As a kid growing up in the late 80's and 90's it was impossible to turn on the tv, or open a comic book without seeing a host of cool characters and teams: The Ninja Turtles, X-Men, Ghostbusters, Transformers, GI Joe, etc. Captain Planet was one of these shows that not only filled an afternoon with fun adventures and colorful characters but also left lasting memories of events past.

Today, the gross majority of characters and stories in fiction (shows, movies, comics,etc.) have replaced that era of simple fun action and adventure with sophomoric drama and a "who is dating who" type atmosphere. So few and far between are the fun back and forths between characters that don't include sexual undertones or overly melodramatic quotes. Comic books have suffered this fate all to openly: Illigitimate children, "mystery" pregnancies, gay/lesbian affairs, who is currently sleeping with whom, among others. For this reason I started thinking of ways to kind of bridge the generation gap of decades past with a character that I believe could fit nicely into today's modern comic landscape.

Welcome back Captain Planet!

There are several reasons why the green haired captain stood out in my head. The immediate was that he has already been in comics when the cartoon was adapted by Marvel into comic form starting in 1991. The reason I think this to be important is that it is Marvel, not some relative unknown entity where exposure would be thin at best. What better a place to begin than at the top?

The character itself offers something that Marvel has been clawing at for years: a well defined Superman analogue that they can call their own baby. Gladiator, Sentry, Blue Marvel, Count Nefaria, not 1 or 2 but the plethora of Hyperions roaming the multiverse all signal the desire for that special flying powerhouse to stand behind. I believe Captain Planet fits this mold perfectly and then some. Any adjustments that need to be made to allow him access to different storylines (time travel, space exploration,etc.) are easily remedied as the character's maleable ability list already allows for so much interpretation. A flying, super strong, super fast, self repairing, indestrucible, pure hearted hero who is completely attuned to all the aspects of natural Earth phenomena as well as having a direct connection to the figure of Gaea herself which allows for even further access into a greater range of stories. If the story needs him, he can be there...fast!

The world of comics could receive a further shot of new blood by Marvel's inclusion of such characters as the Planeteers and the motley crew of Captain Planet villains into the already expansive mix of things. Who would the Planeteers be? An crew of non powered humans chosen based on their personalities? Or perhaps a deliberately assembled host of powerful heroes fated by Gaea and the Elder Gods to one day bring forth a powerful champion in a time of great need? How would the various new villains coexist with the already established ones? What would their new histories be? Personally I would get a kick out of seeing Dr. Blight edge her way to becoming the premier female mad scientist/inventor.

As for the day to day behaviors and interactions of the modern characters Captain Planet would be able to fill a void left by the modern interest in trying to sell characters as "adult" and "deep." I see the character as bringing a welcome break from the now all to familiar backstabbing, conspiring, rage filled vengeances or lame sexual innuendos. A hero that is in the world for no other reason than to simply be a force of good to everyone and everything. This is not to say that he will be a 2 dimensional hero without any depth. Far from it. As anyone who remembers the show knows that Captain Planet was not only the life of the party but also a wise mentor like figure who understood not only what needed to be accomplished but conveyed the meanings behind the actions as well. A well scripted fight scene might be amusing to watch but without a real point behind it it simply becomes people hitting each other then leaving. Captain Planet is a character that brings greater awareness of how even small actions can affect things on a greater scale. This character trait is something that can be continually referenced and expanded upon. At a distance it could be portrayed in the way the captain views the collective behavior of the world's populace and leaders, or in a more intimate setting such as in private discussions with other prominent heroes or even villains.

I view the inclusion of Captain Planet into mainstream comics, particularly the Marvel Universe, as an interesting and rewarding piece that would satisfy readers of many ages and interests. From epic battles alongside popular figures, to adventures resembling classic evironmental and worldly issues, to a deep introspection of his current place in the world and how best to serve it. Captain Planet is a character that, in the hands of a talented staff, could be a truely attractive reason for people to eagerly pick up and enjoy comics again.

Thank you for reading.

The debate between Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne is quite an interesting one. I have always viewed both characters as remarkably comparable in nearly all regards. Both are young, wealthy, handsome, physically adept, incredibly well educated, deeply connected and respected in business, greatly respected as leaders amongst their peers and even by their enemies, neither man ever shows fear even when placed in the most trying of situations, and both continuously strive to change the world as they see fit. The parallels are many, well defined, and have been relatively unchanged for as long as both Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor have walked the Earths in the pages of DC.

The differences between the characters are more subtle than what I believe to be commonly thought. As I stated previously, they both continuously strive to change the world. How significant a comparison is this? We have one man who is constantly trying to bring about change on a global scale by removing those whom he deems counter to his beliefs and obstructive to his plans, while the other....does the same. I am leaving the labels of "good" and "evil" out of this writing as I feel they serve no real means of accurately contrasting these two characters' central roles. The main difference between Lex and Bruce I feel is not in their beliefs, or goals, or even their actions, but rather how they personally display themselves as well as how they physically engage problems.

Lex Luthor needs no disguise, but he also has no interest in getting his hands dirty if at all possible. Why attack your problems head on and risk defeat when you can stay comfortably behind walls of paid henchmen, formitable alliances, and if need be, lawyers? Lex Luthor is not one to place himself needlessly in harms way when others can perform the task for him. With such freedom of space to advance and retreat as he feels, is it any reason why Lex has no need to hide who he is? Why put on a mask, or cape, or costume, or even go by another name? He is Lex Luthor after all!

Bruce Wayne has been argued to be in his truest state when behind the cape and cowl of Batman. I do not disagree with this analysis as it furthers my point: the need for concealment, for whatever reasoning. As Batman, Bruce Wayne deals with threats to his city and planet on a very close, personal level. Why risk something in the hands of someone else when you can do it yourself? Allies will come and go. Teams will break and reform. But Batman needs to never rest!

One never feels the need to hide who he is, while the other is in his most natural state when in the role of something else. One rarely gets dirt on his boots, while the other rarely doesn't shed his own blood. These dissimilarities, though outwardly prominent, are not their defining characterstics, but rather a simple showing of each individual's preferences towards meeting their own personal goals.

Superman is no Lex Luthor, as The Joker is no Bruce Wayne. But Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne are one in the same: World changers who will stop at nothing! As for the "Good" and the "Bad" that many seem to purely define them by, that is left for another discussion.

Thank you for reading.