The Only Superhero The World Needs
By Simon 21st August 10
During the early 90’s, Superhero cartoons and TV shows were kicking ass. There was the Marvel cartoons of Spiderman and X-men, Power Rangers and this guy
CAPTAIN PLANET.
The most righteous, camp, mullet haired superhero ever!
He has no clear super ability, so he is able to do basically anything!
In addition he taunts baddies with puns and has the amazing catchphrase of – The Power Is Yours.
So what’s his deal then
Gaia (Mother Earth) wakes up and finds out that the human race is destroying the planet, so she sends out 5 magic rings that control elements of nature (Earth, Wind, Fire, Water and Heart) to 5 special youngsters named the planeteers, who then travel the world defeating the bad guys. If they are really in trouble they put the power of the 5 rings together and BAM, Captain Planet saves the day.
FACT: Many famous actors voiced characters in the 113 episodes – Jeff Goldblum, Meg Ryan, Whoopie Goldberg, Sting, Dan Ackroyd & Elizabeth Taylor
the Eco-Villains are the best though.
- Hoggish Greedly: Pig like human representing overconsumption
- Looten Plunder: Greedy businessman representing uncontrolled capitalism
- Duke Nukem: A radioactive mutant to do with nuclear power
- Verminous Skumm: A rat creature representing poor sanitation
- Dr. Blight: Mad scientist who uses uncontrolled technology
- Captain Pollution: Opposite of Captain Plant (obviously) He once reproduced the 5 rings into evil versions of Radiation, Deforestation, Smog, Toxics and Hate.
FACT: Has the title for first ever kids cartoon, to deal with HIV/Aids and to mention sex.
The episodes are very over-the-top. In the episode ‘Polluting by Computer’ the Eco-Villains break into the government computer system and change all the National Parks stats so they can dump toxic waste there……..OK some of you are now saying that’s not that far fetched.
It would be great if Captain Planet returns to the screen. Teaching more kids about the issues around climate change, waste, sanitation and all things sustainable. Its message would be as clear as ever, as every kid knows about recycling and wind-farm these days. I think they just need two more Eco-Villains. one to do with oil and the other to do with government.
Who else agrees with me?
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