Thundarr The Barbarian

Thundarr The Barbarian is an animated television series that first aired in 1980 and ended in 1981. Created by comic and animation veterans Steve Gerber and Alex Toth, the show was produced by the famous animation powerhouse, Ruby-Spears Productions. This short-lived yet influential animation leaves viewers with memories of a far-future, post-apocalyptic world brimming with strange creatures, magic, and high technology.

In Thundarr The Barbarian, the very fabric of civilization is drastically altered when a runaway planet speeds between the Earth and the moon in the year 1994, causing massive natural disasters that shatter the moon and bring devastation on Earth. This catastrophic event ushers in a new age where civilization is reduced to ruins, and the world becomes a terrain inhabited by fantastical beasts, sorcerers, and a whole host of mysterious and otherworldly beings. The narrative picks up 2000 years post this apocalypse, in a new world that's a wild mix of barbarian culture and futuristic technology.

The plot centers on the titular character, Thundarr, a heroic and chivalrous barbarian with a quirky sense of humor. Thundarr, with his powerful Sunsword - a laser saber-like weapon - voyages through this dystopian landscape on a fierce, lizard-like steed referred to as 'equort'. Thundarr showcases a ceaseless dedication to fight against tyranny and oppression. He embodies the archetypal courageous hero, combining his raw, physical strength with a heart full of empathy, kindness, and a vehement drive for justice.

Thundarr is accompanied by Princess Ariel, a powerful, intelligent, and independent sorceress belonging to the lost civilization, and Ookla the Mok - a leonine, fierce yet loyal beast-man species from a planet called 'Mok'. Ariel aids the team with her remarkable knowledge of the ancient Earth and her mighty sorceress skills, making her an invaluable member. Meanwhile, Ookla uses his brute strength and beastly traits which prove advantageous in their adventures. The trio journeys through the Earth's ruins to battle malevolent wizards, robots, and creatures in their quest to bring about peace and justice to a lawless and tumultuous world.

Thundarr The Barbarian presents plenty of spectacular elements and has the unmistakable hallmark of a classic Saturday morning cartoon series. The show represents a fascinating blend of fantasy and science fiction genres, creating a captivating universe that thrives on the amalgamation of magic and mysticism with the ruins of high technology. It's laden with imaginative monsters and ghastly villains, each with their horrifying lairs sprinkled throughout a barren world that was once bustling with humanity. The human remnants within the world are frequently portrayed as tribal societies, uninformed about the technology from the past, creating a stark contrast against Thundarr and his friends' knowledgeable outlook.

Artistically, the series is renowned for its high-quality visuals, known for their vivid colors and intricate detail, thanks to the hand of legendary cartoon artist Alex Toth - the creative mind behind animated classics such as Super Friends and Space Ghost. This creative prowess lends nostalgia to the 80s era, and despite the series’ brevity, it has managed to engrave its position in the popular culture realm.

Simultaneously, the series is also infused with clever humor and witty one-liners that lend a comic appeal to the dystopian setting, offsetting the atmosphere of a post-apocalyptic world. With its intense action scenes, mystical sorcery, compelling characters, and imaginative techniques of storytelling, Thundarr The Barbarian delivers an outlandish, awe-inspiring depiction of a post-apocalyptic world.

Returning viewers, as well as those discovering it for the first time, can appreciate the show for its innovative rendering of a futuristic dystopia, the camaraderie amongst the show’s characters, the epic battles woven into the plot, and the unique blend of fantasy and science fiction.

Despite running for just two seasons, Thundarr The Barbarian left a lasting impact in the realm of animation, acting as a testament of its time and influencing various successful series that followed. It is a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, leaving an indelible mark on its audience with its exceptional storytelling, humor, action, and unforgettable characters.