Back in May 2018, a new iteration of the beloved ’80s franchise ThunderCats was announced. Entitled ThunderCats Roar and sporting a decidedly different look and aesthetic (to say the least) that skewed more towards a more lighthearted irreverent tone akin to Teen Titans GO!, the teaser did not quite go over so well if the ratio of dislikes to likes are any indication.
Indeed, it spawned a controversy over the ongoing criticism of the supposed “CalArts Style” trend of the last decade. Ironically after the illustrious California Institute of the Arts, “CalArt Style” is often used as derisive term to the simplistically cute and often repeated character designs typified with big heads, tiny bodies, and saucer-sized eyes.
1000% agree. “CalArts style” as a term of derision goes all the way back to the early 90’s and was leveled against many of the shows I was involved in. It has been used against so many shows with such a wide range of design that it really means nothing more than “I don’t like it” https://t.co/SdqYyOAZ7l
— Rob Renzetti (@RobRenzetti) May 19, 2018
Due to the backlash and no news regarding a premiere date in nearly two years, viewers wondered if ThunderCats Roar would ever see the see light of day. That is until last weekend, when the two-part first episode ‘Exodus’ became available on the Cartoon Network App.
Check out a clip featuring the original voice of Lion-O Larry Kenney as Jaga, before you watch the full episodes here.
Fleeing the destruction of their home planet Thundera, Lion-O and the ThunderCats land on the mysterious, dangerous, all-around awesome world of Third Earth! But their enemies, the Mutants of Plun-Darr have followed them and it turns out Third Earth already has a Mumm-Ra problem, can Lion-O learn the ropes of being a leader in time?
It’s time again to feel the magic and hear the roar! Production is currently underway on ThunderCats Roar, an all-new, animated sci-fi action comedy series from Warner Bros. Animation. Bursting with over-the-top action and razor-sharp comedy, ThunderCats Roar boasts fresh and vibrant character designs along with a dynamic storytelling tone that promises to reignite the passionate fanbase of these iconic characters and introduce the legacy of Thundera to a whole new generation. ThunderCats Roar will be coming to Cartoon Network in 2019.
Staying true to the premise of the original series, Lion-O and the ThunderCats — Tygra, Panthro, Cheetara, Wilykat and Wilykit — barely escape the sudden destruction of their home world, Thundera, only to crash land on the mysterious and exotic planet of Third Earth. Lion-O, the newly appointed Lord of the ThunderCats, attempts to lead the team as they make this planet their new home. A bizarre host of creatures and villains stand in their way, including the evil Mumm-Ra, Third Earth’s wicked ruler who will let nothing, including the ThunderCats, stop his tyrannical reign over the planet.
ThunderCats Roar features a talented voice cast with Max Mittelman (Justice League Action) as Lion-O and Wilykat, Erica Lindbeck (DC Super Hero Girls) as Cheetara and Wilykit, Patrick Seitz (Justice League Action) as Tygra and Mumm-Ra, and Chris Jai Alex (Star Wars: Battlefront II) as Panthro. Victor Courtright (Pickle and Peanut) and Marly Halpern-Graser (Right Now Kapow) serve as producers, with Sam Register (Teen Titans Go!) as executive producer.
I don’t like this version of v Thundercatsvor Teen Titans Go for that matter the original shows were way more better than this.
I think that if this had been an Adult Swim series in 2002, or a fan series on YouTube in 2006, it would have been universally beloved. It hit me right in the ironic nostalgia zone.
I mean, if you watch it and you don’t like it, that’s fine. But it’s a shame that Internet fandoms are so quick to determine that something is terrible just from watching a few seconds’ of preview.
I enjoyed it for what it is; a pilot, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. I laughed a few times, which is always a good sign. I’ll give it a chance.
I appear to be in the minority in finding it really fun & enjoyable. My kids loved it, and they’re fans of TTG AND the original Teen Titans as well. Most of the people complaining could have made their voices heard so that we got more than 1 season of the fine 2011 Thundercats show – or were they complaining about that too? I don’t remember. They forget that there’s a reason shows end or get cancelled, and a reason why we go through waves of similarity. It’s always happened and will continue to.
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