Captain Planet #3 is written by David Pepose and published by Dynamite Entertainment. Artwork is by Eman Casallos, colours by Jorge Sutil and letters by Jeff Eckleberry. Main cover art (left) is by Mark Spears.
Captain Planet #3 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
DIVIDE AND CONQUER!
The Planeteers are finally assembled, but the odds against them — and the ultimate survival of the Earth — are steep. The untested team now faces the collective might of mega-powerful villains Duke Nukem, Doctor Blight, and M.A.L. — and without the help of a depleted Captain Planet, the inexperienced eco-warriors must band together as never before to have any hope of standing against them!
Review
Back in comic book stores today, the third issue of David Pepose’s Captain Planet promises big action and big spectacle. Now the series has brought together its Planeteers it can finally thrust of the shackles of setup and get down to the real business of storytelling. With intros out of the way it’s also time for Pepose set about expanding upon his awesome ensemble cast of characters.
This month Pepose is introducing a couple more classic elements from the original Captain Planet series. After teasing his arrival at the end of issue #2, Duke Nukem is making his debut. Not to be confused with the popular computer game character. Pepose’s Nukem has had a rather hulking makeover courtesy of artist Eman Casallos. Gone is a Marvel-esquire The Thing look. Now he’s a formiddable foe more than worth of forcing the Planeteers to combine their powers. By the time Pepose chooses to parachute Nukem in to the story the Planeteers are already on the ropes so don’t expect this series to ever go easy on our heroes.
Also making an appearance this issue is Dr. Blight. Gone is her pink catsuit and 90s highlights from the cartoon. They’ve been replaced by a lab coat much more becoming of a scientist. If you ask me Kwame, Gi and the Planeteers should have thought twice about asking a doctor with a name like Blight for help. But here we are. The promise of adding context to the iconic franchise is exemplary in moments like this. Blight is a much more credible character through the Pepose lens. In the cartoons she was known for her unethical use of technology. In the 90s that made her a Bond-like villain. In the 2020’s it makes her the equivalent of any tech genius with dubious morals who appear in the news.
Including both continues to build out the world which Pepose is trying to recreate. Contextually it might look different to how it appeared on TV in the 90s. But in terms of population, this world is really starting to look very familiar. The classic cartoon fan in me is really getting excited about the direction of travel for this book.
As for our heroes, well they’re going through it this month. In a similar vein to what Melissa Flores has been doing with building Power Rangers Prime, now that the team is together the gloves are coming off. Issue #3 is easily the most action-packed in the series so far. Deftly balancing two huge set piece fights with some rather hefty character work. This issue is also introducing some interpersonal conflict amongst the heroes. The choice to have Wheeler be the one who emotionally struggles to connect with the group is a great angle. It opens up a bunch of different avenues of storytelling. Playing in to the cliffhanger ending and we’ve got interesting times ahead.
Casallos and colourist Jorge Sutil have a lot to contend with this issue. Those set pieces show off Captain Planet at its brightest and best. Whilst smaller moments give the book time to show off more of what it’s capable of when the story allows. It’s great to see the book being careful not to overexpose its lead. Casallos knows perfectly how to get the most impact out of seeing Captain Planet on the page. Plus he looks great in Sutil’s potent colours. Holding back on having him on every page is a great way to keep the audience salivating for more.
Verdict
The gloves are off in Captain Planet #3 as Pepose delivers the series’ most action-packed installment yet, complete with hulking villains and interpersonal drama. Classic characters get compelling modern makeovers while Casallos’ art knows exactly when to hold back Captain Planet for maximum impact.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
