TV: First look at Cartoon Network's Thundercats (News)

80's animation fans can now rejoice. Warner Bros. Animation sent out a press release today, revealing the first official glimpse of the upcoming re-imagining of the 1980's cartoon classic, Thundercats, due to arrive on Cartoon Network in late 2011. The core team seems to be the same as the original: Lion-O, Panthro, Tygra and Cheetara.


From the WBA press release:

Roaring to life through WBA and Studio4°C’s use of the Japanese animated artistry of anime, “ThunderCats” characters Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Panthro, Cheetara and others will spring off the screen with realistic cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations.

The new “ThunderCats” will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. 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, honor and mortality in every episode.

“ThunderCats” is executive produced by Sam Register (“Teen Titans,” “Ben 10,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”). Michael Jelenic (“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Wonder Woman”) and Ethan Spaulding (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”) are the producers.

Restarting franchises can be tricky, but with other 80's cartoon revitalization successes like Masters of the Universe - that also was shown on Cartoon Network - having been done, TV animation might indeed be the best place for the characters to return instead of in the long-rumored feature film.

Check out Geek Plate's Tumblr for today's picspam on the Thundercats theme.