Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Eman Casallos
Dynamite Comics, 2025
In 1990, Barbara Pyle and Ted Turner created an animated superhero television series titled Captain Planet and the Planeteers, aimed at promoting environmental awareness among young audiences. The series revolves around five teenagers of different nationalities who are chosen by Gaia, the anthropomorphic spirit of the Earth, and granted magical rings that each contain control over one of five elements—Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Heart. Beyond their individual abilities, the Planeteers can combine their powers to summon a green-mulleted superhero named Captain Planet. This champion possesses all five elemental powers, as well as flight, super strength, and invulnerability. Like many proto-Superman figures, however, he has a key weakness: pollution. The series was a success, running for six seasons from September 15, 1990, to May 11, 1996, totaling 113 episodes and earning the distinction of being the second longest-running U.S. cartoon of the 1990s.
The popularity of the original Captain Planet series—syndicated and broadcast across multiple territories—combined with the ever-growing relevance of ecological issues today, makes it a fitting candidate for a modern revival. American publisher Dynamite Comics steps up to take on the challenge with Captain Planet and the Planeteers #1. The debut issue offers a fresh update for contemporary readers while still paying tribute to the animated source material.
Captain Planet and the Planeteers #1 is written by David Pepose (Space Ghost, Speed Racer, Savage Avengers), featuring a story that wastes no time diving into the action. Gaia is pursued by a group of mercenaries under the employ of a ruthless industrialist named Lucian Plunder. This serves as a reboot or reimagining of the original narrative, as Gaia is still in possession of all five magic rings and is shown capable of summoning Captain Planet on her own.
Mr Pepose understands what readers want—plenty of action. Captain Planet is summoned early in the issue and quickly demonstrates his range of powers before being taken down by specialized depleted uranium bullets, reintroducing his vulnerability. Before being captured, Gaia sends the rings out to seek new wielders from across the globe. While the plot progression may feel predictable to longtime fans, it functions well as a reintroduction. The issue clearly sets up the core cast, establishes the setting, and reveals the motivations of its central villain.
Artwork is handled by Eman Casallos, who delivers a dynamic and expressive visual update to the world of Captain Planet. The character designs strike a strong balance between modern reinterpretation and nostalgic familiarity. Captain Planet himself sports a more rugged appearance—still recognizable by his green hair, but now with a beard and an aged, weathered look that contrasts with the clean-cut appearance of his animated counterpart. Whether this design reflects a deeper narrative reason or simply a visual update remains to be seen, but given that the Planeteers themselves also receive updated designs, it seems likely these changes are permanent.
Also worth noting is Dynamite’s attention to sustainability in the physical production of the comic. Staying true to the franchise’s ecological ethos, the print edition of Captain Planet and the Planeteers #1 is PEFC Certified, meaning it was produced using paper sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources—a thoughtful touch that ties the medium to the message.
All in all, Captain Planet and the Planeteers #1 is a commendable return for the franchise. While the story may lean heavily on reintroducing familiar beats, it’s done with energy, clarity, and purpose. The creative team’s respect for the source material is evident, and there’s real potential for deeper storytelling in future issues as the new Planeteers are introduced and the stakes escalate.
For fans of the original show, this first issue offers a nostalgic yet modernized return to a world where environmentalism and superhero action go hand in hand. For new readers, it provides an accessible and engaging jumping-on point. If Dynamite can maintain this balance of reverence and reinvention, the future of Captain Planet in comics looks promising—and perhaps more important than ever.