ThunderCats HOOOOoooooly @#$%, There’s Going to Be a New Cartoon

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There’s going to be a new ThunderCats cartoon. No, seriously. It’s going to run on Cartoon Network next year, that’s official promo art above (although I wouldn’t count on it being too indicative of the finished product, since it’s hard to convey that much badassedness in animation), and its going to be animated by Studio 4C, the Japanese anime studuo who worked on parts of The Animatrix, Batman: Gotham Knight, Halo: Legends and apparently did all of Transformers: Animated. I put the press release after the jump, just in case you want to read it. (Via ToyFare)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THUNDERCATS, HO!

WARNER BROS. ANIMATION ANSWERS THE CALL WITH A
NEW

TAKE ON THE CLASSIC ANIMATED SERIES
“THUNDERCATS,”

TO AIR ON CARTOON NETWORK

(June 3, 2010 – Burbank, CA) – Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) has begun
production on “ThunderCats,” an all-new animated series for Cartoon
Network, based upon the iconic 1980s action classic. “ThunderCats” is
the newest series from WBA, joining “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,”
which was recently renewed for a third season, and the following
forthcoming programs: “The Looney Tunes Show,” “MAD,” “Scooby-Doo!
Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice.” The announcement was made
today by Sam Register, Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs,
Warner Bros. Animation.

“In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation’s first anime series,
‘ThunderCats’ marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy,” said
Register. “The realism and dynamic visual style we’ve achieved are sure
to thrill viewers, and the cool weapons, vehicles and technology should
help the show appeal to a diverse audience.”

The 21^st century reimagining of the series marks a
creative collaboration between WBA and Studio4?C, one of the most
vibrant animation studios in Japan, with credits including “The
Animatrix,” “Gotham Knights” and “Halo Legends.” WBA is working closely
with Studio4?C, utilizing the latter’s expertise to give the
“ThunderCats” characters a new cutting-edge look while remaining true to
the compelling storylines and mythology of the original series.

“We at Studio4?C are excited to be in this creative partnership with
Warner Bros. Animation to bring ‘ThunderCats’ to life,” said Eiko
Tanaka, President and CEO, Studio4?C. “This collaboration combines the
strengths of our two companies – high production values and great
storytelling – toward reintroducing this classic fan-favorite to a new
audience.”

Roaring to life through WBA and Studio4?C’s use of the Japanese
animated artistry of anime, “ThunderCats” characters Lion-O, Mumm-Ra,
Panthro, Cheetara and others will spring off the screen with realistic
cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations.

The new “ThunderCats” will appeal to viewers who have loved
the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the
franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting
ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of
Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart
his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new
telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest
for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable
lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.

“ThunderCats” is executive produced by Sam Register (“Teen Titans,”
“Ben 10,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”). Michael Jelenic (“Batman:
The Brave and the Bold,” “Wonder Woman”) and Ethan Spaulding (“Avatar:
The Last Airbender”) are the producers.