The Property’s Stewards: Catto • Ahearn • Polis
These three individuals have played pivotal roles in keeping Captain Action relevant, building on nostalgia while steering toward the future.
Ed Catto
Ed Catto co-founded CAE alongside Joe Ahearn. According to interviews, his path began with childhood nostalgia (he recalls being gifted his first Captain Action for Christmas in 1968).
He brought business/marketing experience, and together with Ahearn, created CAE (circa 2005) to build the property for a new generation.
Under his oversight, CAE explored comics, collectibles, uniforms, apparel, and toy licencing; Catto stresses “we want to add something new, while keeping the spirit of the original.”
Mike Polis
Michael Polis became a partner in CAE in 2017. ICv2 reports: “Animation and licensing veteran Michael Polis has invested in Captain Action… joining co-founders Ed Catto and Joe Ahearn.”
Polis brings strong experience in entertainment content, IP development, licensing and global markets. For example: his company Atomic Toybox Entertainment works in gaming, television, mobile and consumer-products.
With Polis on board, CAE has signalled a clear intent to expand Captain Action into film/TV, higher-end collectibles, and a broader transmedia future. ICv2’s 2023 article confirms that with Polis & LBO, the brand is poised for “the next phase”.
Joe Ahearn
Joe Ahearn is a lifelong fan-collector who became the product-development lead for CAE. His background includes consulting in toy/collectible circles (e.g., Playing Mantis) before acquiring the Captain Action trademark.
According to his own statement, “We too, surely do feel the frustration” regarding production delays, etc.—demonstrating he’s invested in the fan-side expectations.
Together with Catto, Ahearn has guided the brand’s resurgence across multiple media platforms—from comics to cards to apparel.
