Planetary

Planetary was created by writer Warren Ellis and artist John Cassaday, and was originally published by WildStorm Productions under DC Comics' America's Best Comics imprint. The series debuted in 1999 and ran for 27 issues. It became one of the most acclaimed and discussed comic series of its era.

Planetary follows a team of three superhuman investigators—Elijah Snow, Jakita Wagner, and the Drummer—who work to uncover the secret history of the WildStorm universe. Each issue typically explores a different genre trope or pop culture reference, from Japanese monster movies to pulp adventure heroes. The team is funded by a mysterious figure known only as the Fourth Man.

Yes, Planetary was notorious for lengthy and irregular publication gaps, with the 27-issue series taking several years to complete well beyond its originally planned schedule. The sporadic release of later issues frustrated readers who followed the mystery serially. The complete run was eventually collected in hardcover omnibus editions by DC Comics.

The Four is the series' primary antagonist, a sinister organisation that secretly controls and hoards the world's wonders, advanced technology, and superhuman discoveries. They are a deliberate dark parallel to Marvel's Fantastic Four, reimagined as villains who suppress progress for their own benefit. Elijah Snow's investigation of the Four drives the series' overarching narrative.