ThunderCats, Ho! Cartoon Network's heroes head for newsagents

Panini UK's new ThunderCats Magazine will be hitting the shelves on 22nd March 2012, a four-weekly magazine based on the brand new series of ThunderCats currently being shown on Channel 5 and Cartoon Network.

The new title features stunning strips from writer Ferg Handley, art by Cosmo White and colours by Kat Nicholson, alongside a mix of puzzles, competitions, features and, of course, a ThunderCats free gift every issue.

ThunderCats had previously aired in 1987 and fast became a cult pop-culture phenomenon - with over one million fans on Facebook.

Panini’s ThunderCats magazine continues the phenomenon with a fun, inspiring and exciting title that focuses on all the favourite characters along with some new ones. This 36-page publication is available at all major retail outlets across the UK, extending the exciting adventures of the team of heroes onto print with richly-illustrated comic stories.

The ThunderCats brand has had tremendous global success, boosted by the new TV series which launched in 2011. ThunderCats first aired in the UK on Cartoon Network and the first episode was watched by 157,000 viewers. Channel 5 started airing the show on 18th December, netting 197,000 viewers.

2012 will see the second half of the season showing on both channels.

Marvel UK published a long-running comic based on the original series in the 1980s, and it was a huge success, so let's hope this new title proves as popular.

Here's a selection of pages from the first issue, courtesy of Panini UK and title editor Simon Frith.

ThunderCats Magazine – The  Details 

Launch date – Thursday 22nd March
Target age group – 7 – 12 year old boys
Cover price - £2.99
Cover-gift – Free Thundercats cover-mount every issue
Launch cover-gift – Free sword of Omens
Format – 297 x 210mm
Frequency – Four weekly
Distributor – Marketforce

Thundercats UK TV Premiere date announced

Promotional art for the new ThunderCats animated series. © Warner Bros.

ThunderCats, one of the most beloved cartoons of the 1980s, returns to UK TV next month on Cartoon Network UK - and, as we previously reported, a new comic from Panini UK will follow, although no release date for this has yet been announced.

Launching on Saturday 10th September at 11.00am on Cartoon Network, with a new episode every Saturday, the new Thundercats is a "reimagining" of the iconic animated series on Cartoon Network.

Set as an epic tale, the much anticipated return of ThunderCats tells the story of a hero's journey to fulfill his ultimate destiny, starting with the story's origin of Prince Lion-O's ascension to the throne.

On Third Earth, the kingdom of Thundera is being threatened by the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra, and Lion-O, the young heir to the throne, embarks on a great quest to take his rightful place as king. The unlikely champion must work with his faithful comrades Tygra, Cheetara, Panthro, WilyKit, WilyKat, and his loyal pet, Snarf to save their world from darkness. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honour and mortality.

Cartoon Network says ThunderCats will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise.

Panini UK announced they had secured the rights to publish a licensed Thundercats in May, shortly after news broke that they would no longer originate Marvel superhero comic strip.

Thundercats has a proud history as a comic in the UK - Marvel UK published 129 issues of a regular title based on the original 1980s animated show. To date, it is the longest-running comic associated with the franchise and included work by artists such as Tim Perkins and Martin Griffiths.

Other tie-in merchandise includes an action figure range from Bandai, kids' apparel, watches and bags (see news story).