| "Thundercats" was a tremendously successful children's cartoon show which ran during the 1980s. Developed by the Rankin-Bass partnership, "Thundercats" evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The series pitted the Thundercats, a group of felines from outer space, against the Mutants, a ghastly gang led by the evil Mumm-ra. "Thundercats" featured a reprise of the epic battle between the Thundercats and the Mutants which had first taken place on the distant planet Thundera. In that first fight, the Thundercats were all but eliminated by the Mutant forces. The eight remaining Thundercat nobles had to flee across the galaxy to Third Earth (which is presumed to be our planet in the far distant future). The Thundercats lived in Cats Lair, an enormous, Egyptian inspired fortress. They gained their strength through something called the Eye of Thundera, which was buried in the hilt of the Sword of Omens. The Thundercats' cry to action, "Thundercats! Ho!" became a battle cry for American kids throughout the 1980s. The Thundercats leader, a wise cat named Jaga, died on the trip from Thundera to Third Earth. However, Lion-O, Jaga's de facto second-in-command, developed the ability to summon Jaga's apparition by employing the Sword of Omens. Lion-O was supported by a cast of brave and mystical creatures, including Panthro, Tygra, Cheetra, Snarf, Wiley Kit, and Wiley Kat. Together, this dynamic group of seven battled against Mumm-ra and the Mutants, who included Slithe, Monkian, and Vultureman. Fans of the show carry on a thriving collectors' network online. If you want to buy and trade Thundercats toys, cards, and gear, focus on getting complete villain sets. Believe it or not, these can sell for over $1,000 in mint condition. |