Born to scientists Roger and Elaine Newton in their secret Tycho Crater lunar laboratory, Curtis Newton escaped Earth to evade criminal Victor Corvo. Orphaned when Corvo murdered his parents, the infant Curtis was entrusted by his dying mother to her husband's colleague, Simon Wright. Simon, a living brain housed in an artificial serum case, along with the lab's creations – the powerful robot Grag and the shape-shifting android Otho – raised Curtis in lunar isolation. They rigorously trained him, forging exceptional physical prowess, scientific mastery, and combat skills, fulfilling Elaine's vision of her son becoming a champion against injustice destined to protect humanity across the solar system.

As an adult, Curtis adopted the alias "Captain Future." Piloting the advanced spacecraft *Comet* alongside his guardians, now known as the Futuremen (Simon, Otho, Grag), he operated from their hidden lunar base. He confronted threats to the Solar Coalition signaled by a rocket from Earth, battling criminals, hostile aliens, and scientific perils using his ingenuity and technology. Key allies included Planetary Police agent Joan Randall, with whom he shared a mutual romantic interest, and veteran space marshal Ezra Gurney. His most persistent foe was Ull Quorn, son of his parents' killer, whose scientific brilliance rivaled his own.

Curtis Newton combined intellectual brilliance with athleticism and a powerful sense of justice. Personality analyses suggest introverted intuition and strategic thinking, focusing on problem-solving and anticipating threats. He displayed independence and protectiveness, often prioritizing others' safety above his own. Raised by non-human guardians, he developed a unique perspective, balancing logical analysis with empathy for the oppressed. Despite a reserved demeanor, he inspired deep loyalty in his crew and allies.

The character appeared in a 1978 anime adaptation faithful to the pulp novels' core background and mission-driven narrative, including his dynamic with the Futuremen and recurring characters like Joan and Ezra. A 1978 special episode, "Kareinaru Taiyokei Race," featured a solar system race. Later works, such as Allen Steele’s novella *The Death of Captain Future* and proposed live-action adaptations, explored his legacy as a cultural icon within their own narratives, treating Curtis Newton as a fictional inspiration rather than expanding his personal story.