George Kambadais Delivers Dynamite’s ‘ThunderCats ’85’ #1 In January

The new year brings adventures for the Thunderan survivors.

Dynamite announced Thursday the imminent arrival of ThunderCats ’85. The new series sees George Kambadais taking the reins as both writer and artist for the next phase in the company’s ThunderCats tales. But this time, it all goes back to the beginning in what the publisher calls “the ultimate, absolute, pulse-pumping, heart-pounding, adrenaline-jangling comic of all time.”

Indeed, Kambadais is returning to the original Rankin/Bass vision of the ‘Cats as they were presented in 1985. Backed by a pulse-pounding opening theme and a still-impressive opening sequence, the animated series enchanted a generation of TV viewers who had access to afternoon cartoons — we happen to know a who few people who did not enjoy that luxury, though — and soon learned of the destruction of Thundera, the arrival on Third Earth, and Lion-O’s sudden maturity and fate as the new leader of the remaining ThunderCats.

And just to prove the back to basics approach: the team will face Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living in the first issue.

Of course, it remains to be seen if this continues the story of the previous ‘Cats series or if Kambadais is taking his cues exclusively from the classic cartoon. Either way, it’s clear the visuals hearken back to the beginning, as seen in the his cover for the premiere issue below:

Joining him on covers are Drew Moss — the creative lead of the previous ThunderCats comics — Craig Rousseau, and Federico Mele. 

ThunderCats ’85 #1 arrives in stores on January 6th, 2027.