Over in my other blog, Saturday Morning Archives, I recently reviewed the original ThunderCats, in preparation for Cartoon Network's revival of the popular 80's series. Now comes the review of the new version, but first, check out the trailer, uploaded by Mrsourdevil to YouTube:
Only one cast member from the original series returns. NYC radio personality Larry Kenney was the voice of Lion-O in the original series, but this time is Lion-O's dad, Claudus. Lion-O himself is this time voiced by Will Friedle (ex-Kim Possible, Batman Beyond), and indeed, Lion-O does sound a little like Terry McGinnis, the Batman of the future.
The remake puts a little more meat on the bones, if you will, and tweaks history just a tad, by suggesting that Panthro was killed off before this series even began. Not sure if they're sticking with that or if Panthro will actually appear after all. What we do know is that this time, there is a little bit of an attraction teased between Lion-O and Cheetara, who now has been reestablished as a cleric as well as being a super speedster. Not only that, but Tygra & Lion-O are now brothers. My memory is hazy about whether or not this was true in the original series (1985-90).
The series opener is a trial by fire for Lion-O, who has trouble winning his father's trust, and whose compassion may have, quite by accident, set the wheels in motion for the destruction of Thundera. Where it goes from there is anyone's guess. ThunderCats settles into a regular primetime berth this week, Fridays at 8:30 (ET), with reruns likely during the week following, but of course, it's also available On Demand. If you liked or loved the original, I'm sure you'll enjoy this new version, which, like the original, does have some anime influences in the artwork, a little more pronounced this time, and better than previous attempts at Americanized anime.
If there was any way CN could win back viewers that were disenfranchised by the controversy surrounding Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated, this would be a good place to start.
Rating: A.
2 comments:
I caught the premiere and loved it!
Don't worry about Panthro! He'll be showing up soon enough, and I imagine not only will he be a tech rat like he was in the original series, but he's gonna be gunning for Gruen!!
In the original series, Tigra and Lion-O were NOT siblings in any way, but I like the fact that they are in this version. I think it adds a bit of an extra dimension to the relationship, especially since he seemed to be favored for the role of King despite being adopted and not being Claudus' son by blood. Plus he really has more of a personality now.
There are also so many more mature themes in this version as well.. from slavery to sibling rivalry to treachery by a trusted friend; this new Thundercats is definitely the cat's meow!
Sorry, couldn't resist that cliche!
I thought the Genera's name was Grune.
Anyway, Tygra & Cheetara in particular appear to have been de-aged down to at least young adult level, slightly older than Lion-O. In Cheetara's case, it makes her all the more attractive. Tygra will eventually come around. Now, if only CN would stop putting these shows On Demand with commercial breaks intact! That just kills it for me.
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