I have been following the development of Cartoon Network’s revamp of Thundercats since it was announced early last year. I was initially worried about the anime-inspired designs that the new series employed. I’m relatively confident that even the most ardent fans would agree that the original cartoon has not held up well over time, the modern reinterpretations are a welcome injection into the Thundercat mythos. Aided by gorgeous animation and a stellar voice cast including Will Freidle (Batman Beyond) as Lion-O, Emmanuelle Chriqui (Entourage) as Cheetara, and Clancy Brown (Superman: TAS, JLU, Highlander), and the original Lion-O, Larry Kenney as King Claudus.

Thundercats (2011) pays homage to it’s origins, while fleshing out the characterizations in a bit more adult tone. Gone are the “standing in a circle and laughing at Snarf at the end of each episode” bit. The hourlong premier brought us to Third Earth where the Thundercats are the most powerful species on the planet, having subjugated the lesser canine and lizard species.

Generally, the Thundercats are kind of dicks and Lion-O recognizes that and does what he can before he ends up in a couple sticky situations where he is backed up by the mysterious Cheetara and his bastard half-brother Tygra. I won’t go into the major spoiler territory; but before the first hour is up we see betrayals, the Lizard Men, Mumm-Ra, and Lion-O taking the first steps as the new leader of the Thundercats.