Technically volume five hasn’t been released yet, so I’m giving my own title to #21-25, and a lot of lore has been dropped. See description for #21.

In this issue: Lion-O returns to the Cats’ Lair to reclaim his leadership over the ThunderCats! Visibly older and wiser, the now-seasoned ruler carries himself with a new air of authority – something that puts him on a collision course with Apex’s mysterious plans!

That only covers #21 which nicely wraps up the Terminator-esque/Apex arc and sets up a new status quo for Lion-O’s leadership style. While his time away has given him new wisdom, Moss/Shalvey leave an undercurrent of unease. For as much wisdom he gained alone, it doesn’t translate well when he’s back with the team. You know, actually leading the people.

He still has his selfishness and his childish anger whenever he finds out he’s the last to know Jaga’s secret agenda. You’re left wondering if maybe Apex had a point that Lion-O’s fate is inevitable and he’s on the road to become the monstrous brute Apex is.

#22 was all from Jaga’s POV, exposition-dumping the formation and mission of the Grey Cats (basically the secret ops) and why/how Calica joined. Jaga is a really interesting character as he has evolved from beloved advisor figure in the beginning to hints and revelations of the morally grey character he actually is and the lengths he’s willing to go to protect Thundera. Oof, the scene where the mission succeeds at the sacrifice of his team members, and the new enemy he made in Lynxania, damn. It was so good!

#23-24 was more set-up and exposition for the big Thundercats x Silverhawks crossover, but I do appreciate how they thread in character arcs like Panthro continuing to find a new position to be useful since he doesn’t have the same brawn he used to. And I really admire the rune styled art shift in #24 from the Book of Omens narrating the Thundercats history.

Cheetara, Tygra, and the cubs don’t have much to do are arcs to go through. At least Cheetara shows potential signs of resentment in #25 when Lion-O removes her from leadership. Interesting as she stated she was unsure of long-term leadership, but it clearly grates on her that Lion-O feels that he doesn’t need her advice. Possibly this is because of her long-term loyalty to Jaga whom Lion-O no longer trusts. I hope Shalvey/Moss pick that up when the story continues.

As for Jaga’s fight with Lion-O in the last issue, I was left a bit confused. I thought Jaga was full-on possessed by Mumm-ra? Or he had gone mad from being corporal to human again. The guy seemed to have mind controlled all the Thundercats to fight Lion-O, then he suddenly dies and everyone acts like nothing happened- Super confused and rushed. I just don’t understand what the point was. To make Lion-O feel betrayed and push him more to Apex? To have a final emotional moment with Jaga’s death? I don’t know, and I feel like I probably won’t ever know because we’re going into the crossover.

Calica and Lion-O are now officially a couple, which I never quite bought, but I guess I like how she calms him down and she is the sole person he is willing to listen to. Ie. realizing Jaga may have point. I’ll hold my opinions on it for now.

Overall, this volume is great for readers who want to take a breather, and process the new lore. Moss/Shalvey do their best in building anticipation, and I’ll admit I feel some shivers of excitement at the thought of the Thundercats finally meeting up with the Lost team. But some may be disappointed by the lack of action, and the feeling these are just set-up issues for the greater arc. And the Jaga fight was just confusing.

3 stars

Next up, I have to catch up with the Silverhawks.