CAPTAIN PLANET #5 – Review

Captain Planet #5, by Dynamite Comics on 9/1725, continues the story of the Planeteers as they face a new threat from Plunder Tower.

Credits:

• Writer: David Pepose
• Artist: Eman Casallos
• Colorist: Jorge Sutil
• Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
• Cover Artist: Chad Hardin (cover A)
• Publisher: Dynamite Comics
• Release Date: September 17, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of CAPTAIN PLANET #5:

Recap:

In Captain Planet #4, New York City faced a potential disaster as Gi had a premonition of a city-destroying tsunami and powerless rings. While the Planeteers were filled with tension as they worked to decrypt Dr. Blight’s data, Wheeler was missing, having been lured by billionaire Lucian Plunder with promises of clean tech and heroism. Plunder convinced Wheeler to let his scientists examine the ring, but his true plan was to create synthetic duplicates for a more destructive purpose. As Plunder’s plans unfolded and the synthetic rings were weaponized to amplify their destructive power, the Planeteers plotted a covert rescue to save Gaia from the unstable Eclipse Station. The issue ended with Plunder’s greed causing him to transform into the monstrous Captain Pollution, threatening to burn the world and leaving the Planeteers battered and divided.

Plot Analysis:

The issue opens with a flashback to Ghana when Kwame risked his life to save a girl trapped in a village fire. His heroic act gravely injured his leg, ending his sports career. In the present, Kwame use the power of Earth to create a mech suit composed of earthen material to battle Captain Pollution.

Meanwhile, Wheeler and Ma-Ti are attempting to find Wheeler’s missing ring. Wheeler expresses frustration at their situation and his lack of powers, while Ma-Ti uses the power of Heart to try and find the ring. They are ambushed by the villain’s henchmen, but Ma-Ti and Wheeler manage to fight them off. They realize they must find the ring to save Kwame, who is still battling the Captain Pollution. Meanwhile, Gi and Lenka frantically work to save citizens from the incoming hurricane.

The scene returns to Kwame, who is still being assailed by the Captain Pollution. The villain’s taunts become more personal, mocking the hero for his limited time on Earth and his inability to permanently solve all of humanity’s problems. Kwame is weakened and his ability to hold the mech together begins to fade away. Wheeler and Ma-Ti arrive just as the villain is about to land a final blow. Wheeler bravely distracts the villain, allowing Ma-Ti to retrieve the ring.

With Wheeler’s ring now recovered, the Planeteers are reunited, and Captain Planet’s re-summoned to pick up where Kwame left off.

First Impressions:

This issue feels a bit disjointed and rushed. It focuses on a large, chaotic action scene without much character or plot development. The dialogue is sometimes stilted, and the art seems inconsistent at points.

Writing

The writing in this issue is direct and to the point, but it lacks depth. The dialogue gets the job done but does not feel particularly natural or witty. The overall pacing feels very fast, which makes it hard to connect with the characters or the situation. The issue’s quick resolution makes the final scenes feel unearned.

Artwork and Presentation:

The art by Eman Casallos is a mixed bag. The line work is often dynamic, especially during the action sequences involving Captain Planet. However, some panels are confusing, and the characters’ facial expressions are sometimes inconsistent. The colors by Jorge Sutil are vibrant and do a good job of setting the mood for the various scenes.

Characters

The character work is minimal in this issue. Ma-Ti is shown using the power of Heart in a new way, which is a nice touch. Wheeler’s frustration at being powerless is a decent character beat, but it’s not explored in any meaningful way. The Master of All Fear is a one-dimensional villain who only exists to taunt Captain Planet. There is no development or motivation provided for the antagonist.

Art Samples:

Story Positives & Negatives:

The Positives:

The standout aspect of this issue is the dynamic art style during the action scenes. The depictions of Kwame battling Captain Pollution are full of energy and movement, making the fight feel epic and intense. The vibrant colors also complement the kinetic artwork, creating a visually appealing experience that stands out. Ma-Ti’s creative use of his power to scan the building is an interesting and smart move that shows character ingenuity.

The Negatives:

The biggest negative is the overall lack of substance. The issue is essentially a single extended fight sequence with no meaningful character development or plot progression. The villain is introduced and defeated within a few pages, which feels anticlimactic and robs the story of any genuine tension. The dialogue is often clunky and fails to add any weight to the narrative, making the entire issue feel like a hollow spectacle.

Final Thoughts:

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CAPTAIN PLANET #5 is all flash and no substance. It looks good at times, but the flimsy plot and rushed conclusion make it an unfulfilling read. While the fight scenes are visually engaging, the lack of any real narrative meat or character growth leaves you feeling like nothing of consequence happened. Captain Planet may have saved the day, but this comic feels like a missed opportunity.

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