ThunderCats Roar: More Like Thunder-Lame, Am I Right? Let’s Dive into Why It Tanked
Remember “ThunderCats”? It was the 80s cartoon with space lions battling evil mutants. Laser swords and epic roars made it glorious. But then Cartoon Network rebooted it with “ThunderCats Roar”. It didn’t roar. It whimpered and faded away. Why? It crashed faster than Lion-O figuring out Earth customs. Let’s dissect this animated disaster.
Fan Fury: When Roar Became a Growl of Disapproval
Fans of the original “ThunderCats” *detested* “Roar”. Pitchforks and torches – metaphorically speaking, of course – were involved. They typed furious tweets. Critics were lukewarm. The OG fans? They went nuclear. The series got mixed reviews from critics and a complete obliteration from fans. The core issue? “ThunderCats Roar” did not resonate with fans of the original. Cartoon Network made something that felt different from the original series. They blended it all together and served it. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t the same. This lack of connection led to mixed reviews and a swift demise after one season. It wasn’t just quiet grumbling. It was “widespread negativity.” Fans vented frustration online. They felt betrayed, as if their childhood memories were trampled on by a cartoon rhinoceros. Organized resistance followed. Remember the hashtag “#ThundercatsNo”? Fans protested even before the show aired! That’s commitment to disdain!
Design Disaster and Tone Deafness
A huge chunk of the fan ire targeted the “unique” character designs. Let’s be polite and call them stylized. Others were less kind. The series received mixed reception from critics but was panned for design. The original ThunderCats were sleek and powerful. “Roar” changed them into something silly. Imagine a majestic lion turned into… a chihuahua in a lion mane. Not the same impact. But it wasn’t only visuals that failed. The humor tried to land but often felt forced and juvenile. Many found it out of sync with the spirit of the original. Reviews noted criticism of the “hum…” Most fans felt the comedy fell flatter than Panthro’s pancakes. Characterizations took a hit too. Lion-O, Jaga, and Panthro turned into caricatures. This trifecta of disappointment meant everything fans loved about the original was dulled or missing. Serious moments disappeared, replaced by slapstick humor turned all the way up. Ultimately, “ThunderCats Roar” seemed too kid-friendly and immature. Dumbing down led to alienation, even of the target kids.
Cancelled! Faster Than a Speeding Cheetara
Given the widespread negativity, “ThunderCats Roar” was cancelled after one season. The cancellation happened due to negative audience reception and a failure to connect with fans, resulting in mixed reviews and swift demise. That was it, in black and white. The announcement was unceremonious, dropped on Twitter by a writer and producer. Talk about a quiet exit. The show blinked out, leaving bewildered fans behind.
“Unique” Style? More Like Uniquely Unpopular
“ThunderCats Roar” featured a “unique humor and animation style.” Unique may describe it, but unique doesn’t imply good. The style became a major point of contention. It set itself apart from the original but not in a positive way.
Beyond the Roar of Disapproval: Other Factors in the Feline Fiasco
Fan disdain was the dagger in “ThunderCats Roar’s” heart. But other factors likely contributed. Poor ratings played a role. If no one watches, networks cancel shows, no matter how much creators love their vision. High production costs might also be to blame. Animation isn’t cheap, and failing shows mean networks won’t throw money at them. Lack of tie-in toy sales is vital in shows for younger audiences. “ThunderCats Roar” may have failed to inspire toy sales. If kids aren’t clamoring for action figures, it’s a poor sign that the show isn’t connecting.
Original vs. Roar: A Clash of Titans (Except One Was More Like a Kitten)
The biggest crime of “ThunderCats Roar”? It poorly represented the original series. The essence of ThunderCats got stripped away. It felt like ordering a steak but getting a tofu burger instead, told it’s the same thing. For fans wanting seriousness, “Roar” disappointed. The original had genuine drama, danger, emotional depth. Action got replaced by slapstick, with less roaring.
Reboot Redundancy: Not the First Feline Flop
Remember, “ThunderCats Roar” wasn’t the first revival attempt. The 2011 reboot also faced cancellation. While different from “Roar,” it too failed to capture a large audience. Perhaps ThunderCats are just relics of the 80s, best left untouched. In conclusion, “ThunderCats Roar” is a cautionary tale. It shows what happens when you prioritize reimagining over respecting source material. Targeting “kid-friendly” often sacrifices substance. Underestimating fans is unwise. Sometimes, nothing needs fixing, and trying to roar ends up sounding like a strangled meow.
