Captain Planet #1 Reboots with Elemental Nostalgia

Earth. Fire. Wind. Water. Heart. When these elemental forces combine, they summon one of the most iconic eco-heroes of the 90s: Captain Planet. In this reimagined first issue, writer David Pepose teams up with artist Eman Casallos to breathe new life into the beloved cartoon, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling in a debut that is both timely and timeless.

Gaia—the latest High Priestess of the Earth—has been kidnapped, and the elemental rings have been scattered to the wind. As darkness begins to spread and new threats rise, five extraordinary young people must rise to the occasion, unite their powers, and defend the planet. But first, they have to find each other… and themselves.

• Written by David Pepose
• Art by Eman Casallos
• Colors by Jorge Sutil
• Lettering by Jeff Eckleberry
• Published by Dynamite Entertainment

The Writing: A Modern Myth with 90s Soul

David Pepose is no stranger to tackling iconic IP, and Captain Planet #1 may be one of his most personal projects to date. A longtime fan of the original series, Pepose clearly respects the legacy—yet he’s not afraid to evolve it. The story draws on familiar beats from the original cartoon but reinvents the stakes with cinematic energy, a global perspective, and surprising emotional weight.

Right from the opening pages, there’s a deeper mythology at play. Captain Planet is framed not just as a superhero, but as an ancient guardian of Earth’s elemental balance—a protector who has fought for thousands of years. It’s a powerful idea that adds weight to the story and builds intrigue around the origins of the rings, Gaia, and the forces threatening nature.

Most importantly, Pepose introduces our new Planeteers with care and intention. Each character gets enough space to intrigue the reader without slowing the pace, and the team dynamics are already full of potential. We get a sense of their personalities, struggles, and the larger threats they’ll be facing—especially the imposing Lucian Plunder, a modern twist on classic villains.

The Art: Saturday Morning Vibes with a Modern Edge

Eman Casallos delivers big on visual nostalgia while keeping the energy fresh and dynamic. His linework brings to life expressive characters, explosive action, and atmospheric settings. This book looks like it belongs in the animated legacy it hails from.

Jorge Sutil’s colors are stunning. The palette is bright, clean, and vibrant—evoking the sunny optimism of the original cartoon without feeling dated. When Captain Planet finally assembles in a burst of pure white energy surrounded by cascading color, it’s a jaw-dropping moment that nails both the emotional payoff and the visual spectacle.

The panel layouts are clear and kinetic, and the action is easy to follow while still packed with flair. Each elemental power feels distinct, and we can already see the creative potential in how these abilities will be used in future battles.

The Letters: Classic Callbacks and Smart Enhancements

Jeff Eckleberry’s lettering is a quiet MVP here. The dialogue flows naturally, the sound effects enhance rather than distract, and the action beats are elevated by thoughtful font choices. One standout moment is the use of the classic “Captain Planet” title font during his transformation—a loving nod that instantly transports longtime fans back to their childhoods.

The balance between dialogue and visuals is just right, with no overcrowding or awkward placement. Whether it’s a soft whisper from Gaia or a thunderous declaration from our eco-warrior, every line lands with impact.

Overall Grade: 9.8/10

Thanks for checking out my review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let me know what you thought of the latest issue in the comments below! Hit me up on any social media platform here! Till next time…

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