Thursday, January 27, 2011

Snarf Snarf Snarf

Warner Bros. Animation has shared with CBR News the first official image from this year's "ThunderCats" anime, posted below along with the studio's 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.
Original Story Follows
The '80s are coming on strong in the '10s it seems as "ThunderCats" is the latest cartoon and toy line set for reinvention, and the first full look at the show and its tie-in toys are circulating thanks to a pic snapping fan at this week's London Toy Fair who posted the following on ThunderCatsLair.org (link via Topless Robot):
The poster also shared shots on the boards of the incoming Bandai toyline.
Based on the Rankin/Bass sci-fi jungle adventure cartoon, the new "ThunderCats" debuts later this year on Cartoon Network and promises an anime look to the series courtesy of Warner Bros. Animation and Japanese partners Studio4°C. "In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation’s first anime series, ThunderCats marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy,” WBA’s Sam Register said during the series announcement last June. “The realism and dynamic visual style we’ve achieved are sure to thrill viewers, and the cool weapons, vehicles and technology should help the show appeal to a diverse audience.”

Until the London Toy Fair footage, the only look at the show fans had was the following promotional poster:

How come I don't see Wiley Kit and Wiley Kat? The Thunder Tank should be front and center. Plus you know that you can't sleep on Snarf. Lets hope they dont bring those three rejects in.