They had come quite a long way to get to Third Earth. They had escaped their home planet to find a whole new world waiting for them. Panthro understands that it is beautiful and there is much to be appreciated about the new home. He also knows better than to be complacent about it in ThunderCats #12. Writer Declan Shalvey continues an exploration of the beloved 1980s franchise with artist Drew Moss and colorist Martina Pignedoli. Once again, Shalvey and company add considerable depth to a property that wasn’t really allowed to reach for much complexity in the world of syndicated animated TV.

Panthro knows that the next battle is always around the corner. He might not know just how right he is. As he thinks these thoughts, a couple of his friends are engaged in a conflict. Cheetara asks Tygra is he wants to address a certain kind of unfinished business. He wants to take her. She won’t be taken easily. Shae has a reputation for fighting. Of course...they’re allies. And more than that: they’re lovers. The conflict is training, but it’s also an expression of affection that finds Tygra’s mind racing. Thoughts of certain properties of their new home have him thinking...

Shalvey evenly paces the issue with series of different scenes that all move the narrative forward one solid chapter. And there isn't too much of a focus on anyone character or group of characters. All of the central figures are pretty well represented. At least with respect to the heroes. The villains aren't quite given as much of a focus this particular issue. But there is a certain conflict in the very nature of survival in this new world that does make for a really compelling drama in and within the fantasy of the series.

Once again Moss uses the visual iconography that was developed for cel animation 40 years ago and makes it work on the page once more. It doesn't hurt that the character designed in the overall production design of THird Earth have a certain appeal to them that has lasted through the decades. And though the animation was never really allowed to explore the dramatic range that is capable with this particular fantasy world, it's nice to see some of that potential reaching the page in a way that feels suitably engaging. It all feels like it fits more or less perfectly on the page.

Shalvey is able to move forward on the story in various ways that feel like they're adding considerable depth to the story. That being said, there's a lot of mystery in and around the edges of everything that will take quite a few issues to develop at the current rate. This is a good thing, though. It gives the series plenty of room to grow. And it also allows the reader quite a bit of opportunity to engage in the world of the franchise with their own imaginations. Filling in the mysteries around the edges of Third Earth had always been so appealing when the franchise was first introduced four decades ago. It’s nice to see it given further life here.

Grade: B