After the few Thundercats comics I've sampled so far, it's clear the property isn't for me. But I have to give writer John Layman credit here. This new limited series is accessible, but more importantly, it's crafted so that it's kid-friendly. There's no way to know yet whether or not that tone will be maintained throughout the series, but it's a relief to see a kids' cartoon property being treated as such. The simplicity and inherent corniness of the characters just don't lend themselves to anything more adult or sophisticated.
A Thundercat long since believed dead who lives as a pariah in the desert wilds of Thundera spies a falling star, but it turns out to be something far more sinister than an errant meteorite. He catches a glimpse of the first wave of a massive invasion force, and for the first time in years, he rushes off to join his people in order to warn them. Meanwhile, King Lion-O, whose reign has been a peaceful and prosperous one for years, has made a crucial decision about the future of his people.
Brett Booth is one of many artists that mimicked Jim (Batman) Lee's style in the early 1990s and landed work with Lee's Wildstorm line, before it moved from Image to DC Comics. Lee's influence on Booth's work is still apparent, but he also riffs on the styles of J. Scott (Danger Girl) Campbell and Arthur (Tom Strong's Terrific Tales) Adams here. The only unique, identifying quality in Booth's work continues to be implausibly elongated anatomies. Another problem with the artwork -- but not one for which Booth is responsible -- is the lack of variety in the title characters' designs.
The script refers to the other recent Thundercats limited series, but fortunately, they're not required reading. Layman manages to explain the basics of the property in general and the premise for this new story quite clearly, and it makes for a remarkably accessible read. Mind you, the characters don't boast much depth. It's a shame. The outcast 'Cat could have been portrayed as embittered regarding his fate, but his unfailing loyalty makes for predictable plotting.
The most irksome aspect of this property is the never-ending line of animal-themed puns. Layman tries to foster an atmosphere of foreboding, but the silliness of the dialogue -- "The Thundercats are dog chow" ?! -- works to the detriment of that effort.
