1987 Marvel Comics Map of Third Earth (Thundercats!)

A scarce 6-part map of Third Earth, the refugee world setting of Marvel's ThunderCats.

Third Earth

The ThunderCats comic book series extends the 1980s cartoon. It brings the ThunderCats universe and their battles against evil to the realm of graphic literature, offering a new avenue for fans to explore the adventures of Lion-O, Cheetara, Panthro, and the rest of the heroic felines. Launched by Marvel Comics' Star Comics imprint in 1985 and later continued by various publishers, including Wildstorm, the comics delve into the mythology of Thundera, Third Earth, and the characters. The series not only adapts episodes from the TV show but also introduces original stories, expanding the lore with new allies, villains, and challenges. With dynamic artwork and compelling storytelling, the ThunderCats comic books capture the essence of the original series while providing fresh perspectives and deeper insights.The story is set on the 'Third Earth', a planet where the protagonist ThunderCats arrive as refugees, fleeing Thundera, their doomed home world. Their adventures begin with their arrival on Third Earth, an exotic melting pot of landscapes, ecosystems, and civilizations, ranging from lush forests and desolate wastelands to advanced cities and mysterious ruins. It is inhabited by a wide array of creatures, both friendly and hostile, including sorcerers, robots, and spirits. There, they discover their arch-nemesis, Mumm-Ra, an ancient mummy who seeks to conquer the planet and eliminate the ThunderCats. The planet's rich history, coupled with its significance as a symbol of hope and new beginnings for the ThunderCats, makes Third Earth a central character in its own right.

Publication History and Census

These maps were published as centerfolds in specific 1987 editions of the ThunderCats comic book series. Although the map is unattributed, it is almost certainly the work of Kevin 'Kev' Hopgood, who illustrated those specific volumes. The map includes the accompanying volumes. Scarce.