Running for six seasons, Captain Planet and the Planeteers was notable among superhero cartoons of the 1990s. While most children’s programming of the era was focused on selling toys, Captain Planet promoted environmental awareness and activism. Earth’s Greatest Champion offered viewers tips on how they could help save the world in small ways, advising viewers that “the power is yours!” Now, Dynamite Entertainment is updating the series in a new monthly comic.
The new series will be written by writer David Pepose, best known for his work on 2024’s Space Ghost reboot. Pepose is joined by Vampirella artist Eman Casallos, who will provide the comic’s interiors. Dynamite has also confirmed covers by Mark Spears, Christian Ward, and Ben Oliver for the first issue. Additionally, Jae Lee and June Chung will produce a series of interconnecting covers for the series’ first six issues.
Four full covers for Captain Planet #1 may be viewed below.
How Captain Planet reflects modern sensibilities
“Every comic creator has their own personal white whale,” stated Pepose. “That singular property they’ve been itching to make their mark on. For more than a decade, Captain Planet has been mine.”
To that end, Pepose is sticking to the same playbook he utilized in updating Space Ghost. The new series will stick close to the original Captain Planet concept, while updating certain key elements. However, these updates will go beyond giving Earth’s Greatest Champion a makeover, trading his then-hip mullet for a modern haircut and full beard.
The first issue will see Gaia, the spirit of the Earth, gathering five young people from around the world. Armed with magic rings tied to the elemental forces of Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Heart, these Planeteers will be the world’s first line of defense from those who seek to despoil it. However, when circumstances are dire, they can combine their powers to summon Captain Planet.
The series will feature the same five Planeteers as the original Captain Planet cartoon. However, the comic will denote their specific nationalities, rather than describing them as being from Africa, Asia, North America, or South America. The comic will also reportedly see emotional arcs for each of the Planeteers as they overcome personal issues to work together for a better tomorrow.
Captain Planet #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on April 23, 2025.
