Dynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products announce an exciting spotlight issue and jumping-on point for ThunderCats fans. Writer Declan Shalvey is teaming up with artist Stephen Mooney as ThunderCats #5 turns its attention to Cheetara, for a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga.
The beloved crew of ThunderCats are led by Lion-O, destined for that role. Though he has the body of an adult, his unexpected accelerated growth has resulted in his physical strength and abilities outpacing his grasp on everything inside his head. His skills, strategies, and emotions are a continuing challenge to hone, with the goal to achieve the kind of maturity required by all great leaders.
Luckily, Lion-O is surrounded by a few seasoned veterans to help him refine his mind and body. In the epic aftermath of the Third-Earth-shattering events of the first story arc – no spoilers! – this special standalone issue serves as both a perfect highlight and chance to jump right in for new readers enticed by the glowing reviews and word of mouth on the title. “Training Day” features Cheetara putting Lion-O through the ringer, with some painful combat lessons as he learns to master his temper.
ThunderCats #5 and the focus on Cheetara not only bridges the first two big arcs of the epic, smash-hit title, but it may also be setting up even more exciting developments for the comic book series…
Superstar Stephen Mooney (The Rocketeer: The Great Race, Half Past Danger) steps in to collaborate with friend and fellow virtuoso writer/artist Declan Shalvey for this can’t-miss chapter. Mooney additionally contributes a cover to the issue, showing off his artistic approach to Cheetara. He’s joined with other covers by Shalvey, David Nakayama, Lucio Parrillo, Jae Lee, Ivan Tao, and an action figure variant.
“It was a thrill and a challenge to be asked to come aboard a title that’s forging such a ferocious path right now,” said artist Stephen Mooney. “When the Cheetara-centric story was mentioned to me, I jumped at the chance, as she was always my favourite ‘Cat and I could already see several compelling ways to take her. Working with Declan is always a bonus, as we know each other so well outside of work and had plenty of opportunity to bounce ideas off one-another. He and Drew Moss have established such a compelling narrative in this book, that it was an absolute pleasure to come in and add to it.”
This issue also gives regular ongoing artist Drew Moss some extra runway to execute the next major story arc at the highest level, with the same masterful artwork that kicked off the series and made him a star previously on Gargoyles.
Dynamite is additionally offering limited edition foil and line art variants of ThunderCats #1 featuring the original sold-out covers by Shalvey, Tao, and Jae Lee. These are being offered to retailers and collectors alongside #5 in the April for June Previews catalog.
