Thundercats Returns to British Comics

Hot on the heels of news that Disney have issued an edict that Panini UK can no longer originate Marvel superhero comic strip comes word that the company has grabbed the rights to a title where new comics are almost certain to feature - Thundercats, which will relaunch as an animated series later this year.

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.

Now, LicensingBiz reports that MV Sports, Rubies, Character World and Panini have all joined the programme for rejuvenated 1980s brand, which starts screening in August on Cartoon Network.

Warner Bros. announced a new ThunderCats animated series last year, produced by Japanese animation studio Studio4°C who have been in charge of recreating the series with a new, anime-influenced style. Warner said that the show would be “a sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes…”

Voice actor Larry Kenney, who portrayed Lion-O in the classic ThunderCats series from the 1980s will be appearing in the new series, this time playing the role of Claudus, Lion-O’s father. The Thundercats Lair site also reports that veteran voice actor Matthew Mercer also revealed on his Twitter feed that he would be voicing Tygra.

Panini will be publishing the first Thundercats magazine, joining Bandai, which has a toy range including four-inch basic action figures, eight-inch classic collector figures, a Deluxe ThunderTank Vehicle with figure, a deluxe role-play sword, Staction PVC figurines and collectable limited edition porcelain statues.

 "We're all incredibly excited about the return of Thundercats and we are looking forward to reinventing though carefully respecting the heritage of this classic 80s brand," says Paul Bufton, general manager of WBCP UK. "With our licensee partnerships shaping up and amazing retailer feedback there is every reason to believe that Thundercats could return to become one of the hottest boy brands of recent times."

A Thundercats movie was announced back in 2007 but is still in development.

While the news about Disney edict on the Marvel title has disappointed many, Panini UK will still be originating boys adventure strip - so let's hope some of the hot talents they already employ on Marvel Heroes and other comics move to this new Thundercats title.

Roll Up for Roll Out with Furman, Senior and more this Sunday

Transformers comic writer and ace scripter in his own right Simon Furman, artists Geoff Senior, Andrew Wildman, John Higgins and Martin Griffiths be in Fordingbridge, Hampshire on Sunday (6th March), for All the Cool Stuff’s combined Transformers/Action Force mini-con(vention), Roll Out/Roll Call 2.

"I can’t remember the last time Geoff, Andy and I were all together at an event," says Simon, "and John Higgins (who provided amazing Transformers covers and posters — anyone remember that amazing snowy Dinobots scene he painted for TF-UK?). It makes it a line-up not to be missed."

Roll Out is the UK show dedicated to Transformers, Action Force & GI Joe and the organisers say they are "very proud" to have Simon Furman return to the event along with some very special guests from the world of Transformers, Action Force & GI-Joe.

Simon's work with Transformers has spanned across Marvel UK, US, Dreamwave, Titan Magazines and IDW comics, while both Geoff Senior and Andrew Wildman have helped visualize some of Simon's best known work.  Both Geoff and Simon were the creative force behind Simon's cult bounty hunter character creator Deaths' Head, and Andrew worked on many other MUK favourites including Galaxy Rangers, The Real Ghostbusters and Thundercats.

All three worked on Action Force during the 'International Heroes' era.

John Higgins might best known for his work on 2000AD and as the colourist for Watchmen, however he was also involved with Marvel UK's bid for Action Force during the Palitoy years and, as Simon notes, provided many covers for the Marvel UK Transformer comics.

A late addition to the line up is artist Martin Griffiths, a legend for the Marvel UK Thundercats comic, but who also worked on Transformers.

Joining them will be colourists Liam Shalloo and John-Paul Bove, the current regulars for IDW comics, having worked on Transformers titles.

Also at the event will be James Eatock, the editor of cereal:geek magazine (currently hyping its upcoming seventh issue) and the fountain of all knowledge on cartoons of the 1980's, who will be on hand to showcase the publication and its truly amazing artwork.

• Tickets for the event will be available on the door. For more information on event art exclusives and trading affiliates, check out the All The Cool Stuff site here