ThunderCats #1 has a tough task. It kicks off a new era for a franchise that has had a resurgence in toys but hasn’t had much else for some time. It’s a property full of nostalgia. And, as a new series, it must play to long time fans as well as welcome new readers for something that originally launched nearly 40 years ago. Written by Declan Shalvey, ThunderCats #1 does a decent job of delivering a balance that sets up what’s to come and establishes what this take of ThunderCats is about.

I wasn’t the biggest ThunderCats fan, but remember watching the animated series in the 80s and had some of the toys. There were other 80s cartoons I was far more into. But, I remember the basics of who the good guys and bad guys are and the general personalities. The specifics, that eludes me. Thankfully, ThunderCats #1 delivers all of that, focusing on the ThunderCats escape from their dying world and being attacked, eventually winding up on Third Earth. But beyond that, the rest feels new and fresh and I have no idea how much has changed and how much remains the same.

Shalvey’s main focus seems to be Lion-O, the leader of the ThunderCats. In this take Lion-O aged up during his space travel, creating a man without the experience of his years. Lion-O is also forced into leadership, though it’s never quite explained why this has to be. That’s part of the issue with the debut, there’s a lot packed in and a lot delivered in broad strokes. It feels like the comic rushes through some of its more interesting aspects to get to its “shocking” ending. That creates for a somewhat choppy read.

The art by Drew Moss to isn’t quite as consistent as I’d hope. While the characters are familiar and overall the comic looks good, there’s slight panels where the characters don’t quite look themselves. It’s small quibbles and here but it’s noticeable. The interior doesn’t quite have the polish of the covers or the excitement and like the story itself, the art feels a little choppy at times. With color by Chiara Di Francia and Martina Pignedoli, and lettering by Jeff Eckleberry, the overall looks is good but not great. Moments that should pop, don’t. There’s nothing visually that I get excited about.

ThunderCats #1 is a good start that lays the groundwork for what’s to come. It mostly rushes through it’s story to get to its finale which is the real hook for what’s to come. It teases too much and doesn’t focus enough on what makes the debut comic truly interesting. It’s a bit scattered. But still, it’s nice to see this classic property return and as a debut, it’s more than enough to see what comes next.

Story: Declan Shalvey Art: Drew Moss
Color: Chiara Di Francia, Martina Pignedoli Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
Story: 7.35 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.2 Recommendation: Read

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics