Dynamite’s new Thundercats title has retooled the franchise for a modern audience, and now it is introducing the Thundertank to the new continuity. In addition to action figures, the original Thundercats toy line featured a number of vehicles, including the Thundertank. As iconic as the Thundercats themselves, the Thundertank is the team’s primary mode of transportation, and it will soon make its comic book debut in issue six.
Dynamite has released first looks at their various July-shipping titles, including Thundercats #6. The book, which will be written by Declan Shalvey and drawn by Drew Moss, kicks off a brand-new storyline. While Dynamite did not release specific information on the new story arc, they did confirm the Thundertank would return.
The issue’s primary cover, by David Nakayama, shows the team rolling out in the Thundertank, which is piloted by Panthro.
One of the most beloved toy lines of all time, Thundercats is still going strong nearly 40 years after its debut. Inspired by the success of lines such as Masters of the Universe and GI Joe, the now-defunct LJN released the Thundercats. The original line came to an end in 1989, but has been revived on several occasions. Dynamite’s Thundercats is the latest reboot, and has been a runaway success, with the first issue selling over 100,000 copies. Thundercats fans have responded to the book’s approach to the franchise, showing both reverence and a willingness to try something new.
In the first three issues of Thundercats, fans have been reintroduced to Lion-O and the team. The first issue hems closely to the team’s classic origin: fleeing their dying homeworld of Thundera, the Thundercats are attacked by the Evil Mutants. Forced to crash-land on the mysterious Third Earth, they soon run afoul of Mumm-Ra. Yet Shalvey and Moss have also interjected new story elements, most notably Calica, another survivor of Thundera. This bold approach to the Thundercats has resonated with fans.
And now Shalvey and Moss, who have introduced a new generation to the Thundercats, are bringing back the Thundertank. How it will impact the story remains to be seen, but longtime fans will remember it being a formidable and powerful vehicle. Whatever the reason Panthro fires it up, the Thundertank can turn the tide of the battle against Mumm-Ra and the Mutants. The return of the Thundertank could also mean the return of other characters and vehicles from the original toy line, all given fresh life by Shalvey, Moss and Dynamite Entertainment.
Thundercats #6 is on sale July 17 from Dynamite Entertainment!