“ThunderCats are on the move, ThunderCats are loose!”
From the moment that electrifying theme song blasted across TV screens in 1985, ThunderCats captured the imaginations of kids everywhere—including mine. This beloved series combined science fiction, fantasy, and action into a story about survival, teamwork, and heroism. For me, ThunderCats was more than just a show; it was an adventure I lived through my action figures, remote-controlled Thunder Tank, and even a full-size plastic Sword of Omens. Now, with updated action figures and ongoing nostalgia for the series, it’s time to celebrate this legendary franchise.
The 1985 Classic: Where It All Began
ThunderCats debuted in 1985 and became an instant hit. The series followed a group of feline humanoids from the planet Thundera, which was destroyed in a catastrophic event. Escaping their dying world, the ThunderCats crash-landed on Third Earth, where they had to band together to survive, build a new home, and fight against the ancient evil Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living.
Theme Song Lyrics
The 1985 ThunderCats theme song remains one of the most iconic in animation history:
“ThunderCats are on the move, ThunderCats are loose!Feel the magic, hear the roar, ThunderCats are loose!Thunder, Thunder, Thunder, ThunderCats!”
With its high-energy music and thrilling animation, the opening sequence perfectly set the stage for the action-packed adventures that followed.
The ThunderCats Team and Their Powers
Each ThunderCat brought unique strengths and weapons to the group, contributing to their survival on Third Earth:
Lion-O (voiced by Larry Kenney): The young leader wielded the Sword of Omens, which gave him "Sight Beyond Sight" and could summon the team with its iconic "Thunder, Thunder, Thunder, ThunderCats!" battle cry. Lion-O grew into his leadership role, learning the value of wisdom, courage, and teamwork.
Panthro (voiced by Earle Hyman): The team’s mechanic and strongman, Panthro built the Thunder Tank and wielded nunchaku with deadly spikes. His engineering genius and fighting skills made him indispensable. Hyman is also known for his role as Russell Huxtable on The Cosby Show.
Tygra (voiced by Peter Newman): The brains of the team, Tygra was an architect and scientist. His bolo whip made him invisible, a skill he often used in battle. Newman also voiced Monkian and several other characters in the series.
Cheetara (voiced by Lynne Lipton): Known for her incredible speed, Cheetara could outrun any enemy and wielded a retractable staff. She also had a sixth sense, allowing her to see visions of the future. Lipton brought grace and determination to the character.
WilyKit and WilyKat (voiced by Lynne Lipton and Peter Newman): These mischievous twins used clever gadgets and tricks to help the team, often providing comic relief but stepping up when the stakes were high.
Snarf (voiced by Bob McFadden): Lion-O’s nursemaid and loyal companion, Snarf acted as comic relief but often showed surprising bravery and wisdom. McFadden’s high-pitched voice perfectly matched the lovable but occasionally grating character.
Mumm-Ra and the Villains
Mumm-Ra (voiced by Earl Hammond): The ancient sorcerer and master of dark magic, Mumm-Ra was one of the most terrifying villains in 1980s animation. His transformation into the Ever-Living form showcased his menacing power and relentless pursuit of the Sword of Omens. Hammond’s deep, menacing tones made Mumm-Ra a truly unforgettable villain.
Other villains included the mutant leaders Slithe, Monkian, and Jackalman, who provided constant threats to the ThunderCats’ safety. These henchmen worked under Mumm-Ra’s orders, bringing chaos and destruction to the ThunderCats’ attempts to rebuild on Third Earth.
The ThunderCats were not just a team—they were a family, united by their shared loss and determination to rebuild on Third Earth. Together, they faced challenges that tested their strength, resolve, and unity.
The 2011 Reboot
In 2011, ThunderCats was rebooted with a darker, more modern tone. The series aired on Cartoon Network from July 29, 2011, to June 16, 2012, and explored deeper themes of loss, redemption, and the struggle for survival. It reimagined the origin story, with Thundera as a thriving kingdom under siege, forcing the ThunderCats into exile. This version added complexity to the characters, especially Lion-O, who struggled with self-doubt while growing into his role as leader.
Voice Cast
Lion-O/Tygra: Will Friedle (Boy Meets World, Batman Beyond) and Matthew Mercer (Critical Role) brought depth to Lion-O and Tygra, portraying their sibling rivalry and eventual mutual respect.
Panthro: Kevin Michael Richardson (The Cleveland Show, The Batman) gave Panthro a tough, no-nonsense attitude with a hint of humor.
Cheetara: Emmanuelle Chriqui (Entourage, Superman and Lois) made Cheetara both fierce and compassionate.
Mumm-Ra: Robin Atkin Downes (How to Train Your Dragon, The Strain) delivered a menacing performance as the Ever-Living villain.
ThunderCats Roar (2020)
In 2020, ThunderCats Roar took a completely different approach, reimagining the series as a lighthearted children’s cartoon. The series aired on Cartoon Network from February 22 to December 5, 2020. While it aimed to introduce a younger generation to the ThunderCats, its comedic tone and exaggerated animation style were a departure from the original series and the 2011 reboot.
Voice Cast
Lion-O: Max Mittelman (One Punch Man) brought a playful energy to the character.
Cheetara: Erica Lindbeck (Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures) added humor and charm.
Mumm-Ra: Patrick Seitz (Attack on Titan) balanced comedy and menace.
Comic Books and Crossovers
The ThunderCats franchise extended its adventures into comic books, with series published by Marvel Comics and later DC Comics. These comics explored new stories and expanded the lore of the ThunderCats universe.
One of the most exciting official crossovers was ThunderCats vs. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, where two iconic 80s franchises collided. This six-issue series pitted Lion-O and He-Man against Skeletor, Mumm-Ra, and their combined forces. With epic battles and incredible storytelling, the series highlighted the power of teamwork between two legendary teams.
Another memorable crossover was Superman/ThunderCats, published by DC Comics in 2004. This one-shot brought together the Man of Steel and the ThunderCats in an epic battle against their greatest enemies. Mumm-Ra and Lex Luthor joined forces to threaten both Earth and Third Earth, forcing Superman and the ThunderCats to work together. The comic explored themes of teamwork and leadership, showcasing the parallels between Lion-O and Superman as symbols of hope. It remains a fan-favorite for blending the worlds of DC Comics and ThunderCats into one thrilling adventure.
In addition to these official crossovers, the ThunderCats have inspired countless fan-created mashups. Popular pairings include Battle of the Planets and Transformers, with fans imagining epic battles and alliances between the iconic teams. Even the Justice League has been included in speculative stories, with Lion-O teaming up with Wonder Woman or Panthro sharing tech knowledge with Cyborg. While unofficial, these fan-driven crossovers show the enduring appeal of the ThunderCats and their influence across pop culture.
Themes of ThunderCats
At its core, ThunderCats is a story about survival, resilience, and unity. Like Superman’s Krypton, the destruction of Thundera forced its survivors to find a new home and build a new life. The ThunderCats became more than a team; they became a family, learning to rely on one another and adapt to their new environment.
The series also explored themes of good versus evil, with Mumm-Ra embodying the darkness that the ThunderCats had to overcome. Each character’s unique abilities and contributions underscored the importance of teamwork, showing that only by working together could they prevail.
My Love for ThunderCats
Growing up, ThunderCats was a huge part of my childhood. I had action figures of all my favorite characters—Lion-O, Panthro, Tygra, Snarf, Cheetara, WilyKit and WilyKat, and even Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living. My remote-controlled Thunder Tank and full-size Sword of Omens were treasures that fueled countless hours of imagination and adventure.
Today, seeing updated action figures of the ThunderCats brings back that same excitement. I’d love to add these figures to my collection and relive those memories while introducing the ThunderCats to new fans.
Legacy of ThunderCats
Decades after its debut, ThunderCats remains a beloved classic. Whether through the original series, the darker 2011 reboot, or the kid-friendly ThunderCats Roar, the franchise continues to inspire fans of all ages. Its themes of teamwork, courage, and resilience are as relevant today as they were in 1985.
For fans like me, the ThunderCats will always be more than a show—they’re a legacy of heroism and adventure. And as Lion-O would say: "ThunderCats, Ho!"
If you love stories of teamwork, courage, and battling the forces of darkness like ThunderCats, check out my novel, S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™. You can grab your autographed copy today at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop and join the adventure!
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