THUNDERCATS #7, by Dynamite Comics on 8/21/24, sends Wilkit and Wilykat on an ill-advised joyride, only to run the twins into a dark and dangerous discovery.
Credits:
- Writer: Declan Shalvey
- Artist: Drew Moss
- Colorist: Martina Pignedoli
- Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover Artist: David Nakayama (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: August 21, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 24
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of THUNDERCATS #7:
First Impressions:
The more this series progresses, the less we like it, and that’s a shame. Thundercats #7 is another character-centric issue that builds the world and has one or two solid character moments, but the overall effort from all creatives feels incomplete and lackluster.
Plot Analysis:
Previously, in Thundercats #6, Panthro took center stage when he took the Thundertank out to look for veins of precious minerals to use for power. Panthro’s surveying trip took a bad turn when he was ambushed by Vulturemen, leading to the revelation that Third Earth was a Thunderian prison planet. Panthro eventually defeated his attackers, but the new information and discovering an unexpected mineral gave the Thundercat much to consider.
In Thundercats #7, Wilykit and Wilykat defy Lion-O’s orders to stay on the compound so they can have a little fun exploring the nearby wilderness on their hoverboards. Lion-O’s recent age-up doesn’t sit well with the twins, so his orders aren’t respected by the cubs, who only saw the Lord of the Thundercats as a fellow cub only a few weeks ago.
Writer Declan Shalvey begins the issue from the Wily twins’ point of view to underscore, yet again, more interpersonal conflicts among the Thundercats. Lion-O’s body is not adult-sized, but his maturity level and the nature of his relationships still reflect the youngster he was only a few short weeks ago. The chatter between the twins has more heft because they’re disobeying through more motivation than simply “being bratty.” That said, the pace by which Shalvey addresses Lion-O’s sudden maturation into adulthood is starting to drag and become repetitive.
During a daring maneuver surfing down a spiral tree, Wilykit hits a bump and falls. Wilykat catches his sister in time before hitting the ground, but the two tumble into a darkened corner of the wilderness and see Mumm-Ra’s pyramid. Egging each other on, the two decide to investigate the pyramid, not realizing they’re being watched by Babboo.
Setting up a scenario where the twins stumble upon Mumm-Ra’s pyramid is a strong way to build out the world by establishing geographical landmarks and establishing the presence of a nearby threat. That said, the logistics of the twins’ discovery don’t quite work out since the pyramid is huge, so there’s no way they could have missed it from miles away, much less have it obscured by a tree.
Babboo returns to Lord Monkian to report his findings and the discovery that Lord Slithe’s men have all turned into undead foot soldiers for Mumm-Ra. Babboo calls Slithe’s leadership into question for losing his men, and Slithe attacks Babboo with a brutal beatdown for his insolence.
Again, we seem to be missing pieces in Shalvey’s story. In the comic, the only thing you see in the sands outside Mumm-Ra’s pyramid are clawed hands sticking out of the sand. There’s no way to tell who or what those clawed hands belong to or that Slithe was connected in any way.
Inside the pyramid, the twins find a mural of Mumm-Ra in his powered-up form. Wilykat accidentally steps on a secret panel and falls down a chute, separating the two when the chute closes behind them. Wilykit methodically begins to search for her brother. When she encounters cloaked figures down one wall, she charges through them with a mighty ‘Ho!’ as if she had Panthro’s strength and Cheetara’s speed. Wilkit eventually finds her brother, but the experience leaves them both drained.
When the two leave the pyramid, they deduce that their powers are starting to emerge in the form of a telepathy link and a sharing of strength in bursts. Wilykat also explains he heard Mumm-Ra speaking while asleep on his throne, divulging secrets about Jaga and more. The twins decide to keep their finding a secret for now.
“Wha..? How? When did Mumm-Ra speak in his sleep about Jaga?” you might wonder. That’s a good question, and the answer is, “I don’t know.” This whole comic reads like whole or parts of scenes are missing. Either Declan Shalvey decided to cut corners by giving string references to things that happen off-panel, or the editors cut too severely.
The issue concludes with Lion-O and Panthro mending bridges, Tigra coming around and sketching an idea for a new base, and the twins riding off into the sunset.
Overall, Thundercats #7 is another disappointingly weak issue in the series. Declan Shalvey has chunks of good ideas, but the execution is poor, and the flow is consistently disjointed. Dynamite has a golden opportunity with the acquisition of this license, but that opportunity is squandered with poor writing.
Artwork and Presentation:
Squandered by poor writing and so-so art. There’s nothing inherently terrible about Drew Moss’s style, but it’s blocky and lacks pop. Plus, the sketchy character details on wide shots are disappointing.
Further, Martina Pignedoli’s palette selection is washed out and plain. The art should enhance and elevate the script, not make it more boring.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
If you’re familiar with the Thundercats from the original cartoon or the new cartoon since the original, this series is a reimagining of the original cartoon. Declan Shalvey’s story covers the basic strokes about the Thundercats being marooned on Third Earth, but the motivations and details are different enough to make this series an alternate timeline.
Final Thoughts:
(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)
THUNDERCATS #7 is another disappointing entry in the series with a plot that doesn’t move the needle, a disjointed script that reads like several scenes were left out or cut short, and mediocre visuals from the entire art team. More Thundercats stories are a good thing, but the passion on display is almost non-existent.
We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media:
If you’re interested in this creator’s works, remember to let your Local Comic Shop know to find more of their work for you. They would appreciate the call, and so would we.
Click here to find your Local Comic Shop: www.ComicShopLocator.com
As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.