Calica To Debut In ‘ThunderCats’ #2

by Erik Amaya

The ThunderCats are about to grow their ranks.

Dynamite unveiled Thursday the latest character to enter the fray on Third Earth: Calica. Created by Declan Shalvey and Drew Moss for ThunderCats #2, the character is a potential love interest for Lion-O, but nothing is set in stone for either them as the months ahead still represent a wide variety of challenges.

Inspired by calico cats, she appears in the wreckage of a Mu’Tant ship with a “distinctive black patch around one of her eyes” and tri-color fur. But will the young Thunderian have what it takes to become a ThunderCat?

“Not only has it been great to play with the classic ThunderCats characters, having the opportunity to contribute to the lore has been a wonderful experience,” Shalvey said in a statement. “Especially with introducing Calica (and her unique, yet naturally fitting design courtesy of Drew Moss) who will add a new dynamic that will keep the ThunderCats (and readers) on their toes.”

Expanding the ThunderCats cast is something of a tradition going back to the original animated series, which saw the core seven-member team (counting Snarf) joined by fellow refugees Pumyra, Bengali, and Lynx-O in its second season. But even before that, recurring allies like Ro-Bear-Bill, other members of Snarf’s species, and various other factions became fixtures of Third Earth. Calica joins their ranks, but also represent the sort of expansion possible with ThunderCats now and in the future.

In addition to writing, Shalvey will be providing the issue with a cover, as will Ken Haeser, who will “be crafting a cover featuring Calica using a clever homage to one of the most powerful and influential women in comics.” Other covers include work from David Nakayama, Lucio Parrillo, Jae Lee, Ivan Tao and a special action figure cover depicting Tygra.