The original Captain Planet cartoon came out during a time when a surge of environmental awareness was sorely needed. In the 1990s there were concerns about sustainability, and yet here we are in 2025, with the same concerns, but with more awareness and ability to take action.
Action! The first pages of the brand-spankin’ new Captain Planet by writer David Pepose and artists Eman Casallos and Jorge Sutil start with a bang as we see the remarkable Captain Planet and a woman known as Gaia fleeing from a group of bad-looking covert ops units in pursuit. This kicks off a series of events which in smooth organic fashion, gives us the origin of this Captain Planet and the five individuals who become the Planeteers.
While the original cartoon felt campy and at times a bit too over-the-top with the preachiness, Pepose delivers a pointed, masterful call to attention to the identities of those who protect and defend with elemental passion. Whether it be water or wind, fire or earth or heart, these five possess an inner strength for fighting for what they believe to be right. This is poignant to see the elements being channeled for personal morals and values rather than simply “we like nature.”
Much like Space Ghost, the origin story is a believable modernization of an old campy tale into a saga which fans can invest in. While I have no doubt the villains of the month will retain their campy identities, it is likely these will not be dismissive fools but likely more sinister in nature, living up to their namesakes. Much like the villains of Space Ghost, I anticipate a much bigger scheme in the works.
Along with David Pepose scripting us another modern vision of a pastime, artist Eman Casallos and colorist Jorge Sutil bring out a subtle, yet vibrancy in each panel, bringing the elemental life to each characters’ backstory. While not overpowering, the art and color seem to shift to be true to the character being represented. Letterer Jeff Eckleberry pens out dialogue in a fashion which emphasizes emotional investment in each panel to convey the dire situation of each Planeteer. Editing this stellar debut comic is Editor Joe Rybandt.
For those old enough to remember the cartoon, you will be pleasantly surprised. For those who don’t know Captain Planet, better get ready.
Captain Planet #1 is now available at your local comic shop.
