New Thundercats! HOOOO!
In 1985 we were introduced to the Thundercats, a cat-like humanoid race from the planet of Thundera who fled their dying planet to escape from their pursuing enemies, the Mutants of Plun-Darr. Landing on Third Earth they are confronted by a new enemy, Mumm-Ra, and are found by the mutants. The show went on for 4 seasons and a TV movie before ending its run in 1990. Since then things have been relatively quiet but the show retained its strong fan-base in those who remember watching when they were little.
In June of 2010 it was announced that Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Animation would be bringing the series back but this time with a more anime-style look. Some fans became concerned that their beloved show would be ruined but with the news that Japanese animation studio 4°C (The Animatrix and Batman: Gotham Knights) things began to look up. WB Animation is promoting this new show as, "A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes. [Thundercats will be about] the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost." It was also revealed that the original Lion-O voice actor, Larry Kenney, would once again be voicing Lion-O in the opening three-part episode of the new series.
Bleeding Cool announced today that they attended the London Toy Fair and was able to snap this photo of what the new Thundercats will look like later this year.
In June of 2010 it was announced that Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Animation would be bringing the series back but this time with a more anime-style look. Some fans became concerned that their beloved show would be ruined but with the news that Japanese animation studio 4°C (The Animatrix and Batman: Gotham Knights) things began to look up. WB Animation is promoting this new show as, "A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes. [Thundercats will be about] the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost." It was also revealed that the original Lion-O voice actor, Larry Kenney, would once again be voicing Lion-O in the opening three-part episode of the new series.
Bleeding Cool announced today that they attended the London Toy Fair and was able to snap this photo of what the new Thundercats will look like later this year.
As a response to the leaked photo earlier today WB released this official photo of the new Thundercats cartoon.
The anime influence the show is going to have is abundantly clear. The core look to the Thundercats is still present while adding in some new and interesting changes.
On a positive note the animation style seems to be very nice. Its hard to say any more than that considering that this is just a photo. We'll have to wait for a show trailer or clip to further comment on the animation. Other notable aspects are that the characters look younger, Panthro's sheer size is an odd change, Cheetara has a 'sexier' look, and you can also see that the Thundercat logo is no longer present on their belts or chest. Lastly, Tygra appears to have the biggest costume change.
Will this re-imagining be successful or will fans' fears of a ruined Thundercats be realized?
I wonder what Snarf will look like? :)
ReplyDeleteBleeding Cool commented on their site that Snarf looked almost identical to the original.
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