Captain Planet has stuck in our minds for generations because of his powerful message teaching us that protecting the Earth is a task requiring teamwork, diversity, and individual action. Now, after 35 years, the iconic eco-hero makes a much-anticipated return to comics in Captain Planet and The Planeteers #1 – and perhaps they’re needed more than ever.
In this new adventure from David Pepose (Cable: Love and Chrome, Space Ghost) and artist Eman Cassallos, the classic elements – Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Heart – unite once more to summon Captain Planet. But when Gaia, the Spirit of the Earth, is captured by the villain Lucian Plunder, the Planeteers face a critical test. Even with their powers combined and Captain Planet fighting beside them, can they rescue Gaia and halt Plunder’s destructive path? Let’s find out!
Credit: Dynamite Comics
The story kicks off with a tense chase on Hope Island. Gaia, the spirit of the Earth, is trying to escape a militia group hunting her with tranquilizer darts. She uses her powers over water and earth to defend herself, but her attackers are heavily armed and quickly overpower her.
In a desperate last stand, Gaia combines the powers of Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Heart to summon Captain Planet! He appears dramatically, ready for action, and manages to hold off the militia with incredible powers while trying not to hurt anyone too seriously. But this strategy fails when the militia brings out heavy artillery, severely injuring the Captain. This forces Gaia to scatter the world’s power rings right before she’s captured.
With Gaia imprisoned, we then get a montage of five individuals across the globe awakening their new elemental powers during moments of high crisis: Kwame (Earth), Wheeler (Fire), Linka (Wind), Gi (Water), and Ma-Ti (Heart). The comic ends with Gaia’s telepathic call to action to the new Planeteers, as the villain Lucian Plunder simultaneously reveals his scheme to take the elemental power for his own twisted vision of the planet.
Credit: Dynamite Comics
Captain Planet and The Planeteers #1 delivers a nostalgic gut punch while feeling depressingly current, instantly showing why these heroes are needed now more than ever. David Pepose’s fantastic script drives this urgency; action-packed and fast-paced, it smartly avoids exposition, throwing readers straight into the action and commendably trusting their intelligence.
The story effectively highlights the Planeteers’ core values: Kwame’s struggle with misfortune while moving forward, Wheeler’s fiery passion for justice, Gi’s representation of fluid wisdom, and Ma-Ti’s deep appreciation for life. These themes underscore some fundamental human endeavors: protecting one’s own and standing up for what’s right, even when facing human or natural obstacles. At its core, the message is a powerful call to action.
Artist Eman Casallos delivers the visual spectacle, crafting dynamic layouts, bombastic action, and impressive set pieces that keep the comic in constant motion. Casallos runs wild with the full elemental spectrum, showcasing it brilliantly across varied global locations that allow his creativity to truly shine. Complementing this energy is Captain Planet’s updated design, which proves to be a success. Small tweaks, like the beard adding a bit of edge and the rock/earth elements on his shoulders, subtly modernize the character while preserving the classic, vibrant ’90s color scheme.
Colorist Jorge Sutil brings it all to life with a unique palette. The colors elevate Casallos’s artwork; Captain Planet looks colorful and grand, yet integrates naturally into the world around him. Sutil’s skill truly shines in rendering the elemental energies – electric blues, blazing oranges, and Cap’s distinctive green hair all look spectacular. Together, the art and colors have a slight throwback feel, reminiscent of the gradient-heavy style of 2000s comics, managing to feel both nostalgic and polished. Finally, letterer Jeff Eckleberry does an excellent job using impactful onomatopoeias, adding an great finishing product.
The comic’s only potential downside is also a strength: it dedicates significant time to setup. However, it uses a montage structure effectively to quickly introduce the key players, their beliefs, and their current situations. It’s a familiar trope, but executed well here.
Credit: Dynamite Comics
Captain Planet #1 is a timely relaunch blending nostalgia with modern relevance. Pepose’s compelling, fast-paced script and Casallos’s dynamic art, enhanced by Sutil’s vibrant colors, make this a highly promising debut. If you are looking for a nostalgic trip with a message, pick up Captain Planet.
Advance Review: ‘Captain Planet’ #1: Returns When We Need Him Most
Captain Planet #1 is a timely relaunch blending nostalgia with modern relevance. Pepose’s compelling, fast-paced script and Casallos’s dynamic art, enhanced by Sutil’s vibrant colors, make this a highly promising debut. If you are looking for a nostalgic trip with a message, pick up Captain Planet.
