Apex, the latest addition to theThundercatsfranchise, just debuted with an unbelievably badass design. Dynamite’sThundercatstitle debuted earlier this year to critical acclaim and record-busting sales, thanks in part to its ability to break new ground while simultaneously honoring what came before. Now, in the forthcomingThundercats#8, Apex arrives, shrouded in mystery and looking mega cool at the same time.
TheThundercatswere created by Tobin Wolf and premiered in 1985, and was accompanied by a toy line.
ThundercatseditorNate Cosbyunveiled Declan Shalvey’s designs for Apex in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Cosby prefaces the designs by declaring Apex an “all-new character,” but does not reveal anymore. Cosby gives shoutouts to Shalvey, calling him a “maestro.” Shalvey’s designs for Apex paint a foreboding picture, as a hood obscures his features. Apex carries an imposing staff, complete with a cat’s head.
Finally, Cosby shares a work in progress image, showing Apex fighting one of the Thundercats.
Dynamite Caught Lightning in a Bottle WithThundercats
Dynamite’sThundercatsMixes New Characters with Fan Service
Dynamite’s newThundercatsseries has been a hitwith not only critics but also long-time fans. Written by Declan Shalvey and drawn by Drew Moss, the book had sold in excess of 150,000 copies ahead of its release this past Spring. Shalvey and Moss tap into the rich lore that madeThundercatsa hit, but beyond being just fan service, the book pushes the franchise forward. Shalvey and Moss have already introduced one new character: Calica, who helped shake the franchise up even further, and Apex’s arrival heralds even more exciting developments.
This raises another, even more intriguing possibility: that Apex is not a cat, and could be another type of creature altogether.
Just like Calica before him, Shalvey and Moss remain (understandably) mum about his backstory. What separates the two, however, is that fans see absolutely nothing of Apex’s face–his hood completely obscures it. This raises the obvious question of what Apex looks like under the hood. Furthermore,Calica had a cat-themed name, whereas Apex’s is anything but. This raises another, even more intriguing possibility: that Apex is not a cat, and could be another type of creature altogether. While Apex uses a cat motif in his clothes and choice of weapon, these could be red herrings.
Apex Is Sure to Shake Up theThundercats’World
But Who–Or What–Is Apex?
Regardless of what purpose they serve, Apex’s staff, hood and costume declare that a new force has arrived in theThundercatsuniverse. On the preview page provided by Cosby, Apex is giving one of the Thundercats a run for their money. The preview page, with no dialogue or colors, offers no further hints as to Apex’s identity, but it shows him as a worthy opponent. The multicolored rings on Apex’s belt are also enigmatic, and help further deepen the mystery of this badass new addition to theThundercatsmythos.
