Below you'll find images and summaries of the U.S. versions of the old comic series for ThunderCats, which ran in the 80s. There are 24 issues in all, and this page covers the first 12. From what I can tell, they follow the continuum of the TV series pretty closely, yet new story lines and ideas are meshed within them as well.
I've been working in conjuction with EOT to bring you the issues in pdf format faster with special thanks to Queen Lynxana. Those files will be denoted by an asterisk (*)
You will need adobe reader to view pdf files.
Enjoy.

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#1 SURVIVAL RUN!


Vol 1, No. 1 - Issued December 1985
Written by David Micheline. Art by Mooney, Breeding & Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 22MB.

This issue is mostly a rehash of the pilot episode Exodus with a bit of Unholy Alliance thrown in for good measure [see my episode synopsis page for the lowdown on those two episodes].
There are a few key differnces in the comic, however.
1. Cheetara explains that Thundera is dying because it broke from its orbit and began being drawn into the sun. The cartoon series, however, explained Thundera's demies in a later episode. In it, a claim that Jaga tossing the Sword of Plundarr into the planet's core eventually caused it to become unstable and break apart.
2. The different clans of Mutants are portrayed as unfriendly toward one another and united only in their lust for the power in the Eye of Thundera.
3. Jaga's struggle against loneliness during the long journey while the others were in suspension was touched upon, whereas it wasn't shown at all in at least the edited version of Exodus.
4. Lion-O's first clash with the Mutants as an adult played out a bit differntly.
5. Lion-O's childhood doll, Doofle, played a role whereas it wasn't in Exodus at all. I think it added depth to the from-boy-to-man concept, though.

#2 TEARS OF SUNRISE


Vol 1, No. 2 - Issued February 1986
Written by David Micheline. Art by Mooney, Breeding & Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 24MB.

The issue begins promisingly - it looks like the ThunderTank is going to run down the Berbils (do I seem happy? mwahahahaha). But no such luck. Disaster is diverted, after which Panthro explains that he doesn't have all the 'bugs' worked out of the 'Tank yet. It's established that there's a buggy Tank and the Lair is built, but the ThunderCats are still relatively newcomers to Third Earth.
Snarf, still not used to Lion-O being all grown up, sets off with WilyKit to find the Lord and tell him it's time for his nap (*snicker*). When they wander upon Lion-O sparring with the Sword against, um the air, Kit snickers at the sight and Lion-O is eager to prove he wasn't just goofing around. As proof, he shows them some food he found - a handful of wild berries. Snarf angrily knocks the berries from Lion-O's palm, explaining that one should not eat strange fruit.
As Snarf heads back toward the Lair babbling about how Lion-O would get himself in all sorts of trouble if not for his watchful eye, Lion-O gives Kit a wink and defiantly eats some berries anyway. Kit, of course, is quite amused and I liked how their relationship is portrayed here - afterall, to Lion-O, he may have a grown body now but Kit is still his peer in many ways.
Of course, Lion-O begins to feel ill effects almost immediately but manages to call the other ThunderCats with the Sword before collapsing. Once he's carried by Panthro into the Lair, Roberbill explains that Lion-O's consumed the Tears of Sunrise - named as such because most victims will die by sunrise if they can't recover. And there is no cure - one either lives through it or doesn't.

Meanwhile, the Mutants are at the Black Pyramid, grilling Mumm-Ra about why he hasn't done more to help them destroy the ThunderCats. Enraged at their insolence, Mumm-Ra transforms to his everliving form. But instead of vaporizing them, he has them gaze into magic vapors that show Snarf out wandering around on his own. The plan is to kidnap the nursemaid, and the Mutants are transported magically to where Snarf is.
Unaware of the danger he is in, Snarf snoops around in the wreckage of the ThunderCat ship for Lion-O's Doofle, a plush doll that Snarf knew the lad always found comfort in before. Just as he finds the comfort item, Slithe grabs Snarf and carries him off - which is witnessed by Roberbelle.
The female Berbil reports the events to the ThunderCats, who rush off to rescue their friend. Well, all except the twins, who stay behind with the ailing Lion-O.

The Mutants use Snarf to set a trap and a battle ensues. The kittens asleep near Lion-O, Jaga appears and tells Lion-O he must go help his friends no matter how crappy he feels. Convinced, Lion-O gets up and takes the Sword - which powers up and lifts him through the air, carrying him to where the battle is raging. Of course, the ThunderCats prevail and Lion-O is pleased to find his fever has broke.
At the end, Snarf threatens to toss Doofle, as it's clear Lion-O is too old for it now. Lion-O convinces Snarf to let him do the honors, but instead, places it in a drawer in his chambers for sentimental value. Jaga appears again to commend Lion-O on not burying the past. Little do they know, Mumm-Ra is spying again and sees that Jaga still exists in Spirit form...which gives him evil idears mwahahahaha!

#3 SIEGE IN SILVER AND STONE


Vol 1, No. 3 - Issued April 1986
Written by David Micheline. Art by Mooney, Breeding & Yomtov
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 24MB.
Special thanks to Wolfra for the scans and credit information below. The summary is made possible by what I gathered from Axelle's Cats Corner website.

This issue puts the spotlight on Panthro. He's out looking for Thundrillium when he unexpectedly has to come to the aid of a young Warrior Maiden, Tessa. He rescues her, but not without getting trapped in a cave with the ThunderTank too low on power to help them get out.
Meanwhile, Lion-O is warned by the Sword of Omens about Panthro's troubles and in a rash decision, rushes off to help by himself. Unfortunately, he runs into his own troubles - Panthro and Tessa end up solving their problem without the young Lord's help.
Panthro escorts Tessa back to the Tree Top Kingdom and is revered by the women for his bravery. Elsewhere, Lion-O is having a discussion with Jaga's ghost when the wise one inexplicably disappears in a flash or red light...

#4 JAGA QUEST


Vol 1, No. 4 - Issued June 1986
Written by David Micheline. Art by Mooney, Breeding & Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 23MB.

This issue takes up where issue #3 left off. Despite the fact that only Lion-O can see Jaga's spirit form, all the 'Cats rush off to see if they can find any clues as to what happened to him. While searching the jungle, 'Jaga' appears to Lion-O and tells him a temporary disturbance in the Astral Plane caused him to disappear before but that all was well now. Relived, Lion-O goes back to tell the others.
However, on their way back to the Lair, the ThunderCats fall into various traps and are taken captive by a mysterious stranger. When too much time passes, Lion-O signals the others with the Sword with no results. Worried, he bounds off to find his friends. Following an unfamiliar cat scent leads him to some ruins. When the sword sounds a warning, 'Jaga' appears again and tells Lion-O the same disturbance in the Astral Plane caused the judgment aura in the Eye and to ignore the warning. Believing him, Lion-O soldiers on only to walk right into the same stranger's trap.
The stranger, of course, is Lynxana, former ThunderCat turned bounty hunter. Lion-O breaks free and fights with Lynxana. When she mentions that she's glad old Jaga will witness Lion-O's fall, he realizes that it can't be the real Jaga, confirming this with the Sword's second sight powers. His cover blown, Mumm-Ra shows himself and fights. Meanwhile, Lynxana concludes that nobody should fall to something so evil as Mumm-Ra and actually helps Lion-O. With Mumm-Ra defeated, they form a truce in an effort to free the others and find Jaga.

#5 TO PLUNDER CASTLE PLUNDARR


Vol 1, No. 5 - Issued August 1986
Written by David Micheline. Art by Mooney, Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 24MB. Special thanks to Wolfra for the scans and credit information below. The summary is made possible by what I gathered from Axelle's Cats Corner website.

This issue is closely related to the story-line of the last one - Jaga is still missing and foul play thanks to Mumm-Ra is suspected. Lynxana, a spurned former noble turned bounty hunter, was introduced in issue 4 and continues to play a role here. Eventually, she forms a brief alliance with Lion-O, so appalled by Mumm-Ra's evil she cannot help but aid the ThunderCat in helping his friends. They have to first face the Mutants at Castle Plundarr and a super-powerful Mumm-Ra...

#6 MUMM-RA TIMES THREE


Vol 1, No. 6 - Issued October 1986
Written by David Micheline. Art by Mooney, Breeding & Yomtov
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 23MB. Special thanks to Wolfra for the scans and credit information below. The summary is made possible by what I gathered from Axelle's Cats Corner website.

I suppose you could say this issue ends the storyline started in issues 4 and 5. With the ThunderCats rescued from Castle Plundarr, Lynxana continues her alliance with the Cats as they speed toward the Black Pyramid in an effort to free Jaga's spirit. A showdown ensues between the Thunderians and the statues from which the Ancient Spirits of Evil (ASOE) channel their powers.

#7 BACK TO THUNDERA


Vol 1, No. 7 - Issued December 1986
Written by Gerry Conway. Art by Delbo & Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 25MB.

In another back-in-time adventure, Lion-O and Cheetara venture back to ancient Thundera. They manage this feat when investigating a strange disturbance on a dark mountain near the Berbil Village. Of course, Mumm-Ra is behind it all, even going so far as to separate the Thundercats via a rockslide. His hope is that while Lion-O and Cheetara are gone, the other 'Cats will be destroyed by strange insectoid creatures. Homesickness motivates the pair to step through the tear in time atop the mountain, and at first, Lion-O and Cheetara are thrilled to be back on Thundera - even if it was several millenia before either were born. They also bond with some natives, saving one's life in the process (one would have to wonder what such an act would do to history heh heh). It wasn't until nightfall that they realize their place really is on Third Earth, and that you really can't go back home. They make it through the time rip just in time and rescue the others. Well, did you really expect any different? ;)

#8 TO THE VICTOR, THE SPOILS


Vol 1, No. 8 - Issued February 1987
Written by Gerry Conway. Art by Delbo, Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 25MB.
Special thanks to Wolfra for the scans and credit information below. The summary is made possible by what I gathered from Axelle's Cats Corner website.

After a day of hard work on an aquaduct, the ThunderCats celebrate by some having some friendly competition. Unfortunately, the twins' victory quickly turns into a rivalry with the adult ThunderCats taking sides. While all this in-fighting is going on, the Mutants decide to attack the Lair and end up destroying the aquaduct and taking over the Lair. The ThunderKittens are also taken prisoner. Eventually, things are set right, but the end finds Lion-O musing aloud to Jaga if perhaps he's not a fit Lord because of the falling out. And apparently, Cheetara and Lion-O must have been among those who earlier disagreed because they apologize to each other.

#9 THE PRICE OF PRIDE


Vol 1, No. 9 - Issued March 1987
Written by Gerry Conway. Art by Delbo, Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 21MB.
Special thanks to Wolfra for the scans and credit information below.

Because of the earlier run-in with the Rockmen (in issue #3), Panthro and Lion-O decide it would be wise to build a defensive wall at the edge of the Plain of Fertility. They seem to also have a thing for calling the Rockmen derogatory names like "Pebble Head" and such.
At the same time, the Rockmen are suspicious of the 'Cats and a few are out spying on Lion-O and Panthro as they prepare to construct the wall. Some Rockmen view Panthro as a 'defiler' for trespassing in the aforementioned issue, and want some kind of retribution.
Obviously, this situation is ripe for misunderstandings and rash tempers to triumph over reason. And indeed it starts heading that way as soon as Lion-O and Panthro accidentally knock a portion of the wall they were building down onto the spying Rockmen, injuring their King's son, Pek. Outraged by what the King is told was deliberate wounding of his son, he orders his people to attack the ThunderCats. One such attack was an ambush on a bathing Cheetara (who knew she wore pink underpants? hehe!). These attacks culminate in Snarf getting seriously wounded.

Angered by Snarf's condition, Lion-O sets off to confront the Rockmen. The situation deteriates even farther, with neither leader listening to reason due to pride. Then, Lion-O pretty much loses it and attacks the Rockmen's King with his heart full of rage and a lust for vengence. It's only until Snarf, stumbling from his sick bed and reaching the scene in time, calls out that Lion-O snaps out of it and both leaders finally see where they have misunderstood the others' intentions.
I did wonder why the Sword of Omens allowed itself to be used against the Rockman King, because in the show it would often refuse to attack a soul that wasn't truly evil and certainly wouldn't work for Lion-O to carry out a bloodlust mission. Ah well.

#10 GRAVE YARD OF MEMORIES


Vol 1, No. 10 - Issued April 1987
Written by Gerry Conway. Art by Delbo, Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 24MB.
Special thanks to Wolfra for the scans and credit information below. The summary is made possible by what I gathered from Axelle's Cats Corner website.

In this issue, Panthro is again an interloper and gets himself and the other 'Cats in trouble. This time, while off hunting for Rumpa, he stumbles onto an ancient graveyard. The spirits there don't appreciate him snooping around and try to kill him. He manages to fend them off, but he ends up breaking things in the process. This makes the spirits even more irate.
After a fitful night's sleep, Panthro awakes and wonders if the graveyard incident was a dream. He realizes it was all too real when his friends fall ill thanks to the angry spirits. The only way to save his friends is to face off with the spirits once and for all. While he's gone, the Mutants attack the ailing ThunderCats - what a mess!

#11 THE ENEMY BELOW


Vol 1, No. 11 - Issued May 1987
Written by Gerry Conway. Art by Delbo, Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 23MB.
Special thanks to Wolfra for the scans and credit information below. The summary is made possible by what I gathered from Axelle's Cats Corner website.

Basically, moleman activity causes some catastrophes in and around the Lair. As Axelle pointed out on her site, the ThunderCats are acting rather out of character here when they plan an attack right away instead of investigating first. After more tremors cause them to fall into the realm of the molemen, the fighting begins. In the end though, they unite against a bigger threat - something called the Midges.

#12 BERZERKER RAGE


Vol 1, No. 12 - Issued June 1987
Written by Gerry Conway. Art by Delbo & Scotese
Download* the entire issue in pdf format. File size is 22MB.

In this issue, a peaceful race of islanders called the Nai come to the ThunderCats for help against the dreaded pirates, the Berzerkers. It seems the plundering crew took over their little fishing village and has all but forced them into slavery. Lion-O is quick to accept the Nai woman's plea for help, but both Cheetara and Jaga warn the young Lord against jumping in and committing his friends to something before he knows everything about the situation.
Lion-O leads on anyway, only to discover the wisdom of his elders' words - you see, the Nai are *so* peaceful, they refuse to help the ThunderCats fight in any way. After temporarily driving the Berzerkers back, Lion-O pleads with the people that if they want to remain to be free that they'd have to fight too - or they all may be lost. As the Berzerkers come back stronger than ever, Lion-O hopes his speech about how one can love peace but still fight when the cause is just sinks in. Luckily, the Nai come to their senses just as it really does start to look hopeless for the 'Cats, and disaster is averted.

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