Warning: contains potential spoilers for Thundercats #1!
Dynamite Entertainment’s new Thundercats title lives up to the hype, delivering a story that both honors the franchise and breaks new ground. Dynamite recently acquired the license to produce comics based on the popular toy line and cartoon. Over the past few months, considerable buzz has surrounded Thundercats #1, and the issue delivers, telling a fast-paced story that is both familiar and new.
Thundercats #1 is written by Declan Shalvey and drawn by Drew Moss. The issue recounts the Thundercats’ classic origin: they are the last survivors of their homeworld, Thundera, which was destroyed by the Evil Mutants. They flee to the mysterious “Third Earth,” where they attract the attention of the evil Mumm-Ra. Rather than simply rehash what fans already know, Shalvey and Moss interject new story elements, such as Lion-O’s self-doubt over his new role as leader of the Thundercats.
Finally, the issue’s last page throws fans a huge curveball, flipping the script on Mumm-Ra.
The Time is Ripe for the Thundercats to Return
There Are Still Plenty of Thundercats Stories to Tell
The Thundercats debuted in 1985, and quickly became one of the decade’s most popular toy lines. Its accompanying cartoon is also fondly remembered by fans, as are the numerous tie-in comic books. Both Marvel and DC have held the rights to produce Thundercats comics over the years, with Dynamite acquiring the license last year. Buzz for Dynamite’s new book began to build almost instantly, and the first issue sold 177,000 copies before ever hitting stands. When the high print run and inevitable reprints are tallied together, Thundercats #1 could very well be one of the decade’s biggest launches.
Since the original Thundercats cartoon ended in 1989, there have been attempts to revive the franchise. A new Thundercats cartoon, with darker and more mature stories, ran on Cartoon Network in the 2010s. While fans praised the sophisticated stories, Cartoon Network was not sure how to market the show, and it was canceled. Another animated show, this time more kid-friendly and comical, called Thundercats Roar premiered a few years back, but it too failed to connect with audiences. If the first issue of Dynamite’s Thundercats title is any indication, this is the reboot fans have been waiting for.
Dynamite’s New Thundercats Title Could Be the Reboot That Sticks
The Thundercats Are in Good Creative Hands at Dynamite
Shalvey and Moss have created a Thundercats story that appeals to fans old and new. They (largely) stick to the backstory of the cartoon, but also manage to enrich it as well. Lion-O’s internal struggles give his character new depths not seen in other incarnations of the franchise, and other characters, such as Panthro, are fleshed out further as well. These new additions to the mythos are ensuring Dynamite’s new Thundercats book remains fresh while honoring what has come before.
Thundercats #1 is on sale now from Dynamite Entertainment!
Thundercats #1 (2024) | |
|---|---|
 |
|
