THUNDERCATS #6, by Dynamite Comics on 7/17/24, sends Panthro out alone to look for precious minerals to power the Thundercat base, but a deadly encounter with a flock of Vulturemen spells trouble.
Credits:
- Writer: Declan Shalvey
- Artist: Drew Moss
- Colorist: Martina Pignedoli
- Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover Artist: David Nakayama (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: July 17, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of THUNDERCATS #6:
Plot Analysis:
After the odd one-shot last month from Stephen Mooney, Declan Shalvey and Drew Moss return to the title for a Panthro-centric issue that turns up the action and reveals a secret about Third Earth’s history that could mean big problems for the Thundercats. Storywise, Shalvey gives readers one big idea that gives the issue weight and importance, but the issue is far from perfect.
When last we left the Thundercats in issue #5, guest writer and artist Stephen Mooney stepped in for a one-on-one coaching lesson between Lion-O and Cheetara. The lessons Lion-O learns are straight from a Leadership 101 handbook, but the arc took a pause… as did the art quality.
In Thundercats #6, Panthro tells WilyKat he’s going on a mining expedition to find Thundrillium, the element that powers Thunderian technology. WilyKat offers to come, but Panthro would rather go alone. Privately, Panthro needs alone time to blow off steam and ponder recent events.
Declan Shalvey uses the opening scene to establish three key bit of information. First, Panthro’s self-reflection serves as a recap of events before the issue #5 break. Second, Panthro uses WilyKat as the audience insert to explain what Thundrillium is and why it’s important. Third, Shalvey uses Panthro’s thoughts to help evolve the characters as he comes to terms with his recent mistakes.
As Panthro scores the ground with the Thunder Tank to gather possible Thundrillium alternatives, his sensor detect a large mass in pursuit. He sees a large flock of Vulturemen closing and to attack. What follows is a nearly issue-long action sequence of Panthro outdriving, outsmarting, and ultimately driving off the Vulturemen, except one he now holds captive for questioning.
If you’re a Thundercats fand and have been hankering for Thunder Tank action, this is the issue for you. Panthro uses the Thunder Tank’s claws to knock down stone overhangs, pops wheelies, and do all the things the little kid inside you loved to imagine when watching the original cartoon. Sadly, what should have been a super-cool action sequence doesn’t live up to its potential due to the art. More on that in a minute.
The issue concludes with Panthro finishing his mining errand to learn the abundant materials he gathered are a much closer match to Thundrainium, not Thundrillium. The Vulturemen view the Thundercats as invaders, with good reason. And the Jaga’s intent to get the Thundercats to Third Earth grows more mysterious.
The conclusion of this issue is almost a banger, but misses the success bar by a few inches. First, the entire plot concerning Mumm-Ra and Jaga is still on hold, which is and odd creative choice after only six issue. Next, Shalvey attempts to surprise the reader by revealing the ground is abundant with Thundrainium without explaining why that may or may not be a good thing. The pieces are there, but Shalvey fails to put them together in a way that grabs the reader.
When Panthro interrogates the captured Vultureman, we learn a pretty big secret that opens up the series in a strangely intriguing direction.
[MAJOR Spoilers Ahead]
Third Earth has long been known to Thundera because it’s a prison planet for banished Mu’tants.
[End Spoilers]
Overall, Thundercats #6 is a decent enough issue in the series with lots of action, new developments, and a big revelation that has heaps of potential. That said, Shalvey’s execution is far from flawless.
Artwork and Presentation:
Declan Shalvey pulls off one of the stronger issues in the series, but this issue, more than any other, highlights the weakness in Drew Moss’s art. Blocky, flat figure work and panel composition are evident on every page, the action choreography became inexcusably confusing in spots, and Pignedoli’s coloring is washed-out and bland. We’ve seen much worse art, but we’ve seen much better as well.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
To Declan Shalvey’s credit, Thundercats #6 maintains consistency with the previous issue and gives the past events more nuance as viewed through Panthro’s eyes. Readers get a crash course in the past developments to make this issue a decent enough jumping-on point and a stronger character piece for Panthro’s development.
Final Thoughts:
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THUNDERCATS #6 delivers a Panthro-centric issue to help the character learn from recent developments, put him in the thick of an almost issue-long fight, and unveil a few important revelations about Third Earth. This issue is one of Shalvey’s strongest yet, but the good will of the script is offset by weak, flat, uninspired art.
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