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With a techno-fantasy setting, the Thundercats are a hybrid feline
human race residing on Third Earth, who have fled their home world
of Thundera from its magical destruction. Their mutant enemies (and
world destroyers) from the world known as Plun-Darr follow their
escape. Consisting of the reasonable and wise leader Lion-O [Larry
Kenney], engineer Panthro [Earle Hyman], intellectual Tygra [Peter
Newman], and the speedy Cheetara [Lynne Lipton], the Thundercats
possess a sacred jewel known as the Eye of Thundera, embedded in
the hilt of Lion-O's signature sword, the Sword of Omens. This particular
jewel is sought after for its power, by undead sorcerer Mumm-ra
[Earl Hammond] and his band of mutants, mainly: Slithe [Bob McFadden]
- a hulking merman and leader of Mumm-Ra's henchmen, the cautious
Jackalman [Larry Kenney], the dumb yet strong Monkian [Peter Newman]
and Vultureman [Earl Hammond]. Occasionally available for counsel
is Jaga [Earl Hammond], the ghost of the original Thundercats leader,
who was killed in the journey to Third Earth. The Thundercats are
also accompanied by Wilykit and Wilykat, a rebellious brother and
sister pair, who somewhat resemble Tygra. Beyond falling into traps
and ambushes and needing rescuing, they aspire to help out the Thundercats
through the use of their explosive spheres and hoverboards. To promote
some character diversity, a smaller creature known as Snarf lived
with the Thundercats, and accompanied them on their trip to third
Earth...frequently repeating his own name in regular conversation.
Drawing
upon the power from four long-dead gods known as the Ancient Spirits
of Evil within the Black Pyramid, Mumm-Ra is granted a sarcophagus
of eternal life for being their worldly focus, and can transmutate
his body into a more statuesque, vastly stronger version by muttering
the phrase: "Ancient spirits of evil, transform this decayed
form to Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living!" Mumm-Ra seemingly has no
true weakness throughout the series, as he always returns back to
life after being forced back into his tomb.
In
battle, which always happened at least once per episode, Lion-O
called upon the true ability of his Sword of Omens. By speaking
"Thunder...Thunder...Thundercats, HO!", his sword grew
step-by-step from a dagger to a longsword, capable of various feats:
beyond its obvious durability, it can blast forth streams of red
lightning. In addition, it can project its insignia in the clouds
above, as a distress signal. Finally, it can allow Lion-O to achieve
supernatural vision through vast lengths and dimensional barriers
with the chant of "give me sight beyond sight," and upon
peering through the curls of the sword's hilt. Beyond the Sword
of Omens, Lion-O wore the Claw Shield - which appeared as a thick
lion's paw. One of its main functions was the ability to project
a smokescreen through the jewels encrusted within the knuckles.
Occasionally, it was used for a grappling hook mechanism within
it, as well.
A
multitude of other characters were introduced throughout the series,
including the Robear Berbils - a race of android teddy bears who
were adept mechanics and farmers, the Molemen - who live and mine
deep within Third Earth, the Tuskans - resembling half-walrus humanoids,
and the Bulkans - resembling half-sheep. In attempt to draw more
interest, the second series of the show introduced a handful of
new primary characters, including new Thundercats Bengali [Peter
Newman] - a white tiger and blacksmith who had the skill level to
repair the Sword of Omens, Jaguara [Gerrianne Raphael] - a mage
and guardian of the Gyroscope, Lynx-O [Doug Preis] - the blind Thundercat
with uncanny senses that allow him to defend himself and fly the
Thunder Strike with the usage of a special braille board, and Pumyra
[Gerrianne Raphael] - a third female character and master of healing.
Snarf's newphew, Snarfer, was also introduced during this season.
Mumm-Rana, a negated Mumm-Ra, is not only female, but uses her powers
for good, living within a white pyramid.
Warner
Home Video began releasing the "Thundercats" series on
DVD, in 2006.
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