Thundercats’ Huge New Character APEX Officially Launches New Era for the Franchise

A new era for the Thundercats franchise is on the horizon, all thanks to the arrival of an exciting new character: Apex. Earlier this year, Dynamite Entertainment relaunched Thundercats, breathing new life into the nearly 40-year-old property. The book features classic Thundercats characters such as Cheetarah, as well as introducing new characters to the mix, including the mysterious Apex, and the forthcoming Thundercats: Apex tells his story.

Today, Dynamite Entertainment officially announced Thundercats: Apex, which will be written by Ed Brisson and drawn by Rapha Lobosco. Spinning out of the end of the forthcoming Thundercats #8, the one-shot shines the spotlight on Apex. Writer Brisson explained that while Apex is a new character, he is integral to Thundercats lore, although he did not explain. Dynamite also revealed that the one-shot, which helps close out the Thundercats’ first year, will set up next year’s worth of stories.

Dynamite also revealed a cover gallery for Thundercats: Apex, which is shared here.

Dynamite Entertainment Has Given the Thundercats A Shot in the Arm

Dynamite Has Taken Some Big Risks with the Thundercats

Since acquiring the rights to Thundercats, Dynamite has given the venerable franchise new and exciting layers by striking a balance between the classic elements that made it a hit and introducing new characters to keep it exciting. Fans have responded to the reboot, helping propel the first issue to record-breaking sales. Written by Declan Shalvey and primarily drawn by Drew Moss, Thundercats continues to wow fans month in and month out. Dynamite also released a special miniseries, focusing on Cheetara and her life prior to Third Earth.

What has made Dynamite’s Thundercats title so exciting is the risks it is taking with the franchise. The Thundercats have been around, in one form or another, since 1985. There have been comic books, cartoons, toys and other merchandise featuring the Thundercats, all of which have helped center these characters in the hearts and minds of a generation. Thundercats fans may think there are no stories or new characters left, but Dynamite has proven them wrong. Earlier issues of Thundercats introduced Calica, another survivor of Thundera, who served as a potential love interest for Lion-O.

Apex Is Already One of the Most Important Characters in Thundercats History

However, Who is Apex? And Where Does He Come From?

Calica made a huge impact on Thundercats, and Apex is destined to make an even bigger one. Thundercats editor Nate Cosby explained: “Apex is new to the reader, but he’s been planning and plotting behind the scenes for a LONG time.” Neither Dynamite or others have revealed any information on Apex, such as his planet of origin or what exactly he looks like under that hood. With his cat-head staff and cloak, Apex cuts an imposing figure. Between Apex’s undeniably cool appearance and his mysterious background, he is the most exciting addition to Thundercats lore since its inception.

Apex’s arrival begins the victory lap for Dynamite’s Thundercats book. Over the past year, the creative teams behind them have continually exceeded fan expectations, and Apex represents the pinnacle of this effort. Both Ed Brisson and other Thundercats writers and artists hint that Apex is one of the most important characters in the franchise, and his rollout shows just how big he will be. Apex’s connection to the Thundercats will become clearer in the months ahead, as he pushes the franchise into a new era.

Thundercats: Apex #4 is on sale December 4 from Dynamite Entertainment!