***Contains Spoilers***
Planetary is a sprawling, mind-bending series by Warren Ellis and John Cassaday that follows a group of “mystery archaeologists” uncovering the secret history of the world. Led by Elijah Snow, Jakita Wagner, and The Drummer, the Planetary team investigates bizarre events, alien artifacts, and strange phenomena, all while facing off against the shadowy Four, an evil organization inspired by a twisted version of the Fantastic Four. Each issue stands as a self-contained story that weaves into a larger narrative exploring superhero tropes, pulp fiction, and the idea of information as the foundation of reality itself. It’s a story that feels both epic and personal, and by the time it ended, I couldn’t put it down.
What really drew me in was the sheer creativity of the series. Every issue was its own little gem, with a new concept, mystery, or twist to explore. The interweaving of classic superhero tropes and archetypes—like the Four as an homage and critique of Marvel’s Fantastic Four—was brilliant, as it made each story familiar yet fresh. The idea of information being the fabric of reality, represented as 2D, was particularly fascinating and unlike anything I’d encountered before. It was one of those concepts that stuck with me long after I finished reading. The chemistry between Snow, Jakita, and Drummer also evolved beautifully. They started off feeling like three disconnected strangers, but by the end, their dynamic was one of the highlights. The banter, the camaraderie, and the way they worked together were deeply satisfying.
Another standout was the artwork. John Cassaday’s clean, striking lines and cinematic style elevated every scene. Whether it was a quiet moment between characters or a sprawling battle, every page was stunning. The art brought intricate ideas and wild action to life in a way that felt almost larger than life. And the series’ length was perfect—long enough to fully explore its themes and ideas, but not so long that it overstayed its welcome.
That said, there were a few minor things that didn’t quite land for me. The series introduces a huge cast of characters and concepts, which, while fascinating, sometimes made it hard to keep track of everything. I occasionally found myself rereading sections just to figure out who was who or how they connected to the larger story. The “final battle” with Dowling, the Four’s leader, was also a bit anticlimactic—there wasn’t an epic showdown, just a simple and elegant solution from Snow. That said, in retrospect, I appreciated its simplicity and how it reflected Snow’s intelligence and resourcefulness over brute force. The only real letdown was the Planetary crossovers. While entertaining, they lacked the same dynamic chemistry of the main series and felt more like side quests than essential stories.
In the end, Planetary is one of the best comics I’ve ever read. It’s smart, innovative, and packed with ideas that challenge and reward the reader. It’s a series that I can’t stop thinking about and one I’ll undoubtedly revisit. This is a rare 5-star masterpiece, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves comics.
Feature Image Planetary #14 cover art by John Cassaday
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