There has been a rise in old-school cartoons getting adapted into modern comic books. Properties like Transformers (written by Daniel Warren Johnson, with art by Jorge Corona), Thundercats (Declan Shalvey and Drew Moss), and The Herculoids (Tom Sniegoski and Craig Rousseau) are all examples of classic animated shows that have become comics. One writer in particular took the idea, ran with it, and did a fantastic job. His name is David Pepose.
David Pepose currently has three comic books based on retro cartoons. They are Space Ghost, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, and Speed Racer. Space Ghost is among the best comic books produced today, thanks to hard-hitting violence, character development, and well-placed cliffhangers. The first issue of Speed Racer gave readers a glimpse into the family’s dynamic, their upcoming adversities, and how skilled Speed is. Captain Planet and the Planeteers updated the characters and their powers perfectly.
After reading Speed Racer No. 1, I wondered if David Pepose would create other comics based on older cartoon franchises. If you’re a fan of his work, there is good news: Pepose responded to my tweet, saying, “Never say never! I’d love to play in the TMNT or Power Ranger sandbox someday.”
Never say never! I’d love to play in the TMNT or Power Ranger sandbox someday. https://t.co/hQ5xX8IwE8
— David Pepose - Comic Book Writer (@Peposed) August 2, 2025
David Pepose does amazing work because he knows what comic book readers want. Among the requirements is knowing the characters, while also telling new stories and keeping things fresh. For example, in Cable: Love and Chrome, Nathan Summers fell in love. That love forced him to do irrational things across time. Yes, playing with the timestream isn’t something Cable is known for. He is actually the most responsible time-traveler ever. However, when you read the mini-series, you’ll understand why it makes sense for him. This same idea is key when taking franchises that are older and beloved.
There are a plethora of cartoons that Pepose could adapt into the world comics. They don’t just have to be more well-known titles like SWAT Kats (debuting in October 2025), Wacky Racers, or Johnny Quest. It would be great to see him take over a newer property like Venture Bros. Considering how often the show made fun of comics, it would be perfect for the comic book genre. Plus, I'd love to see what David Peopse would do with Brock Sampson and the Monarch.
Or, maybe another Gargoyles series. With Gargoyles: Demona (written by the franchise’s co-creator Greg Weisman, with art by Frank Paur), maybe Pepose could create a new story of the Gargoyles’ past. Wesiman's series is showing that there's more to them than anyone knows, so expanding the universe makes sense.
Maybe he will get his wish and write Power Rangers or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at some point in the future. Regardless of what’s next for David Peopse, you can believe this writer will pick it up. You can also trust that it will be worth buying monthly.
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