For kids in the 1980s, few action figure lines could match the sense of adventure and mysticism of Thundercats. Combining science fiction with sword-and-sorcery elements, Thundercats became an instant hit thanks to its richly imagined world, unique characters, and a toy line that brought these feline warriors to life. The franchise, anchored by its animated series, introduced fans to Lion-O, Cheetara, and Mumm-Ra, among other colorful heroes and villains, and the action figures released by LJN Toys were some of the coolest items to hit toy aisles in the mid-80s. The battle for Thundera began on-screen but continued in the bedrooms and backyards of countless kids, creating a legacy that still endures.
From Screen to Shelves
The Thundercats television series premiered in 1985, produced by Rankin/Bass, the same company behind animated classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The show followed the Thundercats, a race of feline humanoids who flee their dying planet of Thundera and crash-land on Third Earth. Led by Lion-O, their young leader who wields the powerful Sword of Omens, the Thundercats face off against the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra, a villain who’s as terrifying as his name suggests. Mumm-Ra, the immortal, sought to take over Third Earth and claim the Eye of Thundera, the source of Lion-O’s power.
The show was a success not only for its exciting action but also for its mythology—a blend of futuristic technology, ancient magic, and a deep sense of heroism. But for many fans, the real treasure was the toy line, which let kids take the adventures of Lion-O and his comrades off the screen and into their own imaginations.
The Action Figures: Battle-Ready Heroes and Villains
Released by LJN in 1985, the Thundercats action figures were ahead of their time. Standing at about 5 inches tall, each figure was incredibly detailed, from the muscular build of the heroes to the menacing visage of Mumm-Ra and his minions. The figures featured action poses and “battle-matic” features that allowed them to swing weapons or simulate combat, a huge draw for kids who wanted their toys to do more than just stand around. The Sword of Omens, the Thundercats’ signature weapon, was a staple accessory, allowing Lion-O to defend the Thundercats in toy form just as he did on TV.
Lion-O, with his bright orange mane, fierce blue armor, and imposing stance, was naturally the centerpiece of the line. His arch-nemesis, Mumm-Ra, came with a striking design, transforming from a decaying old mummy into a towering, muscular sorcerer clad in armor. These two figures alone set the tone for the epic good-versus-evil battles kids could reenact.
Other key members of the Thundercats team, like the speedy Cheetara, the burly Panthro, and the clever Tygra, each had their own unique figure and weapon, allowing fans to build their team. Not to be left out, Snarf—the team’s faithful (and slightly annoying) mascot—also received his own figure, though his appeal was somewhat divisive among fans. Nevertheless, he played a key role in both the show and the toy line.
The Villains: Mutants and Monsters
The villain roster in the Thundercats toy line was just as exciting as the heroes. Mumm-Ra, of course, was the biggest bad, but the Mutants of Plun-Darr provided an excellent supporting cast of antagonists. Figures like Slithe, the reptilian mutant leader, Monkian, and Jackalman gave kids plenty of options to stage elaborate battles. Each villain was distinctive, with their own personalities, weaponry, and physical features, making the struggle between good and evil feel larger than life.
One of the most memorable additions to the Thundercats toy line was the ThunderTank, Panthro’s iconic vehicle. The ThunderTank could be converted between different forms, ready to take on the Mutants at a moment’s notice. Its menacing design, with massive treads and a powerful jaw-like front, made it one of the must-have toys of the series. It was large enough to fit multiple figures inside, which made it even more fun for kids who wanted to take their battles on the road—or across the living room.
Expanding the Line: Vehicles, Playsets, and Rarities
As with any successful action figure line, Thundercats wasn’t just about the figures themselves. The line expanded with a variety of vehicles and playsets that allowed for bigger, more epic battles. Beyond the ThunderTank, there was the Mutant Fistpounder, a vehicle used by the Mutants that resembled a tank crossed with a wrecking ball, perfect for smashing into the Cat’s Lair.
Speaking of Cat’s Lair, this massive playset was one of the crown jewels of the toy line. Standing over 2 feet tall, it replicated the Thundercats’ fortress from the series, complete with a retractable drawbridge, a cat-shaped head that opened up to reveal a control room, and multiple levels for staging battles. The playset was a dream for fans who wanted to fully immerse themselves in the world of Third Earth.
Over the years, the Thundercats line also produced rarer figures, many of which have become highly sought-after collectibles today. Figures like the Lynx-O and Bengali were produced in smaller numbers and are now prized by collectors for their rarity and detailed designs. Collectors and fans still hunt for these figures, which often command high prices on the secondary market.
A Legacy That Lives On
Though the original Thundercats series ended in 1989, its impact has never fully faded. In the years since, the franchise has been revived several times, with new animated series, comic books, and re-releases of the original toy line. In 2011, a rebooted Thundercats series aired, bringing updated designs and a more modern storytelling approach, though it was short-lived. More recently, Thundercats Roar took a comedic spin on the franchise, introducing the characters to a younger generation in 2020.
For fans of the original, however, it’s the 1980s series and the accompanying action figures that hold a special place in their hearts. The combination of rich mythology, cool vehicles, and distinctive character designs made the Thundercats toys more than just playthings—they were an invitation to explore a world of adventure, where courage and strength could conquer any villain, even one as terrifying as Mumm-Ra.