* UPDATE * The cartoon reboot of ‘Thundercats’ is well on its way to production and Cartoon Network is giving fans a first look at the new character designs.

Some really great news dropping this afternoon for fans of the ’80s cartoon series Thundercats. According to MTV Splashpage, Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Animation will be teaming up to bring an updated version of Thundercats to the small screen in 2011.

Now here is the kicker - the new series will “use anime-style animation and promises to be a 21^st century reimagining of the classic 80s cartoon series.” So maybe fans shouldn’t get that excited over it just yet. Every time a classic cartoon gets the anime treatment, it just turns out…different than I remember it. G.I. Joe and Transformers are two good examples of how new versions of ’80s cartoons drastically differ from the old versions.  Now different isn’t necessarily bad because anime is obviously wildly popular among today’s kids, so I’m sure the new Thundercats will strike the right tone with Cartoon Networks’ and WBA’s intended audience.  WBA is promoting the new Thundercats series as such:

"A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes. [Thundercats will be about] the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost."

As far as cartoon plot lines go, this is about as simple as it gets and honestly, that’s all that is needed.  The rest of the story can unfold as the series presses on into the season. MTV Splashpage was sent this fantastic looking poster and concept art for the new series.

There are some great names behind the series, and the excellent Japanese animation studio 4°C – which did the fantastic looking Matrix anime The Animatrix and Batman: Gotham Knights – will be handling the artwork for Thundercats.  Executive Producer Sam Register (Teen Titans, Ben 10) will serve as EP on Thundercats and he is joined by Michael Jelenic (Wonder Woman, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) and Ethan Spaulding (Avatar: The Last Airbender), who will serve as producers for the show.

It should be noted that Thundercats the TV show seems to have nothing to do with Thundercats the upcoming movie; although I’m sure if the series is a hit we could expect to see the film get a little more fast-tracking in Hollywood. Go check out the script review and synopsis for the Thundercats movie if you haven’t done so already.

What are your thoughts on the artwork and new poster for the new Thundercats cartoon show?

Thundercats is scheduled to air sometime in 2011.

UPDATED INFO

Children of the ’80s, your latest nostalgia trip is drawing near.  After announcing last June that ThunderCats would return to television on Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. has released the first official artwork and a revised plot synopsis for the series.

The new show will be animated by STUDIO4°C out of Japan. The animators are veterans of anime movies and TV shows, as well as notable western work like the latest Transformers animated series, as well as the Animatrix and Batman: Gotham Knight film tie-ins.

While the original ThunderCats was also produced in the United States and animated in Japan, the anime influence is much more intentional and obvious for the new series. You can see the Japanese heritage in Lion-O’s shorter, more segmented hair and asymmetrical costume. The more exaggerated size difference between the characters (Cheetara is smaller and waifish, while Panthro is a huge bruiser-type) also feel very eastern. The new look should allow for much better differentiation between the main cast.

Warner Bros. has also released an extended synopsis for ThunderCats:

"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."

The newest incarnation already has a promising pedigree in executive producer Sam Register, who’s worked on everything from Teen Titans to the previously mentioned Transformers. He’s also an executive producer for Young Justice, as well as the generally top-notch series of DC Universe features like Batman: Under The Red Hood and the upcoming All-Star Superman. Michael Jelenic (writer of Wonder Woman and Legion of Super Heroes) and Ethan Spaulding (Avatar: The Last Airbender) are also producing.

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