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Thundarr the Barbarian #1

Demon Dogs! Despite its short run of only 21 episodes, during the most competitive age of Saturday morning cartoons, 1980's Thundarr the Barbarian left its mark. Set in a dystopian future ruled by savagery, super-science, and sorcery, kids were introduced to the barbarian Thundarr and his companions the sorceress Princess Ariel and Ookla the Mok (obviously a Chewbacca-inspired sidekick). Created by Steve Gerber, with character and world design from both Alex Toth and Jack Kirby (yes, that Jack Kirby), and beating He-Man to television by three years, the cartoon would leave quite an impression on children of a certain age.

Open with an auction of slave humans (including Thudarr) by the River Pirates to the likes of the Carocs, Raiders of the Abyss, Man Apes, and Groundlings, Thundarr the Barbarian #1 sets up the world and, with Thundarr's attempts to free the slaves, quickly crystalizes the hero of our tale (and introduces his companions who arrive as back-up). There's quite a bit of fun for fans of the show, including a cameo from the show's most memorable villain Gemini, and a plot by the wizards to stop Thundarr once and for all, with enough world building to allow new readers easy access into the the odd mix of sci-fi and fantasy that made the original so memorable.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $4.99]

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