THUNDERCATS #13, by Dynamite Comics on 2/26/25, delivers a day in the life of Snarf as he chases butterflies, prances through fields, and encounters an unusual colony.
Credits:
- Writer: Declan Shalvey
- Artist: Drew Moss
- Colorist: Martina Pignedoli, Giovanna La Pietra
- Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover Artist: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: February 26, 2025
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 28
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of THUNDERCATS #13:
Recap:
When we last left the refugees from Thundera in Thundercats #12, writer Declan Shalvey took readers on a walking tour of each Thundercat to depict what they’re feeling and how they’re spending their time, a stark contrast to the issue #11 cliffhanger that showed Lion-O defeated at the hands of Mumm-Ra without a clear resolution. The issue ended with a brief image showing Lion-O is still in Mumm-Ra’s clutches but not dead.
Plot Analysis:
Thundercats #13 begins a silent (no dialog), Snarf-centric issue. After Lion-O orders Snarf to stay put outside Mumm-Ra’s pyramid in Thundercats #11, Snarf waits longer than he’s comfortable and decides to leave his vigil spot. He wanders through the fields, chases butterflies, and climbs trees.
One evening, Snarf catches sight of a bright column of light and approaches the source to investigate. The search leads Snarf to a colony of Snarfs on Third Earth. Through a series of gestures and images, Snarf “communicates” his relationship with the Thundercats. A large Snarf leaps into the circle to challenge Snarf, but Snarf holds his own against the bigger opponent with swift moves and agility.
Suddenly, the tribe leader halts the fight and opens a dimensional door, similar to the one we’ve seen, that leads to the pocket dimension Jaga created. Snarf leaps through the door and lands in the middle of a gun battle between humanoid soldiers. Snarf concludes he’s not in the right space and time, so he leaps through the doorway again, landing in a wasteland where he encounters future Lion-O.
The issue ends with future Lion-O telling Snarf what he must do.
First Impressions:
Yep, this is it. This is the end of our association with the Thundercats until Declan Shalvey leaves the title. It’s astounding how poorly Dynamite misjudged whatever Shalvey was thinking with this concept by creating two issues in a row that are little more than slice-of-life fluff intermixed with teases and hints about future adventures.
Artwork and Presentation:
To Drew Moss’s credit, Thundercats #13 is probably one of his better issues. Why? Because the totality of Moss’s figure work revolves around an alien cat creature prancing through the wilderness. Our typical criticisms of blocky, flat figure-work don’t apply, so Moss succeeds by default.
Art Samples:
Story Positives & Negatives:
The Positives:
If you’re a Thundercats fan, and Snarf is your absolute favorite, this issue is for you. Shalvey and Moss give you the complete range of cute kitty goodness as Snarf runs, climbs, prances, and acts like a fluffy little badass to show you what a big, tough kitten he is.
The Negatives:
If you picked up this issue hoping for a high-flying Thundercats adventure, prepare to be disappointed. Declan Shalvey’s plot pacing is horrendous, the story isn’t additive to the arc in any obvious way, and the big cliffhanger from issue #11 remains ignored for the second issue in a row.
Further, you have obvious plot points that come out of nowhere. Why is there a colony of Snarfs on Third Earth? How is the tribe leader able to magically open a time/space portal out of thin air? What is happening with every antagonist introduced in this series – Lord Slythe, Mumm-Ra, Moneky Man?
It’s as if Declan Shalvey decided to take a break for a couple of issues to buy time while he figured out what to do next. If this was a free Webtoon, that’s a perfectly valid approach. For a $4.99 comic, it’s not.
Final Thoughts:
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THUNDERCATS #13 takes a break from the plot (again) for a wordless, Snarf-centric issue. Declan Shalvey continues to test the wallet and patience of Thundercats fans with an issue that effectively goes nowhere and puts the brakes on a story already in progress.
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