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ThunderCats was an American animated television series developed by Rankin/Bass and distributed by Lorimar-Telepictures in 1983 based on the characters created by Tobin "Ted" Wolf. The animation was provided by Pacific Animation Corporation, the working name for a collective of Japanese studios prominently including Topcraft, a group who would later go on to form Studio Ghibli. Season 1 of the show aired in 1985 (65 episodes), followed by a TV movie entitled ThunderCats - HO! in 1986. Seasons 2, 3, and 4 followed a new format of 20 episodes each, starting with a five-part story; these aired from 1987 to 1988, 1988 to 1989, and 1989 to 1990, respectively. On March 17, 1997, ThunderCats was the first series seen on Cartoon Network's new action-animation afternoon block, Toonami. The series would depart and return in various timeslots including Saturday mornings and late night marathons until 2002. A game was even created for Cartoon Network's official web site that allows visitors to play as Lion-O and rescue fellow ThunderCats while venturing Mumm-Ra's tomb.
The StorySpoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
Set against a backdrop juxtaposing science-fiction and fantasy elements, the ThunderCats series tells a good-versus-evil tale of mythic proportions, featuring an equal mix of high-technology and magic, hand-to-hand combat, and a central core of championed values. Its anthropomorphic heroes, the ThunderCats, are pitted against a rag-tag assortment of villains and a demonic wizard named Mumm-Ra on a planet known as Third Earth. Throughout most of the series, Third Earth is used as the main stage for all the ThunderCats adventures, though it is never made clear whether this world is meant to be a future version of our Earth, or an alternate reality or even Earth of the past pre-history. There are several references — both visual and verbal — indicating that there once was an ancient Egyptian culture on Third Earth (hinting that it may be a world of our future). The story begins with the destruction of the ThunderCats original home, the distant planet of Thundera. Forced to flee from the dying world, The ThunderCats and their fellow Thunderians board a fleet of starships to escape just as the planet blew itself apart.
Among these nobles is the mystical warrior and sage known as Jaga the Wise. Together, he and the nobles lead the fleet away from the dying planet in a mass exodus, hoping to find a safe haven. However, the fleet is soon attacked by the Thunderian’s long-time enemies, the Mutants of Plun-Darr, who are seeking the Eye of Thundera. One by one, the Mutants attack and destroy many of the exodus fleet’s ships, then board the flagship itself before being driven back by the power of the Eye. With the flagship critically damaged and low on fuel, the nobles and Jaga decide to head for the closest star system with a hospitable world, but with their navigational systems damaged, one of them must pilot the ship manually while the rest travel the length of the journey in suspension capsules. Jaga, being the oldest and the one in charge, orders the others to take their places in the suspension tubes while he pilots the ship. The journey is long, but eventually the ship nears its destination. However, Jaga’s body is ravaged by age, and as he switches the ship to autopilot to complete the last leg of the journey, his body evaporates into dust. The flagship crashes on the new planet called Third Earth. The fractured vessel spills its contents across the landscape, but fortunately, the ThunderCats survive. Lion-O and his nursemaid Snarf are the first to emerge from their suspension capsules, and realize that Lion-O has aged somewhat while in suspension. They are shortly confronted by the Mutants, who have been searching for the ship all this time and demand the Eye of Thundera. Lion-O uses the Sword to awaken the other ThunderCats, routing the villains and driving them back in their spaceship. The ThunderCats salvage what they can from their own ship to begin building a new home on this Third Earth, continuing the legacy of their people for upholding Justice, Truth, Honor, and Loyalty — the code of Thundera — and protecting the innocent from the evil schemes of the Mutants and the ancient devil-priest Mumm-Ra vieing to possess the power of the Sword of Omens for sinister ends. In later episodes, Mumm-Ra magically reconstructs the planet Thundera in order to gain the Sword of Plun-Darr (once held by Rattila of Plun-Darr) which was the original cause of Thundera’s demise. He also works to locate the Treasure of Thundera, which harbors the ThunderCats' secrets. In these episodes, the ThunderCats' adventures alternate between New Thundera and Third Earth. Eventually, the ThunderCats return to New Thundera to rebuild their society, maintaining a council of guardians on Third Earth to secure the peace of the people on the planet and throughout the galaxy. CharactersImage:Thundercats1.jpg Four of the ThunderCats. From left to right: Panthro, Lion-o, Tygra, and Cheetara. Image:ThunderCats logo.svg The Eye of Thundera, Insignia of the ThunderCats HeroesLion-O — The leader, and the hereditary ‘Lord’ of the ThunderCats. Initially he is a mere boy only twelve years old, but in making the trip to Third Earth he ages physically until he becomes an adult of twenty-four — this due to the suspension capsule diminishing but not altogether preventing aging. On Third Earth, much like his big-cat namesake, Lion-O has great strength, endurance and agility. He also has the cunning and skills of a fighter, but because of his time in the capsule, he missed the experiences needed in growing up. Through his adventures, he gains this maturity while learning what it takes to become a true leader. Before long, Lion-O must face his most difficult trials: after reaching his twenty-fourth birthday, he must take the Anointment Trials to prove he is fit to become the true Lord of the ThunderCats. In this process, he is forced to contest each of the ThunderCat Nobles in separate trials across the face of Third Earth — without the benefit of using the Sword of Omens, only the Claw Shield. Had Lion-O failed at any one trial, the ThunderCats would no longer honor him as their leader. He is challenged by Panthro in a Trial of Strength, Cheetara in a Trial of Speed, WilyKit and WilyKat in a Trial of Cunning and Tygra in a Trial of the Mind. The last Trial however, is his toughest, as he must seek out the greatest source of evil on Third Earth, and defeat it. This entails travelling to the Black Pyramid and confronting Mumm-Ra, alone. During this trial, Mumm-Ra tries to defeat Lion-O with many of his previous incarnations and disguises, but eventually battles the youth at the center of the Pyramid in a titanic struggle. It is only by hurling Mumm-Ra’s sarcophagus into his cauldron that Lion-O is able to emerge victorious. In an august ceremony attended by nearly every Third Earth inhabitant, Lion-O is crowned true "Lord of the ThunderCats". (Voiced by Larry Kenney.) Jaga — Known as “Jaga the Wise”, this elder warrior was once regarded as the greatest of all ThunderCats. An adviser and protector of the Lord’s family, it was Jaga who gathered the nobles of the ThunderCats to escort Lion-O and the Eye of Thundera to safety, but in his aged condition, he did not survive the trip to Third Earth. However, Jaga does reappear on Third Earth as a spirit — seen only by Lion-O at first, to guide him in his lessons and adventures. At times, he appears before the other ThunderCats as well, such as when facing down Grune the Destroyer, and when the ThunderCats need to rescue their fellow Thunderians. When he was alive, Jaga also wielded the Sword of Omens and was a formidable fighter in combat. (Voiced by Earl Hammond). Tygra — A staunch, level-headed warrior, Tygra is known as the ThunderCat architect and scientist. As the eldest (after Jaga) he is the one Lion-O often turns to as second-in-command and for counsel. He is responsible for the design of all of the ThunderCat structures on Third Earth — Cat’s Lair and the Tower of Omens. He is also gifted with ‘mind-power’ — the ability to create life-like illusions in other people’s minds; he used this for Lion-O’s Anointment Trial, but it puts a great strain on him. He uses a bolo-whip in combat, with which he can render himself invisible to the naked eye. (Voiced by Peter Newman.) Panthro — The next noble in age and experience, this warrior is the chief mechanic and pilot for the ThunderCats. He’s also physically the strongest and is a cunning warrior in combat. With Tygra’s help, he builds all of the vehicles the ThunderCats use on Third Earth — including the ThunderTank, the Feliner and the ThunderClaw, ThunderStrike and HoverCat. A jovial soul, he’s also quick to lose his temper and has a paralyzing fear of bats and a dislike of spiders. In combat he uses a pair of chained fighting sticks (nunchaku) which house several chemical spray-compounds that he can use against foes. The spikes on his chest bands can be used like projectile weapons or rappelling lines. (Voiced by Earle Hyman.) Cheetara — A female warrior who is the only adult female ThunderCat (until the later appearance of Pumyra). She is as lovely as she is brave and caring. Often a voice of reason, she is also the bearer of a budding ‘sixth-sense’, detecting when something is unsafe or if evil is near. This precognitive sense also allows her to perceive visions — whether involuntary or by forcing herself — but this drains her and she may require days or weeks to recover. She has incredible speed — once clocked at speeds of 120mph on a morning jog. She can only maintain this top speed for short distances, but with it she can move very fast in combat. Her weapon of choice is a battlestaff that can grow or shrink to variable lengths, with which she can vault or leap over enemies. When not in use, it is attached to the armband on her left arm. (Voiced by Lynne Lipton.) WilyKit and WilyKat — Twin siblings (Kat the boy, and Kit the girl) who are the youngest members of the ThunderCat team. They are the mischief-makers, and often have their own lessons to learn alongside Lion-O while they live on Third Earth. As the most cunning of the team, they frequently use tricks and traps to combat evil. Kit is the more adventurous, while Kat usually errs on the side of caution. Kit is also the more agile, and at times employs a rolling-attack against the enemy. Their agility is often displayed when they ride their hoverboards — specially designed flying devices shaped like Earth surfboards that can carry them over long distances. Each uses special capsules, balls and other gimmick weapons carried in pouches on their belts. They sometimes use slingshots to fire these at the Mutants or other foes. They also carry trick lariats, with which they can either tangle and ensnare foes, or use to pull themselves out of danger. (Voiced by Peter Newman (WilyKat) and Lynne Lipton (WilyKit).) New ThunderCatsAt the start of the series' second season, it was revealed to Lion-O (after having a recurring dream about the final moments of the destruction of Thundera) that there are three more Thunderians living on Third Earth. They survived the cataclysm when rescued by a Ro-Bear Berbil scoutship piloted by two Berbils. The ship, damaged in the final explosion of the planet, made it to Third Earth, landing on an unknown island somewhere in the northern sea. After Mumm-Ra tries to capture them to use as bait to destroy the others, these three are rescued and brought back to Cat’s Lair, where Lion-O anoints them as new ThunderCats. They initially come to live in Cat's Lair, but after the arrival of the Lunataks, they are stationed at the Tower of Omens. Ben-Gali — One of two younger Thunderians among the trio, this warrior is a skilled blacksmith. This talent proves valuable after the Sword of Omens is once again broken. Fast and agile like Tygra, Ben-Gali is called ‘brother’ by him, but it is unclear if they share a true familial bond or if the greeting is merely meant as a term of endearment. (Given that the new ThunderCats repeatedly call the originals "Nobles" while referring to themselves as "mere Thunderians", it seems unlikely that there is any family relationship between the two.) In combat, Ben-Gali wields a weapon called the Hammer of Thundera. It can shoot energy blasts, and carries smoke pellets in the handle, to allow him to cause confusion and provide cover for withdrawal from a fight. (Voiced by Peter Newman.) Pumyra — Another female Thunderian — second only to Cheetara — this young woman is a talented healer and medic. She uses her knowledge of Thunderian medicine, combined with the wide range of medicinal supplies to be found on Third Earth to help heal and cure her fellow ThunderCats. Her compassionate nature lends to offering an alternative perspective, solving problems or conflict without fighting by using compromise and understanding. Possibly the most agile ThunderCat next to the ThunderKittens, Pumyra employs an incredible leaping ability — often able to vault higher than even great jumpers like Tygra or the ThunderKittens. In combat, she uses a special whipcord, which resembles a ‘cat’s tail’, that can launch special pellets and spheres like an ancient-type sling. (Voiced by Gerrianne Raphael.) Lynx-O — The oldest of the trio, Lynx-O was spared the sight of the destruction of their homeworld by a cruel twist of fate: a gout of intense heat and fire blinded him moments before he and his two younger companions were rescued. Because of this injury, Lynx-O has had to adapt to survive on Third Earth, and has done so by honing his other senses to superhuman levels. His sense of touch, smell, taste and hearing are far above those of the other ThunderCats, and this affords him a type of ‘sixth-sense’ (although not like the one Cheetara employs). Though blind, Lynx-O is still a formidable fighter. His sense of touch allows him to find pressure points on a foe’s body to knock them off balance or stun them. He can also feel vibrations, which allow him to evade attacks and capture, and can use a Sonic Reflector as a weapon in combat. His greatest skill comes in utilizing a special "braille board" — a device that allows him to translate information coming from sensor systems inside the Tower of Omens, enabling him to see into the gloom of Dark Side. This same device also allows him to pilot the Thunderstrike aircraft through the Valley of Mists when the ThunderCats need to find a way through to Dark Side. (Voiced by Doug Preis.) On New ThunderaWhen the planet of Thundera is reformed in Season Two of the series, the ThunderCats must work to stabilize the planet before it can tear itself apart again. It is here that they discover another ThunderCat. Jaguara — Found deep within the core of New Thundera, this powerful, ancient ThunderCat is an immortal sorceress. Her duty is to guard the massive gyroscope that keeps the planet intact. She uses the powers of levitation, teleportation and psychokinesis to perform her tasks, and to defend the gyroscope from attackers. It is noted by Jaga that she has been acting in this capacity for countless years. (Voiced by Gerrianne Raphael). The SnarfsA race of intelligent cat-like creatures, Snarfs are plump, fuzzy and kind. They live alongside Thunderians, in the Valley of Snarfs, until the planet was destroyed. Several escaped the destruction (forty-nine, commandeering a Mutant tanker) and travelled to a new planet, where they proclaimed it the Planet of Snarfs. Snarfs are the only creatures in the universe incapable of evil (except while possessed). Quick and clever, a Snarf is a loyal friend, though their small size often makes them a target for Mutants or other evil creatures. In the series, several are named prominently.
Allies and natives of Third Earth
VillainsImage:Thundercats2.jpg Mumm-Ra, shown here in an untransformed state. Mumm-RaThe chief villain and antagonist against the ThunderCats, Mumm-Ra is the self-proclaimed "ever-living source of evil" on Third Earth, having powers of sorcerery and an apparently unlimited lifespan. He is in fact a bound servant to the Ancient Spirits of Evil (represented by four animal-headed statue deities within the central chamber of his pyramid). Through his magical cauldron, they provide him with malevolent power and information to further his pursuit of spreading their dark influence throughout Third Earth. It is most likely through them that Mumm-Ra first gained knowledge of the Eye of Thundera, awakening to its presence when the Thunderians crash-landed on the planet. Residing within the Black Pyramid amid the ruins of what appears to be an ancient Egyptian civilization, Mumm-Ra exists in a decayed, weakened form that must return to a stone sarcophagus to replenish his energy. When leaving the pyramid, he can summon the power to transform himself into a more vigorous form: Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living. To do so, he speaks the following incantation:
While in this form, Mumm-Ra possesses paranormal strength, the ability to fly, as well as use of his mystical might — casting spells, throwing energy bolts, etc. — to battle his foes. He can also alter his physical form into a variety of alter-egos to deceive his enemies. Seemingly invincible in whatever form he choses, Mumm-Ra appears to have a singular weakness: seeing his own hideous reflection neutralizes his ability to remain outside the Black Pyramid and forces him to withdraw there in his emaciated mummy form. However, as the series progressed, the Ancient Spirits of Evil eventually overcame this shortcoming to make Mumm-Ra even more formidable. Above all, Mumm-Ra is a master of deception, and will use whatever means necessary to fight against the forces of good. MutantsImage:Mutants 1.jpg Three of the Mutants. From left to right: Jackalman, Slithe and Monkian. These creatures are the first villains seen in the series, originating from the planet Plun-Darr. They are the long-time enemies of the Thunderians. Later in the series, it is revealed that events stemming from their invasion of Thundera ultimately lead to the destruction of that planet. Not content to see the Thunderians lose their homeworld, the Mutants chased after the survivors, using their spaceships to decimate the Thunderian fleet and seeming to destroy the majority of the doomed planet's escaping populace. They then boarded the flagship — which carried the ThunderCat nobles, Jaga the Wise and the young Lion-O — in attempting to capture the Eye of Thundera. They were repelled and retreated to later relocate the crashed flagship on Third Earth. It was here that Mumm-Ra’s power grounded the Mutant ship, and they were forced to follow his demands once he sank their vessel beneath the desert sands. Though they exhibit an extraordinary incompetence (characteristic of most cartoon villains), the Mutants manage to construct their own fortress called Castle Plun-Darr (named after their homeworld) and salvage equipment from their downed spaceship to build weapons and vehicles that they use on Third Earth (e.g., the Skycutters, the Nosediver, etc.). The Mutant group is comprised of a diverse mix of races, including:
Other Mutants are:
LunataksHailing from the Moons of Plun-Darr, these vile beings were once feared criminals in ancient times. They dwell in Dark Side, a volcanic region on the far side of Fire-Rock Mountain. They were encased in molten rock by Mumm-Ra when they attempted to take control of Third Earth. Mumm-Ra later released them on condition that they work for him to battle the ThunderCats. However, the Lunataks form their own 'third column' based in Dark Side, building a massive, floating fortress called Sky Tomb from which they strike against all of Third Earth. There number consist of:
The BerserkersThis odd band of pirates first appeared pillaging the northern shores of the Unicorn Forest (in the episode The Terror of Hammerhand). They have a habit of repeating certain words or phrases three times. They were thought to be killed when their ship sank — in fact, their leader’s spirit was later used by Mumm-Ra to animate a ‘clone’ of Panthro — but they reappeared in later episodes to capture the three Thunderian refugees. Initially only Hammerhand was identified by name; in subsequent appearances the characters were redesigned (to resemble their newly-released toy figures) and additional members with unique abilities were introduced. The Berserkers are:
Other villains
Cast
Action figuresLJN produced the ThunderCats action figures from 1985-1987. The ThunderCats action figure line was based on the ThunderCats animated television series, the show though was created in 1982, but due to difficulties was later aired in 1985. Each figure had an action feature of some sort, and the line also included a unique "laser" light-up feature that interacted between the Cats Lair playset, some figures, and some accessories. Lion-O's head and Mumm-Ra's eyes would illuminate when a special key that came with the figure was pressed into a slot in their backs. PVC companions were packaged with some figures in 1986, including WilyKat with Tygra, WilyKit with Cheetara, Snarf with Lion-O, and Ma-Mutt with Mumm-Ra. LJN did produce a few variant figures including the young Tygra version and the silver rat-eye daggers for Rataro. There are also a few slight color variations of Lion-O, such as red and orange-haired versions. The third series of figures from 1987 are harder to find along with the Tongue-A-Saurus and Astral Moat Monster. Driller and Stinger are the toughest figures to track down; Stinger's wings are very fragile, making it next to impossible to find a loose, complete figure. An unproduced final series of figures would have included The Mad Bubbler, Redeye of the Lunatacs, Cannon-Blaster, and Quick-Jaws from the Bezerkers as well as the Feliner, Thunderstrike, and Luna Tacker. The Mad Bubbler is rumored to have been produced, but this has yet to be proven. Photos of these were featured in the 1987 LJN catalog. Comic booksImage:Thundercats cover.jpg ThunderCats Comic (UK) In 1985, a ThunderCats series was published by Marvel Comics through its Star imprint. It ended with issue #24 in 1988. The following year, a new series was published by Marvel UK. The series consisted of 129 issues and was published for three years. In 2002, DC Comics, owned by Warner Brothers, who acquired the license for the franchise, published a ThunderCats sourcebook through its Wildstorm imprint. In 2003, a wave of mini series and one-shots was published. MiniseriesThunderCats (Reclaiming Thundera). Issues #0-5. Written by Ford Gilmore, illustrated by various artists. Published in 2003. ThunderCats: The Return. Issues #1-5. Written by Ford Gilmore, illustrated by Benes, Pimental and Lea. Published in 2003. ThunderCats: Dogs of War. Issues #1-5 Written by John Layman, illustrated by Booth, Prado and Vey. Published in 2003. ThunderCats: Hammerhand's Revenge. Issues #1-5. Written by Fiona Avery, illustrated by D'Anda. Published in 2003. ThunderCats: Enemy's Pride. Issues #1-5. Written by John Layman, illustrated by Vriens, Heilig and Campus of Udon Studios. Published in 2004. One-shotsThunderCats Sourcebook. Text by Ford Gilmore, art by various artists. Published in 2002. Battle of the Planets/ThunderCats. Written by Munier Sharrieff, illustrated by Lee, Ross and Tam. Published in 2003. ThunderCats/Battle of the Planets. Written and illustrated by Kaare Andrews. Published in 2003 as a follow-up to Battle of the Planets/Thundercats. ThunderCats/Superman. Written by Judd Winick, illustrated by Garza. Published in 2004. Origins: Heroes and Villains. Written and illustrated by various writers and artists. Published in 2004. Origins: Villains and Heroes. Written and illustrated by various writers and artists. Published in 2004 as a follow-up to Origins: Heroes and Villains. TriviaImage:SupesCats.jpg Superman and the ThunderCats united.
Parodies
DVDRegion 1Season 1, Volume 1 of the series was released on August 9, 2005 by Warner Brothers as a set of six discs containing the first 33 episodes. Season 1, Volume 2 (also a six-disc set), featuring the last 32 episodes of the first season, was released on December 6, 2005. It features extensive interviews with the show's voice actors and production staff. Season 2, Volume 1 was released on April 18, 2006 containing the first 34 episodes of the second season, again as a six-disc set. Special features in this set include a music video of the show's theme song performed by The Rembrandts of Friends theme song fame; as well as music-related interviews with composer Bernard Hoffer, Supervising Producer Lee Danacher, and The Rembrandts. As a bonus, Bernard Hoffer performs a great deal of the music from the series. Season 2, Volume 2 was released on November 28, 2006 and contains the final 31 episodes of the second season. There is a special feature on disc 6. Region 2As with the Region 1 releases, two boxsets per season are being released. Season 1 Volume 1 was released in the UK on the January 15 2007. See also
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