Thundarr the Barbarian by Toth, Neno, Hoberg and Panosian
Thundarr the Barbarian lasted only two short seasons totalling 21 episodes between 1980 and 1981, but it’s well-remembered by its fans, and it stands up to adult viewing better than some other shows of the era.
The series was created by writer Steve Gerber. Martin Pasko, Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway and Buzz Dixon – all comic book writers like Gerber – contributed episodes. Pasko was the story editor for the eight episodes of the abbreviated second season. Alex Toth designed the main characters before leaving for other projects. Jack Kirby contributed production design and other characters.
Producers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears said they thought Thundarr was their best project.
We have a few production art pieces to share this time out, plus two tribute pieces that get the cover treatment.
Colour and trade dress by me.
Alex Toth, 1979
Concept art by Alex Toth with a good Thundarr logo.
Ruby-Spears, 1980
The show’s main title, with a not-great logo.
An episode title card with the good logo.
Live-action Thundarr, Ariel and Ookla on the Yummy Awards.
Michael Neno, 2016
Neno’s final version. Original art scans from the web. Visit his site.
Neno’s pencils.
Neno’s inks.
Art made production ready.
New colour version.
Re-created trade dress added.
Rick Hoberg, 2017
Original art scan from the web. You can find Hoberg here.
Re-created trade dress added.
Dan Panosian, 2021
Original art scan from the web. You can find Panosian here.
Art made production ready.
Colour version.
Re-created trade dress added.
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