Warning: contains spoilers forThundercats: Apex#1!
Thundercatshas given Lion-O his best design ever, as the once-noble hero embraces a dark and villainous destiny.Dynamite Comics’ revival ofThundercatsboldly enters its second year with a shocking new direction for Lion-O, who, in the wake of a horrifying tragedy, adopts a grim and violent demeanor,as seen inThundercats: Apex#1.
Thundercats: Apex#1 was written by Ed Brisson and drawn by Rapha Lobosco.Apex, a mysterious presence who has been stalking the Thundercats team seemingly across time and space, is revealed to be a future version of Lion-O.However, he is far from the brave and valiant Thundercat fans know and love: he is quick to anger and quick to kill. Most shockingly of all, Lion-O has allied himself with the Ancient Spirits of Evil, who rechristen him “Apex the Ever-Living.” Then comes another, tragic reveal: the rest of the Thundercats are dead, and Lion-O/Apex watched them die.
Lion-O’s Fall From Grace Ironically Caps Off a Great Year for the Thundercats
Declan Shalvey and Drew Moss Have Injected New Life into the Thundercats
The first year of Dynamite’sThundercatstitle has seen its fair share of surprises, including the introduction of new characters, such as Calica and Apex. The former turned out to be a traitor, but the latter’s identity has been the subject of speculation. Apex’s face was shrouded by a cloak, further adding to the mystery. Apex also appears to have ties to other members of the team, as well as a powerful axe that can be viewed as the Sword of Omens’ darker counterpart.
Born in the wake of the Thundercats’ death, Apex represents the death of a dream.
Lion-O’s transformation into Apex ranks as not only the biggest moment in the first year of Dynamite’sThundercats, but the franchise as a whole.Lion-O was the leader and the moral center of the Thundercats. While still mentally young, Lion-O nevertheless made a great leader. The rest of the team deferred to Lion-O, placing their faith in him. Time and again, Lion-O led the Thundercats to victory over Mumm-Ra and the Mu’Tants, which makes his fall, as chronicled inApex#1, all the more heartbreaking. Born in the wake of the Thundercats’ death, Apex represents the death of a dream.
Thundercats Wants You to Know Thundera Is Way Darker Than We Realized
The Thundercats' home world of Thundera has been regarded as an utopia, but new and dark revelations about the planet have come to light.
Perhaps the most jarring aspect of Lion-O’s transformation is his newfound alliance with the Ancient Spirits of Evil.Previously, Mumm-Ra derived his power from the Spirits, but now, somehow, they have jumped to Lion-O.Thundercats: Apex#1 does not reveal what happened to Mumm-Ra, nor when Lion-O joined forces with the Spirits–making them mysteries to play out over the course of the book’s second year. These mysteries have distinguished Dynamite’sThundercatsrevival from other attempts to retool the franchise. Writer Declan Shalvey and artist Drew Moss,Thundercats’principal creative team, have seeded some truly intriguing mysteries.
Lion-O’s New Path is a Dark One–But At Least He Looks Cool
Lion-O’s Makeover Does Not Bode Well for the Thundercats
While Lion-O’s new direction is taking him down a dark path, it has also led to one of his best character designs.As Apex, Lion-O still cuts an imposing figure, but now, thanks to the Ancient Spirits of Evil, he can grow even larger and more menacing. The shroud and bandages, which helped fuel the online speculation around Apex’s identity, are now known to be remnants of Mumm-Ra’s outfit. While symbols of theThundercatsleader’s fall, they help make this a memorable and heartbreaking new look.
