ThunderCats blended science fiction and fantasy in the Rankin-Bass animated series in the mid- to late-eighties.
Lion-O leads the ThunderCats to success on television, in toy stores, and even in schools (maybe) from 1985 to 1989. Since then, the franchise has enjoyed two resurgences in this decade with toys, toons, and a tune that will be stuck in your head all day.
On this Presidents’ Day (Presidents Day, President’s Day), a day designed to give federal employees a three-day weekend (yes, that’s the real purpose of the holiday), the ‘Dads invite all EarBuds to pull their VHS copies of ThunderCats off the shelf, get their LJN action figures out of that dusty old attic, and get into the spirit of Thundera here on Second Earth for a time-traveling trip back to 1985-1989 with the unforgettable ThunderCats!
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Saturday Mornings: ThunderCats
From 1985 to 1989, kids were treated to a sci-fi/fantasy cartoon about cat people fleeing their destroyed home planet of Thundera to a futuristic Earth as they battled evil mutants who wanted to get their slimy (or furry) hands on the Eye of Thundera. Lion-O, Tygra, Cheetara, Panthro, Wilykat, Wilykit, and Snarf were pitted against the evil mutants S-S-Slithe, Jackalman, Monkian, Vultureman, and their terrifying undead leader Mumm-Ra. The combination of a kicking theme song, an amazing style that blended Rankin-Bass designs with Japanese animation, cool characters, fantastic weapons and vehicles, and a story that captured the imaginations of kids, teens, and maybe even some parents for fun afternoon television viewing.
Toys in the Attic: ThunderCats
LJN toys produced loads of figures, vehicles, and even a couple playsets alongside the ThunderCats animated series. More in scale with He-Man figures than Star Wars and G.I. Joe, ThunderCats followed the pattern of Mattel, Hasbro, and Kenner to fill toy aisles with plastic versions of the heroes and villains kids were watching on TV sets in their homes. Some of these toys can even fetch a hefty price with collectors. Be sure to watch garage sales and flea markets for bargains on these classic toys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpP9U3mpRl4
Star Wars Scrapbook
As Celebration Chicago draws ever nearer, and the future of Star Wars is yet to be seen (no trailer or title as of yet), shazbazzar and JediShua dust off Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual Chronicle in the Star Wars Scrapbook to look into the history of Star Wars and the people and events surrounding the 42 year-old franchise.
Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds! Be sure to check out episodes you may have missed on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, or at TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merch at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.
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Join shazbazzar and JediShua each week for a look back at the ’70s and ’80s as they share the fun and also fandom of their youth with their families, friends, and EarBuds. Topics include TV, film, music, toys, and games of the ’70s and ’80s like Atari, Ninetendo, Sega, and arcade games as well as franchises which have continued into the 21st Century, like Star Wars, TRON, and all sorts of time-traveling tales. TechnoRetro Dads creates new stories as old legends are passed down from one generation to the next.
If you’re a TechnoRetro Dad, the child of one, or just appreciate the ’70s and ’80s, then this podcast is definitely for you!