“ThunderCubs” Part III

Written by Peter Lawrence

   

 

Not available at this time. If you have a copy of these details please e-mail: wilycub@thundercatslair.com

 

Not available at this time. If you have a copy of these details please e-mail: wilycub@thundercatslair.com

 

The legendary Sword of Omens is arguably the most powerful weapon in the entire ThunderCats series. But arming the protagonist with such an indomitable instrument creates the problem of finding an equally strong weapon for the villain in order to maintain excitement. Episodes like “Excalibur” and “The Thunder-Cutter” pit the Sword of Omens against the titular legendary blades. In “ThunderCubs”, writer Peter Lawrence introduces the mighty Sword of Plun-Darr as a foil for the Sword of Omens.

The ThunderCats arrive on New Thundera in the Feliner, hoping to stop Mumm-Ra and free the Snarfs from bondage. Even though the plight of the Snarfs weighs heavily on the ThunderCats, their first priority is to prevent Mumm-Ra from obtaining the Sword of Plun-Darr and the Treasure of Thundera. Past experiences have taught the Cats that Mumm-Ra cannot be underestimated so they have to deal with him before rescuing the enslaved Snarfs. However, Snarf mistakes the ThunderCats’ caution for apathy and he and Snarfer sneak off to mount their own rescue mission.  Unfortunately they are captured by Mumm-Ra and Ma-Mutt before they can free their mates.

Snarf’s decision to go rogue, conflicts with the Code of Thundera which he is bound to. His love for his kin overshadows his loyalty to the ThunderCats. This rarely seen conflict of interest within the ThunderCats is cleverly explored by Lawrence. Snarf jeopardizing the ThunderCats’ mission by letting his emotions get the best of him, serves as an important lesson for the audience.

Always looking for an excuse to change his form, Mumm-Ra morphs into Snarfer to trap the ThunderCats. The animation department deserves full marks for creating a subtle evil version of Snarfer. The sinister grin and pointed teeth convincingly transform the cutest ThunderCat into a scary fiend. Some of the dialogue exchange between the “Mumm-Ra Snarfer” and the ThunderCats is particularly funny, like when the tiny fur-ball orders the Cats to dig!

As soon as the Treasure of Thundera is found, courtesy of the Sword of Omens’ “Sight Beyond Sight”, Mumm-Ra reveals his true self. The ThunderCats fight back but armed with the Sword of Plun-Darr, Mumm-Ra proves to be too powerful and easily seizes all his adversaries. The episode ends with the fate of the captured ThunderCats hanging precariously on the edge of Mumm-Ra’s blade.

Written by Wilycub

 

	This episode introduces two new relatives of Snarf, the lanky cousin Oswald and the slightly chubby cousin Eggbert.
	We also get a glimpse of one the items of the Treasure of Thundera, a golden bracelet embedded with the ThunderCats insignia.
	It is rather surprising that Snarf Oswald does not recognize the ThunderCats as every Thunderian knows of them.
	Before sneaking off, Snarf and Snarfer steal the new gadgets developed by the ThunderCats. These include the Thermal Cat-suits, Cats Eyes and the Spring Heeled anti-gravity boots. They even have a ThunderCats Duffel bag to carry all the items in!