-marvel-universe-and-planet-of-the-apes-collide-for-the-first-time-in-planet-of-the-apes-vs-fantastic-four.
[2] CBR. “Iconic 57-Year-Old Sci-Fi Saga Will Cross Over With the Marvel Universe in 2026.” CBR, 20 Nov. 2025, www.cbr.com/planet-of-the-apes-saga-cross-over-with-marvel-universe-fantastic-four/.
[3] Comics Beat. “FANTASTIC FOUR crashing onto the PLANET OF THE APES.” Comics Beat, 20 Nov. 2025, www.comicsbeat.com/planet-of-apes-vs-f4/.
