Thundercats Cartoon Premiere: Pop Culture Shock's Lion-O

Thought we might take a break from all the SDCC posting to celebrate the premiere of the NEW Thundercats cartoon which hits your TV upside the head TONIGHT on Cartoon Network. We don't have very much in the way of party favors, so we took what we had and made it count! Up first we take a close look at the new mixed media statue of Lion-O in his classic look from Pop Culture Shock Collectibles, due to hit your shelves very soon! This leader of the mighty Thundercats is the Sideshow Exclusive version with light up eyes and Eye of Thundera on his sword, and is long sold out BUT your favorite etailer and local retailers may have pre-ordered some, so start making calls now! Here are the details from Sideshow...

Sideshow Collectibles is proud to bring you this fantastic new addition to Pop Culture Shock Collectibles' offerings - Lion-O from the Thundercats animated series. The Lion-O Statue - Sideshow Exclusive Edition features light-up eyes and sword detail. This mixed media statue stands an imposing 32 inches high and is expertly cast in high-quality polystone, then dressed in real fabric clothing. Each figure includes a signed certificate of authenticity.













Notes on Photography: The objective wasn't to just show off Lion-O, as you've seen plenty of pics of him at this point. We wanted to really reveal all the sculptural details. Lion-O was shot in fairly direct sunlight, which washes the color a bit but provides for a little drama with shadows and light fall. Still, the colors are very true to what you would see with the naked eye in sunlight. Also note this was the piece closest to finished on hand, as Lion-O hasn't actually shipped yet, so very minor details will be tighter on the finished pieces (like the symbol on the sword.)

For a whole pile of Lion-O pics, click HERE to hit the Flickr!

Toy Fair 2011 : Thundercats Unleashed

While popular media mine your childhood for new movies and cartoons (based on old cartoons), the toy companies snap up the rights and before long, the pegs of Toys R Us will start looking a bit familiar. Here's a preview of the next big thing, which you'll remember as the last big thing from over 20 years ago. THUNDERCATS!! (click the links for stacks of pics on our Flickr)

BANDAI scored a ton of attention before the big show even started this year as info leaked out of the UK Toy Fair. Their main focus is the new cartoon, for which we'll see 4 inch figures of iconic heroes including Lion-O, Panthro, Cheetara, Tygra, Wily-Kit and Wily-Kat and the everliving evil of Mumm-Ra (Mummy form for 4 inch and beefed up for the deluxe figures) and Grune the Destroyer. Those deluxe figures have a light and sound feature built in. Grune comes with an expanding mace accessory while Mumm-Ra is wrapped in his wings until his magnet triggers the wings to explode out. Magnets in the back of each figure trigger action features in the vehicles and playsets as well. The 4 inch figures have around 12 points of articulation.

Basic figure and Vehicle packs kick off with two Thunder Bikes; one for Tygra with a light up laser and one for Lion-O with a drill (both activated by the magic of magnets. It's science, y'all.) You'll also see a Lizard Cannon with one of Slythe's Henchmen. Not to worry, Snarf hasn't been left out. He's included in the cockpit of the Thundertank, which fits the 4 inch figures. The tank features lights and sounds as well as two buttons on the back that launch Thunder Bikes out from under the claws. Those basic vehicle bikes actually fit under there! The eyes light up, the cockpit opens and when Snarf is in the driver's seat, the call to action sounds.

The Tower of Omens is the big playset for the 4 inch line packed with lights, sounds and action triggered by the magnets in each figure. The top of the tower has a projection feature which will project the TCats logo onto the wall, calling all feline warriors to battle. The tower also comes with an exclusive Lion-O figure, a working catapult and a small basic vehicle, modeled after the original Cat's Lair (for all you die hards.) My Bandai rep told me they are going to see about adding more paint details before final production, so this is NOT the final look of the Tower of Omens. Now the box says the whole tower playset converts into a hulking Thunder Vehicle, but my reps didn't mention it once, so we'll see if that makes the final cut to production.

The 6 inch line also focuses on the new show with more emphasis on articulation, detail and scale from figure to figure so that Lion-O is smaller than Panthro, and both cower in the shadow of Mumm-Ra! Each has around 16 points of articulation. If you want to bump that up to 18 points, you'll have to graduate to the Classic Thundercats 8 inch line. Why 8 inch? To pay homage to the original LJN line. Lion-O and Tygra will start this line off. Each come with key accessories for each character. These should hit around August with the rest of the lot.

For role play we'll see Lion-O's Claw Gauntlet you can wear on your arm or your hip and the Sword of Omens in dagger form which plugs into the claw and pops up with the push of a button. The main event is the full sized Sword of Omens with a hilt that pops up and says "Give me sight beyond sight!" in Lion-O's voice while an LED in the eye lights it up. You'll actually find one side of the sword has the eye and the other has the TCats symbol (as this shifts in the cartoon when he calls the crew into battle.) Holding down a button extends the blade as it shouts "Thunder ..Thunder..Thundercats HO!" The blade extends out to 18 inches.

Everything should be on shelves this July/August.

MEZCO won't be left out of the action. Standing 20 inches tall from sword tip to his feet, the Lion-O Deluxe Figure is ready to dominate your shelf space. 7 points of articulation are packed into this rotocast piece. Will the Claw Shield be removable? They don't know yet, as they are still working on it. The sword is removable though. This should retail for around $39.99 and hits this July. Mumm-Ra is rumored to be the second figure in the line.

Now if you're looking for the ULTIMATE in Thundercats collectibles, look no further than Pop Culture Shock Collectibles' 18 inch mixed media statues. Lion-O was the first piece to blast through Sideshow Collectibles' pre-order system with an exclusive featuring light up eyes. Now Mumm-Ra is on deck and should be up for pre-sale any day now as they put the finishing touches on this massive, everliving statue. The Lion-O statue stands 32 inches high from the rock base to sword tip, so there's no telling how big Mumm-Ra will end up being, seeing as he is to scale with Lion-O and has an equally massive base. Here's a couple of teaser pics of the still in-progress Mumm-Ra, as the wrappings and such exploding off of him still need to be added. Lion-O should be shipping in April.

Pre-Toy Fair 2011: Bandai's 8 inch Classic Collector Thundercats Lion-O Figure

No NEW news on this line but a new image dropped by Warner Brother's Consumer Products for the masses, ensuring that juuuust about all the surprises have now been leaked from Bandai's Thundercats line. Good job WB! Sorry Bandai.

Based on the classic 1980’s animated ThunderCats cartoon! Each of these 8” figures includes 18 points of articulation and comes with each characters iconic weapons. Series 1 is to include the following figures:

- Lion-O - with long Sword of Omens, short Sword of Omens, ThunderClaw
- Tygra

Early talk had Lion-O ans Mumm-Ra taking the lead on series 1 but the official listing says otherwise. We'll know more in one week! CLICK HERE to see more toys from the line.

*UPDATED! : Bandai Thundercats Toy Line Pre-Order Listings

Yea, it's clear the flood gates are opened. Seeking to cash in on the rush of links and forum chatter, online retailers have begun listing all Bandai has to offer for pre-orders. Here's the breakdown...







4 Inch Action Figure Line : Based on the ALL NEW ThunderCats animated adventures as seen on Cartoon Network. Crafted with great detail and quality, collectors and kids can play or display their favorite ThunderCats Heroes and Villains in their own environment and recreate scenes from the TV show. All 4” figures include an embedded magnet in the figure for interaction with multiple SKUs across the line, activating unique features. Each of the 4” figures comes with a weapon and/or accessory that is unique to each character. $7.99 each. Series 1 will include the following figures:

- Lion-O
- Tygra
- Panthro
- Cheetara
- Wily-Kit
- Wily-Kat
- Mumm-Ra (Mummy)

Deluxe 4 Inch Action Figures : Each of these 4” Deluxe Figures utilizes the embedded magnet to unlock unique actions! Each figure comes with a base and/or accessory. Series 1 will include:

- Lion-O
- Grune
- Tygra
- Mumm-Ra

Basic Vehicle with Figure Series : Roll into battle with these ALL NEW ThunderCats vehicles. Each of these vehicles comes with a semi-articulated figure (with embedded magnet). The Bikes can combine with the Deluxe ThunderTank for added play. Unique Actions and features activate with magnet. Basic 4” figures can also ride and play with basic vehicle. Series 1 will include:

- Bike with Tygra and LED Accessory
- Bike with Lion-O and Drill Accessory
- Lizard Cannon with Lizard Warrior and Missile-Launching Feature

Deluxe Vehicle : ThunderTank Deluxe Vehicle - Roll into battle with the ALL NEW 2011 ThunderCats ThunderTank! The ThunderTank comes with a 4” scaled Snarf figure, designed to activate the magnetic “ThunderCats Hooo!” sound efx. Launch the Bikes with a simple push of a button. All 4” figures can ride and play with the ThunderTank. MSRP around $29.99

Playset : Tower of Omens Deluxe Playset - Recreate iconic moments as seen in the all NEW ThunderCats animated cartoon with the Tower of Omens playset. Set comes with an exclusive 4” figure. All 4” Basic figures can play and interact with the Tower of Omens, unlocking amazing features. MSRP around $41.99

6 Inch Collector Action Figures : Based on the ALL NEW 2011 ThunderCats animated show! Each of these 6” figures includes 18 points of articulation and comes with each characters iconic weapons. Series 1 is set to include:

- Lion-O
- Panthro
- Mumm-Ra

8 inch Classic Collector Action Figures : Based on the classic 1980’s animated ThunderCats cartoon! Each of these 8” figures includes 18 points of articulation and comes with each characters iconic weapons. Series 1 is to include the following figures:

- Lion-O - with long Sword of Omens, short Sword of Omens, ThunderClaw
- Tygra

(no mumm-ra?! bummer) It may be notable to collectors that Wily-Kit and Kat are only 1 per case in any assortment offered, so be prepared to battle the scalper hordes for them and perhaps Cheetara as well.

ThunderCats Deluxe Roleplay Sword : Wield the power of Lion-O and become a ThunderCat with the mystic Sword of Omens! With an extendable blade, lights and sounds, kids can let their imaginations roar with Lion-O on his destined path to become king. $19.99.

UPDATE: New figure pics courtesy of Frosty over at Collider, who rules at such things.

Mezco Mega-Scale ThunderCats Lion-O

Tis the season for THUNDERCATS NEWS!!! Fresh from the buzz of UK Toy Fair where Bandai's new toy line made a sneaky splash while news on the new cartoon made fans smile big time ..and two days of trending on twitter, the worlds most famous battle kitties are solidly in the spotlight...something Mezco are about to take full advantage of.

ThunderCats Ho! Straight from the ThunderCats’ Lair on Third Earth, it’s Lion-O and the legendary mystic Sword of Omens. This mega-scale figure measures over 20 inches tall from the tip of his upraised, extended sword to the soles of his Thunderian boots. Featuring 7 points of articulation this mega figure is superbly detailed, perfectly capturing not only the iconic look of Lion-O as he appeared in the classic television series, but the essence, of Lion-O as he proudly raises the mystic Sword of Omens towards the heavens and roars out “Thundercats, Ho!” He comes complete with his impressive Claw Shield and a removable mystic Sword Of Omens. Lion-O is packaged in a collector friendly window box that allows him to be displayed while remaining Mint In Box.

If Mezco is following their past successes, this mega-scale figure should be a roto-cast piece (meaning heavy duty hollow plastic.) The figures have a great feel to them, are very durable and allow for some excellent detail and paints while keeping costs down. Retail should be around 39.99. Look for him this July. ...and if giant Thundercats are wetting your appetite, be sure to have a look at Pop Culture Shock's massive Lion-O statue and their teaser for the upcoming Mumm-Ra piece!

Pop Culture Shock Collectibles' Mumm-Ra

The Bandai UK Toy Fair leak caused a bigger buzz than anyone could have expected with the name THUNDERCATS trending on Twitter half the day!! Let's make that a habit, shall we? While you are all still hot with TCats fever, I thought I'd take this opportunity to show you the next quarter scale, mixed media Thundercats statue from Pop Culture Shock... Mumm-Ra! This piece stands 26 inches tall. So far the only piece to compare it to is the 32 inch Lion-O (now available for pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles), but you've got to allot for his standing on a rock and holding his sword in the air. The line is based on an 18 inch scale, with all characters falling in line according to their specs from the original cartoon. This early look at Mumm-Ra is, of course, missing a paint job and his cloth costume. An exclusive version will be released as well with some light up feature incorporated, so keep watching here for more pics and that Sideshow pre-order!

*UPDATED!: Bandai's New Thundercats Toys Shown at UK Toy Fair

The New York International Toy Fair is still a month away, but right now, across the water, there is plastic EVERYWHERE!!! Bandai has been showing off their Thundercats cartoon and classic action figures, and even though the room is riddled with NO PHOTOGRAPHY signs, some muppet went ahead and took crappy camera phone pictures anyway. Since we usually have a friend at the show reporting back to us on everything he saw, we don't feel guilty in describing what is shown in as great detail as is humanly possible...and with crappy camera phone pics omitted.

The core line for the new cartoon is clearly in a 3 and 3 quarter scale, matching what most other companies are releasing right now (so sad.) At the very least we'll be getting a little scale with the figures as Panthro towers over his team mates who all come up to his chest. We've also gotten word that the figures are fairly well articulated for their size and are packed with details that are sculpted rather than just painted on. Lion-O, Cheetara, Panthro and Tygra were shown. The boards on the wall also mention that Mumm-Ra is in the new show. Make a note that the look of the new show, while true to the original designs and instantly recognisable as their classic counterparts, is a little more Anime that you're accustomed to, with Lion-O looking more like a teenager and Panthro now HUGE and bearing the scars of battle.

All hope is not lost as we've heard there are also deluxe versions on the way in a 5-6 inch scale. It makes more sense that these would be 6 inch, as 5 puts them too close to the 3 and 3 quarter figures they'll be releasing by the ton. While I grumble about the tiny scale, with small figures often comes vehicles and playsets and Bandai is on board with this thinking. The deluxe playset is a sort of tower rather than the classic Cat's Lair. The deluxe vehicle is the Thunder Tank and it includes one figure...SNARF!! I'm betting you can thank Amanda Burns for that addition. There is also a light cycle looking Thunder Bike that comes with Lion-O. We hear the bike actually fits inside the Thunder Tank. Looks like Batman has some competition. All figures are said to "link up" with the vehicles and playsets, probably to activate action features, sounds and lights that may be included. This is cleverly called "Thunder Lynx"! I applaud the dorkiness.

As for the classic cartoon, an 8 inch Collector line of action figures is on the way. The design is said to be loyal to the original show and the figure itself will remind you of Mattel's Masters of the Universe Classics line, where they maintain the look and feel of the original characters but update articulation and toy design for a sturdier, more modern action figure. This line starts with Lion-O and Mumm-Ra, natch'. Why 8 inches, you may ask? This puts them in scale with the classic line, but sadly, out of scale with most everything else you own. Celebration time for TCats fans for sure, and tears for others...as that is the way of toy collecting.

For role play, so far we'll see the Sword of Omens (still named properly) that starts out small and telescopes to full size. The eye in the center MIGHT even change to the TCats symbol as it does in the cartoon...or maybe you just flip it around and it is on the other side. We'll find out soon enough. Either way, I'd bet cash money it lights up. The eye is large enough to hold a light.

Everything should be hitting this Fall.

Updated with a pic thanks to Bleeding Cool! ..until we are asked to take it down of course.
Updated again with an official pic from the WB.

UPDATE 1/27: A friend had a nice conversation with the crew manning the TCats stand and pulled some new info out of them. YAY Jedi Mind Tricks!! The Thunder Lynx is indeed a magnet gimmick that activates all sorts of hidden features on vehicles and the Cat Lair/ Tower thing. We are also told that the Mutants are a part of the new show and will get toys further down the line. I shudder to think what their "update" looks like. A last bit of random info is that Lion-O and his sword are bonded when he accepts the mantle, which is why we see him normal looking as a teenager and then sort of armored up with an older look. As he grows, the sword grows with him and provides with with increased power and armor to go with it.

Lion-O Staction Figure Revealed

Let me begin by saying the word Staction is stupid. It is supposed to stand for static action figure, a term fans made up for NECA's immovable Masters of the Universe mini statue line. It was domb then, and its dumb now, so can we please stop using it? That said..here's Icon Heroes first Thundercats Staction figure!! (groan) You have to wonder if this new company knew that Bandai was going to nab an action figure license. It seems the only reason to make 6 inch mini statues would be because no one else will make action figures and this is the cheap alternative. Maybe not cheap to buy, but miles cheaper to make. Here's the mini announcement...

We are pleased to present the first look at our upcoming Thundercats Lion-O Mini Statue! This mini resin statue stands approximately six inches tall and stands atop a desert base.

The first Staction Figures scheduled for release are Lion-O, Jackal Man, and Jaga. Other products to be released include the Thunderclaw, Cat’s Lair, and many more. Icon Heroes’ products can soon be purchased directly through their store at www.iconheroes.com.

Thundercats Cartoon in 2011

The Thundercatsplosion is under way! First Pop Culture Shock Collectibles announces a line of the most killer statues you'll ever see, then Icon Heroes announces 6 inch staction figures and now..animation!! WB drops the bomb on the new cartoon we'd heard rumbling on for at least 2 years now. Here's the skinny...

Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) has begun production on “ThunderCats,” an all-new animated series for Cartoon Network, based upon the iconic 1980s action classic. “ThunderCats” is the newest series from WBA, joining “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” which was recently renewed for a third season, and the following forthcoming programs: “The Looney Tunes Show,” “MAD,” “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice.” The announcement was made today by Sam Register, Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Animation.

“In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation’s first anime series, ‘ThunderCats’ marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy,” said Register. “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.”

The 21st century re-imagining of the series marks a creative collaboration between WBA and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan, with credits including “The Animatrix,” “Gotham Knights” and “Halo Legends.” WBA is working closely with Studio4°C, utilizing the latter’s expertise to give the “ThunderCats” characters a new cutting-edge look while remaining true to the compelling storylines and mythology of the original series.

“We at Studio4°C are excited to be in this creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation to bring ‘ThunderCats’ to life,” said Eiko Tanaka, President and CEO, Studio4°C. “This collaboration combines the strengths of our two companies – high production values and great storytelling – toward reintroducing this classic fan-favorite to a new audience.”

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.

Things that get me worried...

A. The word re-imagining
B. Halo Legends was very NOT fun. The complete opposite of fun.
C. Quest for the fables Stones of Power...gotta catch em all? Sounds very formulaic. I guess the tale of crash landed, super powered cat aliens led by a powerhouse with the mind of a teenager fighting an army of monstrous mutants led by an ancient evil mummy was too tame for them.
D. The phrase "realistic cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations" conjures images of them scratching themselves behind the ear, purring and licking their fur clean. Maybe save the realism for Thundercats XXX.

I say grab the whole Avatar: The Last Airbender squad and have them make a show true to its roots and create a dynamic we really care about. Could be epic!

6 Inch Thundercat Statues On The Way

Well..they ain't action figures yet but we are getting damn close! We've got mid sized statues from Hard Hero, the be all and end all of collectible 18 inch statues from Pop Culture Shock Collectibles and now, we can add Icon Heroes to the list!! You Bent My Wookie, the fantastically amazing nerdy website with the best name in all the internet, reports that San Diego Comic Con will see the premiere of a 6 inch Thundercats "staction" line with Lion-O, created in a style reminiscent of The Four Horsemen. Hit the Wookie link for the rest of the little details they gathered and stay tuned for more on the topic! Until then, here's the official press release...

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today a partnership with leading collectibles manufacturer, Icon Heroes, to create products inspired by the classic animated series, Thundercats. This all-new line features prominent characters and environments from the beloved 1980’s animated television hit.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Icon Heroes will manufacture 6-inch and under scale statues, vehicle replicas, environments and dioramas all inspired by Thundercats. The statues will be branded as “Staction Figures” (Static Action Figures) and will be non-articulated standing atop a highly detailed environment base.

Each Staction Figure is scaled such that they can be displayed individually or alongside other 6-inch action figures and statues. The first Staction Figures scheduled for release are Lion-O, Jackal Man, and Jaga. Other products to be released include the Thunderclaw, Cat’s Lair, and many more.

“Thundercats is a classic cartoon property and Icon Heroes is the ideal partner to deliver an array of offerings befitting of these beloved characters,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Fans of the series will be thrilled to see not only the products available, but the painstaking detail with which they are created.”

“Icon Heroes is all about bringing popular characters to life and we very excited to be recreating some of our favorite 1980’s animated heroes,” added Patrick Wang, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Icon Heroes. “It is wonderful to be able to work with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and we can’t wait to offer fans our exciting and vast collection of Thundercats product lines.”

Icon Heroes’ products can soon be purchased directly through their store at www.iconheroes.com. More information can be found by visiting the Icon Heroes blog at blog.iconheroes.com.