Thundercats Reboot: First look

First character shot from the forthcoming "reimagined" Thundercats cartoon series. There's a clear anime influence at work here - but that hardly surprises me. I'm not exactly sold on Liono's new look - I'll give it time to sink in. Same with Panthro. But the really burning question is...where the devil is Snarf?

In a roast snarf sandwich hopefully. They are carnivores, why do they tollerate such a miserable herbivore, if not for fattening up for the table.

I must be getting old, because that Cheetarah just does not move me the way the original did.

The Browncoat Cat wrote:In a roast snarf sandwich hopefully. They are carnivores, why do they tollerate such a miserable herbivore, if not for fattening up for the table.

I must be getting old, because that Cheetarah just does not move me the way the original did.

You're not getting old, Cat. This new version of Cheetarah is too skinny and not nearly as Womanly as the original.

Sid Seadevil wrote:First character shot from the forthcoming "reimagined" Thundercats cartoon series. There's a clear anime influence at work here - but that hardly surprises me.

Indeed. Though, in this case, it's a legitimate anime studio that's animating it, so the influence is natural rather than an attempt to copy a style.

Sid Seadevil wrote:I'm not exactly sold on Liono's new look - I'll give it time to sink in. Same with Panthro.

The one that I'm not sold on is Cheetara. I liked the original promo image of Lion-O better than this one, but at least he's still recognizably Lion-O.

Sid Seadevil wrote:But the really burning question is...where the devil is Snarf?

I've read elsewhere that he will be there... We're not free of him yet.

Zoltar wrote:Indeed. Though, in this case, it's a legitimate anime studio that's animating it, so the influence is natural rather than an attempt to copy a style.

Well in that case I have no problem with it. It's the pale imitations you see from wannabe anime producers that tends to put me off.

Zoltar wrote:The one that I'm not sold on is Cheetara. I liked the original promo image of Lion-O better than this one, but at least he's still recognizably Lion-O.

Fair point. And as I mentioned to Cat, Cheetara doesn't work for me in her new version.

Zoltar wrote:I've read elsewhere that he will be there... We're not free of him yet.

Hmmm...but are we rid of the twins this time?

Sid Seadevil wrote:Well in that case I have no problem with it. It's the pale imitations you see from wannabe anime producers that tends to put me off.

I'm not generally fond of that sort of thing either.

Sid Seadevil wrote:Fair point. And as I mentioned to Cat, Cheetara doesn't work for me in her new version.

Yeah, a couple other people I know have had the same reaction. Well, we'll get a better sense of the designs when they're in motion. Sometimes promo pictures don't do that sort of thing justice. I remember disliking the promo images for Spectacular Spider-Man, for example, but liking the animation anyway.

Sid Seadevil wrote:Hmmm...but are we rid of the twins this time?

No idea. I get the feeling Snarf will be different from the original, perhaps less speaking (one can only hope)?

Zoltar wrote:Yeah, a couple other people I know have had the same reaction. Well, we'll get a better sense of the designs when they're in motion. Sometimes promo pictures don't do that sort of thing justice. I remember disliking the promo images for Spectacular Spider-Man, for example, but liking the animation anyway.

Same here as it happens, so I'm more than willing to put any potential misgivings on hold until examples begin to surface.

Zoltar wrote:No idea. I get the feeling Snarf will be different from the original, perhaps less speaking (one can only hope)?

Fingers crossed. That kind of ubiquitous 'comedy' sidekick really isn't needed these days. So if he does indeed appear let's hope he actually serves some useful purpose. (And twins can go fish. They definitely aren't needed).

Sid Seadevil wrote:Fingers crossed. That kind of ubiquitous 'comedy' sidekick really isn't needed these days. So if he does indeed appear let's hope he actually serves some useful purpose. (And twins can go fish. They definitely aren't needed).

Agreed on both counts. From what I've seen of the action figures - which I guess is where this promo image surfaced, some sort of toy fair - it looks like it's just the older ThunderCats in the line-up. Of course, that could merely be the first wave of characters.

A new promo image can be found here.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=30511

I think Lion-O's new design looks a bit better in this pic.

I agree. Lion-O looks so much better in that shot.

Sid Seadevil wrote:I agree. Lion-O looks so much better in that shot.

Still not digging Cheetara's look, but it's better than in the original pic too I think. Anyway, speaking of Lion-O, it seems his original voice actor will be voicing Lion-O's father in the reboot.

Yay for continuity. I imagine this version of Lion-O will sound considerably younger than in the original.

Sid Seadevil wrote:Yay for continuity. I imagine this version of Lion-O will sound considerably younger than in the original.

Indeed. They all seem younger aside from Panthro.

Which would indicate that he's going to fill the adult/mentor role to the others.

Sid Seadevil wrote:Which would indicate that he's going to fill the adult/mentor role to the others.

Probably. I wonder if they're skipping Jaga for this version?

Zoltar wrote:Probably. I wonder if they're skipping Jaga for this version?

Good question. Actually I'm not even certain he's needed.

Sid Seadevil wrote:Good question. Actually I'm not even certain he's needed.

Only if they still need someone to play Wizard/Obi-Wan type in their stories.

Zoltar wrote:Only if they still need someone to play Wizard/Obi-Wan type in their stories.

Good point. I suppose that need probably will still come into play at some point in the new series.

Just come across the official press release for the reboot. And here it is:

THUNDERCATS

Series Coming Soon to Cartoon Network

Roaring to life through WBA and Studio4°C's use of the Japanese animated artistry of anime, "ThunderCats" characters Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Panthro, Cheetara and others will spring off the screen with realistic cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations.

The new "ThunderCats" will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O's ascension to the throne - and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost - takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.

"ThunderCats" is executive produced by Sam Register ("Teen Titans," "Ben 10," "Batman: The Brave and the Bold"). Michael Jelenic ("Batman: The Brave and the Bold," "Wonder Woman") and Ethan Spaulding ("Avatar: The Last Airbender") are the producers.

Given the pedigree of the creative team for this, you can definitely count me in.

Sid Seadevil wrote:Given the pedigree of the creative team for this, you can definitely count me in.

Yep. Sounds good to me as well.

Well, that's two viewers they can count on. Should be enough to carry it through at least a dozen seasons.

A few more informational titbits and a look at some of the toy range that will go hand-in-hand with the new series:

Tigra in the new series is Lion-O's half brother and Snarf will be mute.

Pics to follow...

Thundercats hooooooooo