Thundercats Unveils Lion-O’s Best Design Yet as the Hero Undergoes a Stunning Villainous Transformation

Warning: this article contains spoilers for Thundercats: Apex #1!

Apex Unveiled: A Dark Turn for Lion-O

In a shocking twist, Apex—a menacing entity that has been shadowing the Thundercats through various realms—has been exposed as a future incarnation of Lion-O. Yet, this version diverges drastically from the courageous hero fans cherish. Apex is characterized by his violent tendencies and merciless hand. Perhaps the most distressing revelation is that he has allied himself with the Ancient Spirits of Evil, who now refer to him as “Apex the Ever-Living.” Compounding this tragedy, it becomes evident that the original Thundercats team has perished, a loss that Lion-O/Apex bore witness to.

Revitalizing the Thundercats: A Year of Surprises

The first year of Dynamite’s relaunch of the Thundercats has been filled with unexpected developments. New characters like Calica, initially unveiled as a traitor, add depth to the narrative. Conversely, Apex’s identity has remained shrouded in secrecy, accentuated by his cloak that masked his face and hinted at connections with other team members. Furthermore, Apex wields a formidable axe, potentially serving as a dark counterpart to the Sword of Omens.

The transformation of Lion-O into Apex stands as a monumental development in both this series and the Thundercats franchise overall. Once the pillar of strength and moral authority for his allies, Lion-O, despite his youthful mentality, commanded respect and loyalty from the Thundercats. He guided them time and again to victories against formidable foes like Mumm-Ra and the Mu’Tants. The narratively rich fall depicted in Apex #1 serves as a poignant reminder of Lion-O’s tragic transition after the demise of his comrades.

The Disturbing Alliance with Ancient Spirits

Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of this shift in Lion-O’s character is his unexpected collaboration with the Ancient Spirits of Evil. Previously, these entities empowered Mumm-Ra, but now, they have seemingly transferred their allegiance to Lion-O. Apex #1 leaves many questions unanswered regarding Mumm-Ra’s fate and the timeline of Lion-O’s new alliance, setting the stage for future revelations in the ongoing series. This layered narrative distinguishes Dynamite’s iteration of the Thundercats from past attempts to reboot the storied franchise, with writer Declan Shalvey and artist Drew Moss weaving intriguing plots that keep readers engaged.

A Hero’s Descent: Lion-O’s Dark Makeover

As Lion-O descends into darkness, his transformation into Apex showcases one of the most captivating character designs of the series. Despite embracing a malevolent path, he retains an imposing presence, amplified by his newfound powers from the Ancient Spirits of Evil. The remnants of Mumm-Ra’s attire—shrouds and bandages—now adorn him, transforming him into a figure that evokes both dread and a sense of tragedy.

Lion-O with the Thundercats team — Custom Image by Sam MacLennan

In conclusion, Thundercats: Apex #1, available now from Dynamite Publishing, marks a significant and haunting chapter in the Thundercats legacy. With its blend of nostalgia and innovative storytelling, it captivates both long-time fans and new audiences alike.

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