Tundercats-Ho! Sword of Omen
...give me sight beyond sight.
Thundercats
Thundercats was the brainchild of Tobin Wolf and ran originally from 1985-1989. Featuring a group of cat-human-like aliens living on a planet called Third Earth where they battle evil. Originally animated by a Japanese studio, Pacific Animated which was acquired by Walt Disney Japan in 1989 with Warner Bros owning the rights from 1989.
Season one of the show consisted of 65 episodes and was followed by a TV movie -Thundercats - Ho! In 1986. Following on from the success of this season 2-4 were commissioned, each with 20 episodes, which started with a five-part story.
The show simultaneously released characters to the animation when it first aired in the US. This was modelled on the success that had been previously seen with the Masters of the Universe merchandise. This was mirrored in Europe as the seasons were released at the same time as merchandise.
There were also several comic book series made by Marvel comics (Disney) from 1986-1988 and five series by DC Comics starting in 2003. Merchandise has been a strong feature of Thundercats with items such as clothing becoming popular with adults, hungry for nostalgia, who grew up with their heroes.
Characters
The cast of characters was large with only around six voice actors taking up the majority of roles, especially in season one. Below are the seven main characters that are featured in almost every episode. Voice actors changed throughout the seasons but the characters remained true to their original characteristics.
Tygra
A level-headed and brave warrior based on a tiger, he is the Thundercat scientist and architect and official second in command. He is the architect of structures on Third Earth and can create illusions in the minds of others. His weakness is his inability to swim when not invisible and his chosen weapons are bolas and whips when in battle. When his character was first created the keyword used was integrity which shows in the episodes. As the seasons progress Tygra falls in love with Chetara.
Chetara
She is the only female adult character (until the arrival of Pumyra). She is brave, strong, and caring and is seen as the voice of reason. She has a developing sixth sense that the gang reply on to sense out evil. She also has incredible speed that she can use for short bursts. In both animation and comics, she loves water more than any of the other Thundercats.
Panthro
Panthro is the next greatest and most noble warrior. Based on a panther Panthro is a brilliant martial artist and chief engineer building vehicles with Tygra’s help. Strong and powerful he shows two sides to his personality with an infectious laugh and a good sense of humour he is part of the family. However, he will often be portrayed as a stone-cold warrior when in a battle where he uses nunchaku with chemical compounds. In the animated series, his fear of bats is revealed.
Snarf
Snarf (or as he is properly known Osbert, which he hates) served as a protector to Lion-O when he was a boy. He is a loyal member of the Thundercats and can sometimes come up with a solution to a challenge. Although not a fighter he can communicate with other animals on Third Earth to gain their help.
Lion-O
Lion-o is the true lord of the Thundercats. Based on a lion Lion-O carries the legendary Sword of Omens which fires bolts and gives Lion-O ‘sight beyond sight’ allowing him to see across vast distances. He also has the claw shield that launches grappling lines from its claws.
Lion-O has immense mind power, strength, cunning, speed and intelligence which makes him the rightful leader of the Thundercats.
WileyKit and WileyKat
Brother and sister twins are often referred to as the Thunderkittens. They are often the mischief makers and have their lessons to learn on Third Earth. They frequently use traps and tricks on enemies often flying on space boards when in battle.
Mumm-Ra
I can’t end this without a mention of Mumm-Ra, nemesis to the Thundercats. He is a supervillain that is an undead sorcerer. He aims to destroy Thundercats, take the Sword of Omens, and ensure that his world stays under his control.
Plotline
We follow our heroes on Third Earth after their dying planet, Thundra, meets its end. After a battle where the Mutants of Plun-Darr try and steal the Sword of Omens which fails, they are left to face battles against Mumm-Ra and his allies to keep the sword as they create homes and vehicles to take on the battle whilst using their skills
Films
The Thundercats-Ho! movie was released in 1985 to much acclaim and, over the years, there has been much speculation about more live-action movies to follow. In 2007 a film adaptation was announced using CGI and was due for release in 2010 however, this was put on hold. We are told that the Simon Barrett written Thundercats film will be released in 2024 with trailers now available.
Whatever age you are Thundercats have woven themselves into popular culture and will continue to do so with comics, figures, clothing, films and other merchandise still selling well almost 40 years after the original animation was released. In the last 5 years growth has been around 43% bringing the total Thundercat revenue so far to over $300m.
Interesting and well written! : )