When writer David Pepose first spoke with us about Captain Planet, he mentioned wanting to give the Captain Planet concept a “modern reappraisal” and make sure its themes felt more relevant than ever. He’s absolutely delivered. Along with artist Eman Casallos, colorist Jorge Sutil, and letterer Jeff Eckleberry, Pepose brings their debut Captain Planet and the Planeteers arc to a heart-pounding and deeply moving finish in Captain Planet #6. This final chapter delivers the epic showdown we’ve been waiting for, all while beautifully reminding us where the real power truly lies.
The issue doesn’t waste a single panel, opening with a global catastrophe in progress. Gaia’s energy, raging out of control from Lucian Plunder’s Eclipse Reactor, is literally tearing the planet apart. Scenes of natural disaster (whirlwinds over New York, lightning in Paris, fires in Delhi, and massive waves in San Francisco) immediately set the astronomical stakes.
The central conflict is split into two furious battles: Captain Planet’s one-on-one duel with the newly powered Captain Pollution high above the Earth, and the Planeteers’ desperate mission to breach the reactor’s “hot zone” and free Gaia.
Pepose’s script shines by giving the Planeteers meaningful, non-super-powered action. Knowing their rings are useless because they’ve already summoned Captain Planet, the team must put on Hazmat gear for what Kwame calls a “suicide mission”. Gi steps up with the ingenious plan to channel their rings’ residual energy to short-circuit the entire facility. This whole sequence is a fantastic way to give the Planeteers agency, proving they are far more than just Captain Planet summoners.
The climax is a powerful display of both Captains’ philosophies. Captain Pollution taunts Captain Planet, claiming his power comes from his willingness to seize it, believing his foe’s refusal to control humanity will be his undoing. Captain Planet counters with the true meaning of his strength: he’s connected to every person, every living creature, and that his true power comes not from “force, not fear,” but the collective hope and unity of humanity itself. This is followed by a stunning moment where the Planeteers, huddled together in their Hazmat suits, shout the elements, combining their powers to shut down the reactor and halt Captain Pollution’s chaos.
Eman Casallos’ art and Jorge Sutil’s colors are absolutely essential to the issue’s kinetic energy. The colors are a fantastic juxtaposition: the sickly yellow-green of the contaminated Eclipse Reactor and Captain Pollution’s toxic energy constantly clash against the vibrant blues and greens of Captain Planet and the pure elemental bursts of the Planeteers’ rings. Sutil’s coloring on the celestial, cosmic scenes of Captain Planet and Captain Pollution fighting high above Earth is impressive, creating the necessary epic atmosphere. The lettering by Jeff Eckleberry also helps the frantic pacing, particularly in the chaotic moments like the explosion of the reactor, with loud sound effects like KRAKT, BOOOM, and SHRAK giving the action sequences real weight.
The issue successfully navigates the fine line between the original show’s earnest message and a modern comic’s dramatic edge. The core message, “The Power is Yours,” is given a significant upgrade here. It’s not just a catchphrase; it’s a powerful statement that humanity’s greatest strength is its ability to unite, even when faced with insurmountable odds.
Captain Planet #6 is a triumphant end to the first arc, combining high-stakes superhero action with a genuinely inspiring message of teamwork and environmental conviction. The creative team has proven that this property is more relevant now than ever before. The power is theirs.
‘Captain Planet’ #6 Delivers Power, Pollution & Planeteers Unite for an Epic Finale!
Captain Planet #6 is a triumphant end to the first arc, combining high-stakes superhero action with a genuinely inspiring message of teamwork and environmental conviction. The creative team has proven that this property is more relevant now than ever before. The power is theirs.
