Stephen Moore is a versatile comic book artist and writer. From his work on properties like The Rocketeer to Midnighter to his creator-owned Half Past Danger, Mooney has time and again proven himself to be a clean, creative storyteller that brings a unique dynamism to whatever comic he tackles.
His work on Dynamite Entertainment’s ThunderCats is no different. Back in 2024, Mooney both illustrated and wrote a standalone story for the series’ fifth issue. In ThunderCats #5 (2024), we see team leader Lion-O despondent after a defeat, with little to console him. Teammate Cheetara decides that this cannot stand and attempts to pull Lion-O out of the dark depths of depression. While a self-contained story, ThunderCats #5 packs so much characterization and development in a mere 22 pages, development that would carry through the rest of the series.
Back in 2024, I spoke with Stephen Mooney about his involvement with ThunderCats #5, the story itself, and the love he brings to the franchise.
Editor’s note: Due to technical difficulties, this interview was never published. Those difficulties have been rectified and the interview is being published here now, edited with considerations of the time that has passed between the interview and today.
FreakSugar: Before we get into your issue of ThunderCats, what is your personal history with the ‘Cats?
Stephen Mooney: Like many other people in their forties, I suspect, it was mainly the glorious Saturday morning cartoon! They spent what seemed like 80% of their budget on that amazing intro… worth it, I reckon.
My cousin also collected the Marvel Thundercats comic series in the following years and it was actually one of the first American comics I ever read. I remember it being great stuff, but haven’t had the chance to revisit any of those issues since.
FS: Where do we find Lion-O and Cheetara at the beginning of your issue?
SM: A seismic event has just rocked the ‘Cats at the end of the previous issue and this story picks up at a low point for Lion-O, who feels that he’s let his team-mates down. Cheetara takes it upon herself to help him, using some tough love tactics. Lion-O has some rather harsh lessons to learn and she wants to be the one to deliver them.
FS: You’re writing and illustrating the issue. What is your process when approaching a standalone issue like this?
SM: It doesn’t differ all that much from writing for another artist, actually. I always write full scripts. whether for myself or for somebody else. I definitely make mental ‘sketches’ of set pieces and scenes as I go, but I actually do that with every script I write. For instance, I’m writing a Rocketeer series for another artist right now, but I still envisage all of those cool scenes as I write them, as if I was going to draw it myself. I think that goes a long way to guaranteeing that the book will be fun and engaging for any given artist. If I’d enjoy drawing it, it’s a fairly safe bet that they would, too.
FS: Do you have a favorite ‘Cat? If so, which one and why?
SM: Yup – Cheetara! Honest answer: because I was thirteen when I first saw her. Grown-up answer: because even as a kid, I could tell that she had a little more edge than many of the other ‘Cats. She had a tonne of agency, even back then, when female characters in perceived ‘boys’ shows were often given very short shrift and glossed right over. I find her genuinely interesting as a character and was very eager to add to her story. The two reasons I really took this gig were because Dec Shalvey is a good mate and Cheetara was to be the focus of the story.
FS: What’s been your favorite part of writing this “Training Day” issue?
SM: Just getting to play with some toys from your youth is always a fun time. I’ve been really impressed with how Declan and Drew (Moss) have handled the narrative and the transition to modern storytelling which they’ve employed with this new book. Plenty of the old, classic elements and just enough new angles to keep things fresh and interesting. The book has been fantastic; I’m not surprised it’s doing so well. Now it’s up to me not to drop the ball with this interlude issue!
FS: If you had one final pitch for the issue, what would it be?
SM: If you’ve ever wanted to see Cheetara kick the crap outta Lion-O, you’re in luck! She’s potentially the only ‘Cat who could even do it. But it’s all for a valid and necessary reason. She needs to break him down a little, before she can build him back up. It’s a beat-down for the ages!
You can still purchase ThunderCats #5 (2024) from Dynamite Entertainment.
From the official issue description:
Although Lion-O has the body of an adult, his accelerated growth means that his physical strength has outpaced his emotions, and he still has a lot of growing up to do before he can achieve the kind of maturity that every leader needs. Luckily, a seasoned warrior is ready to help him master his temper with some painful combat lessons!
In the aftermath of the Third-Earth-shaking events in the first story arc, Cheetara takes center stage for “Training Day,” a special standalone issue written and drawn by guest author STEPHEN MOONEY (The Rocketeer: The Great Race, Half Past Danger), who also contributes a cover for the issue together with series stalwarts DAVID NAKAYAMA, LUCIO PARRILLO, DECLAN SHALVEY, JAE LEE & JUNE CHUNG, and IVAN TAO!