It’s happening: after almost 40 years, the Thundercats franchise is turning Snarf into a badass. Snarf has been a key part of every incarnation of the Thundercats, but in most he is regarded as a buffoonish joke character. The Thundercats’ most recent revival, by Dynamite Entertainment, has continually subverted fan expectations, and in a first look at Thundercats #13, it is Snarf’s turn to take the spotlight.

Dynamite has released their February solicitations, including for Thundercats #13. The issue, by the regular Thundercats creative team of writer Declan Shalvey and artist Drew Moss, will shine a light on Snarf, Lion-O’s small and furry companion. The solicitation reads as follows:

Snarf has already made an appearance in Dynamite’s Thundercats title. While he has only made a handful of appearances, Shalvey and Moss have established there is much more to Snarf than fans originally thought. It is but one of the many mysteries that Shalvey and Moss have created for their new Thundercats title.

Snarf's Thundercats Origin and Role, Explained

Snarf Was Not the Most Popular Member of the Thundercats Team

However, not every character landed with fans–and Snarf was one of them.

Debuting in 1985 with an animated cartoon and a toy-line from LJN, the Thundercats would become one of the most beloved pop culture franchises of its era, and the numerous reboot attempts over the years speak volumes to its endearing nature. Thundercats’ success can be attributed in part to the awesome character designs, which mix fantasy and science fiction elements with cats. Factor in equally cool vehicles and playsets, and it was no surprise to see why kids took to it in 1985. However, not every character landed with fans–and Snarf was one of them.

In the world of the Thundercats, Snarf was something of an outlier. While Lion-O, Panthro, Cheetara and the rest were clearly a particular type of cat, there was some confusion over what Snarf was supposed to be. In the classic Thundercats cartoon, Snarf was portrayed as an idiot, bumbling his way through one situation after another. His vocabulary was extremely limited as well. It can be argued that Snarf was there for comic relief, and to appeal to small children. These qualities have led to Snarf not enjoying the best reputation among Thundercats fans.

Snarf Finally Gets His Time To Shine, and Proves He Is Worthy of Being a Thundercat

But Just How Powerful is Snarf?

Now Declan Shalvey and Drew Moss have come to give Snarf a serious upgrade, which keeps in line with the spirit of their Thundercats line. The book subverts fan expectations for each issue, be it revealing Third Earth was a Thunderan penal colony or that Snarf was, in fact, very powerful. Snarf returned to continuity in Thundercats #3, and over the remaining issues, major hints have been dropped about Snarf’s true nature. Far from being comic relief or a bumbling idiot, here Snarf is a valued member of the team, with mysterious powers that will be revealed in later issues.

Dynamite has introduced new character, such as Apex and Calica, to the Thundercats universe.

Snarf’s ascension to badass status in the Thundercats universe is long overdue. Dynamite’s Thundercats revival has added new and fascinating layers to the franchise, ensuring it stays fresh and not relying solely on nostalgia. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to take a character everyone wrote off as a joke and show how compelling they can be, which is what is happening here with Snarf. Just how powerful Snarf is remains to be seen, but his time in the spotlight has come, proving his worth to the Thundercats.

Thundercats #13 is on sale February 26 from Dynamite Entertainment!