About the Voice Actors | About the Writers
About the Writers
By Martin
Additional material by Chris (He-Fan)
Leonard Starr
From 1985 to 1987, Leonard Starr served as the head writer and developer on ThunderCats. Starr was brought in the early production stages of ThunderCats and shown early concept drawings of characters, at which point he began to create the concepts behind the series. Starr created the ThunderCats team, the Mutants and finally Mumm-Ra and submitted his work to Rankin-Bass in the form of a Series Bible. Soon, Jules Bass developed other key concepts of the series, and Starr was brought in to begin writing scripts. Although the ThunderCats concept is credited as being created by Ted Wolf, Leonard Starr was one of the most influential people in the development of the series.
Leonard Starr is also an accomplished comic strip writer and artist, having created the comic strip On Stage (later titled Mary Perkins: On Stage), and receiving the National Cartoonist Society's Story Comic Strip Award for it in 1960 and 1963, as well as their reuben award for it in 1965.
Leonard Starr is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
1. Exodus
2. The Unholy Alliance
3. Berbils
4. The Slaves of Castle Plun-Darr
8. The Tower of Traps
11. The Ghost Warrior
14. The Spaceship Beneath the Sands
19. Lion-O's Anointment First Day: The Trial of Strength
24. The Crystal Queen
25. Lion-O'S Anointment Second Day: The Trial of Speed
34. Lion-O's Anointment Third Day: The Trial of Cunning
42. Lion-O's Anointment Fourth Day: The Trial of Mind Power
49. Lion-O's Anointment Final Day: The Trial of Evil
66. ThunderCats Ho! Part 1
67. ThunderCats Ho! Part 2
68. ThunderCats Ho! Part 3
69. ThunderCats Ho! Part 4
70. ThunderCats Ho! Part 5
71. Mumm-Ra Lives! Part 1
72. Mumm-Ra Lives! Part 2
73. Mumm-Ra Lives! Part 3
74. Mumm-Ra Lives! Part 4
75. Mumm-Ra Lives! Part 5
Peter Lawrence
Peter Lawrence has worked on various animated series aside from ThunderCats; he is perhaps best known for his development of the 1990s series The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest, which featured 3D computer animation. Lawrence has published several books. He has produced and directed documentaries, and sponsored materials and TV commercials for many multinational corporations.
Peter Lawrence is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
15. The Time Capsule
20. Mongor
22. Snarf Takes Up The Challenge
29. Sixth Sense
31. The Astral Prison
35. The Rock Giant
37. Mechanical Plague
38. The Demolisher
41. Excalibur
46. Good and Ugly
91. ThunderCubs Part 1
92. ThunderCubs Part 2
93. ThunderCubs Part 3
94. ThunderCubs Part 4
95. ThunderCubs Part 5
97. The Chain of Loyalty
111. Return to Thundera Part 1
112. Return to Thundera Part 2
113. Return to Thundera Part 3
114. Return to Thundera Part 4
115. Return to Thundera Part 5
William Overgard
William Overgard was an American cartoonist and writer, perhaps best known for his thirty-one years of work on the realistically drawn adventure strip Steve Roper and Mike Nomad. Overgard also wrote various screenplays and novels, as well as contributing scripts to Rankin-Bass' cartoon series, Silverhawks. William Overgard passed away in May 1990, aged 64.
William Overgard is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
10. Mandora - The Evil Chaser
16. The Fireballs of Plun-Darr
23. Mandora and the Pirates
30. Dr. Dometone
36. The Thunder-Cutter
44. Sword in a Hole
85. Side Swipe
100. Exile Isle
108. The Jade Dragon
109. The Circus Train
119. Screw Loose
122. Cracker's Revenge
126. Swan Song
130. The Book of Omens
Stephen Perry
Although best known for his work on ThunderCats and also SilverHawks, Stephen Perry has also worked on a variety of other projects, including a stint at Marvel Comics and work as a writer on Deluxe Comics' Thunder Agents series, where he worked alongside comics legend and Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko.
Stephen Perry is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
12. The Doomgaze
26. Safari Joe
32. Queen of 8 Legs
39. The Feliner Part 1
45. The Feliner Part 2
52. Tight Squeeze
61. Trapped
Bob Haney
Bob Haney had an extensive CV in the field of comic books, particularly working for DC Comics where his most notable feat was co-creating the original Teen Titans. Bob also worked on many of DC's flagship characters including Batman and Superman, and also produced scripts for the 1960s Superman and Aquaman cartoons produced by Filmation. Sadly, Bob Haney passed away in November 2004, aged 78.
Bob Haney is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
13. Lord of the Snows
17. All That Glitters
21. Return to Thundera
33. Dimension Doom
38. The Demolisher
43. Secret of the Ice King
60. Mumm-Rana
C.H. (Chris) Trengove
Chris Trengove is a noted animation writer with an extensive CV - as well as working on ThunderCats, Chris would work on a diverse range of other animated series, including SilverHawks, Peter Pan and the Pirates, The Legends of Treasure Island, Bob the Builder, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest and Lavender Castle, a computer-animated cartoon series created by Gerry Anderson, best known to British fans as the creator of action-adventure puppet shows such as Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet.
Chris Trengove is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
28. Turmagar the Tuska
40. The Wolfrat
50. The Super Power Potion
54. Out of Sight
76. Catfight
89. Hair of the Dog
123. The Mossland Monster
Kimberly B. Morris
Kimberly Morris has a long and extensive career in children's entertainment, where she is most noted as a writer of books for children and young adults - in the course of her writing career she has written books tying in to shows as diverse as Muppet Babies and Fraggle Rock through to That's So Raven and Sweet Valley High. Her television credits include scripts not just for ThunderCats but also SilverHawks and TigerSharks, as well as work as a Development Consultant for ThunderCats, TigerSharks and Mini-Monsters for Rankin-Bass, and Production Coordinator for a variety of animated children's specials. Kimberly is also much loved as a public speaker where she often gives talks and conducts workshops on the art of writing.
Kimberly Morris is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
59. The Trouble With Thunderkittens
79. The Mad Bubbler
84. Day of the Eclipse
99. The Telepathy Beam
103. The Formula
117. Frogman
J. Larry Carroll
J. Larry Carroll has been involved with television, both animated and live action, for many years. As well as writing for ThunderCats, Carroll also wrote for DIC's G.I Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and She-Ra: Princess of Power. Carroll also worked as a story editor on Star Trek: The Next Generation, a series that involved many other ThunderCats writers. J. Larry Carroll continues his career in writing today.
J. Larry Carroll is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
83. The Sound Stones
87. Hachiman's Honor
96. The Totem of Dera
102. Return of the ThunderCubs
110. The Last Day
116. Leah
Bill Ratter
As well as his work on ThunderCats, Bill Ratter also contributed scripts to Rankin-Bass' follow-up project, SilverHawks.
Bill Ratter is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
88. Runaways
97. The Chain of Loyalty
104. Locket of Lies
105. Bracelet of Power
118. The Heritage
127. The Touch of Amortus
Julian P. Gardner
Prior to his work on ThunderCats, Julian P. Gardner had already chalked up several writing credits on Rankin-Bass projects, namely some of the celebrated Christmas specials for which the company were famous. Julian wrote for several of these throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, including The Story of the First Christmas Snow, The Little Drummer Boy Book II, and The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus.
Julian P. Gardner is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
5. Trouble With Time
6. Pumm-Ra
7. The Terror of Hammerhand
9. The Garden of Delights
Lee Schneider
Lee Schneider has a varied and unique CV in the field of writing for television - as well as his work on ThunderCats, Lee contributed scripts to other animated shows Captain N and the Super Mario Bros. 3, SilverHawks and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as an episode of the soap opera Falcon Crest and several episodes of the show Modern Marvels for the History Channel, for which he also served as Producer for three of his episodes.
Lee Schneider is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
47. Divide and Conquer
53. Monkian's Bargain
62. The Transfer
65. Fond Memories
Matthew Malach
Like many other ThunderCats writers, Matthew Malach worked as a writer on SilverHawks, and in the 1990s went on to write for the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show and the more short-lived series, Pirates of Dark Water.
Matthew Malach is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
63. The Shifter
101. Key of Thundera
121. Helpless Laughter
128. The Zaxx Factor
Sandy Fries
Sandy Fries has written for numerous television shows including The Smurfs, Jem, Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Quantum Leap.
Sandy Fries is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
77. Psych Out
82. Time Switch
98. Crystal Canyon
George Hampton
Although ThunderCats would be his most prolific writing assignment in the field of animation, George Hampton would also pen an episode for both Transformers and Police Academy: The Animated Series, as well as two episodes of the 1984 comedy series Down to Earth. In all of his writing credits (including ThunderCats), George is joined by his co-writer Mike Moore.
George Hampton is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
81. Ravage Island
107. The Thunderscope
120. Malcar
Mike Moore
Although ThunderCats would be his most prolific writing assignment in the field of animation, Mike Moore would also pen an episode for both Transformers and Police Academy: The Animated Series, as well as two episodes of the 1984 comedy series Down to Earth. In all of his writing credits (including ThunderCats), Mike is joined by his co-writer George Hampton.
Mike Moore is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
81. Ravage Island
107. The Thunderscope
120. Malcar
Ron Goulart
Ron Goulart has been a prolific writer in the field of science fiction and crime stories. Much of his science fiction work is known to deal with robots, and his crime novels often take a humorous tone and involve famous historical Hollywood figures. Along with artist Gil Kane he created the Star Hawks comic strip, and also worked on William Shatner's Tek War comic series.
Ron Goulart is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
5. Trouble With Time
7. The Terror of Hammerhand
Howard Post
Howard Post is a comic book writer and artist, who has worked on many comic books for Harvey comics including Wendy the Good Little Witch and Hot Stuff the Little Devil. He also worked for DC comics on Anthro. Post was also the head of Paramount Cartoon Studios from 1968 – 1981.
Howard Post is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
18. Spitting Image
27. Return of the Driller
Bruce Smith
Bruce W. Smith is a character animator, film director, and television producer, best known as the creator of Disney's The Proud Family. Smith was intially one of the few African American animators working in the industry. As well as writing for ThunderCats, Smith joined Disney and worked on various projects such as Tarzan and The Emperor's New Groove, as well as co-directing the animated segments of Warner Brothers' Space Jam.
Bruce Smith is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
48. The Micrits
55. Jackalman's Rebellion
Herb Englehardt
Aside from ThunderCats, Herb Englehardt also wrote several episodes of the animated series Centurions, as well as M.A.S.K. and Transformers.
Herb Englehardt is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
80. Together We Stand
90. Vultureman's Revenge
Dennis J. Woodyard
Dennis Woodyard has worked on a variety of animated projects, including ThunderCats and the animated Men in Black cartoon series. In 2002, Woodyard was nominated for a daytime Emmy for Ozzy and Drix, in the category of "outstanding special class animated programme". Woodyard recently worked as a storyboard artist on the Marvel animated film Ultimate Avengers II.
Dennis Woodyard is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
125. The Shadowmaster
129. Well of Doubt
Barney Cohen
Barney Cohen was the co-creator of the television series Forever Knight, and worked as Executive Producer on the popular series, Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Cohen has also written several screenplays, including an entry into the horror series Friday the 13th. Cohen also penned the fan favourite episode "Evilseed" for the 1980s animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.
Barney Cohen is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
9. The Garden of Delights
Douglas Bernstein
Although ThunderCats would be his only foray into the world of animation, Douglas Bernstein also wrote an episode for two different comedy series, The Charmings and Wish You Were Here. As per the episode he wrote for ThunderCats, for each of his scripts on those other shows Douglas was joined by writing partner Denis Markell.
Douglas Bernstein is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
51. The Evil Harp of Charr-Nin
Denis Markell
Although ThunderCats would be his only foray into the world of animation, Denis Markell also wrote an episode for two different comedy series, The Charmings and Wish You Were Here. As per the episode he wrote for ThunderCats, for each of his scripts on those other shows Denis was joined by writing partner Douglas Bernstein.
Denis Markell is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
51. The Evil Harp of Charr-Nin
Danny Peary
There is a very famous American film critic and sports writer known as Danny Peary, but it is unknown whether this is the same individual who penned this episode. If anyone has more information, please send us an e-mail!
Danny Peary is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
56. The Mountain
Kenneth E. Vose
After more than twenty-five years experience in film and television as an editor, writer, producer and director, Ken Vose made the transition to full time author in 1985. Vose is a member of The Mystery Writers of America, The Author's Guild, The International Motor Press Association, The National Writers Union, The Dramatists Guild of America, and The Society of Automotive Historians. Aside from ThunderCats, Vose has also written for Peter Pan and the Pirates, SilverHawks and The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest.
Kenneth E. Vose is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
57. Eye of the Beholder
Jeri Craden
Like many of her fellow ThunderCats writers, Jeri Craden also wrote for SilverHawks, as well as penning an episode of the family action-adventure series Danger Bay. She also worked on various other animated cartoons during the eighties, although as a voice actor rather than a writer, with credits including Strawberry Shortcake, C.O.P.S. and Garbage Pail Kids.
Jeri Craden is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
58. The Mumm-Ra Berbil
Lawrence DuKore
Lawrence DuKore is a writer best-known for his contribution to the 1977 biographical film Greased Lightning. DuKore also wrote at least one play for The WorkShop Theatre Company.
Lawrence DuKore is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
62. The Transfer
Annabelle Gurwitch
Annabelle Gurwitch is an American comedic actress and writer, best known for being the original hostess of TBS's Dinner and a Movie. Gurwitch has appeared in over thirty movies, written four and produced one.
Annabelle Gurwitch is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
64. Dream Master
Heather M. Winters
Heather M. Winters' work in the television and film industry has mainly been behind the scenes, aside from her writing on ThunderCats, she has mainly served as a producer on a variety of projects with a career spanning two decades that continues today.
Heather M. Winters is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
64. Dream Master
Romeo Muller
Romeo Muller wrote many television and movie screenplays in his time as a writer; he was perhaps best known for penning holiday specials, including Christmas stories such as Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer for Rankin-Bass, which went down in history as the most popular television holiday special of all time. Muller also wrote the script for Rankin-Bass's acclaimed animated adaptation of J.R.R Tolkein's The Hobbit. Among his literary works, Muller is best remembered for the Puff the Magic Dragon series of books.
Romeo Muller is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
78. The Mask of Gorgon
James Rose
At the present time we have no information on this writer. If anyone is able to help with info, please send us an e-mail!
James Rose is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
86. Mumm-Rana's Belt
Becky Hartman
At the present time we have no information on this writer. If anyone is able to help with info, please send us an e-mail!
Becky Hartman is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
106. Wild Workout
David Carren
David Carren has written for a wide variety of television shows, ranging from science fiction series such as Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek: The Next Generation, to crime dramas such as Diagnosis Murder and Murder, She Wrote. Carren has also written screenplays and wrote and performed for the stage. David Carren is currently teaching screenwriting, film marketing, and film production at Houston Community College and CyFair College.
David Carren is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
116. Leah
Beth Bornstein
Beth Bornstein was no stranger to the world of animation when she came to write for ThunderCats, having previously written episodes for such major eighties hits as Transformers, G.I Joe and Jem. Years later, she would write an episode for the award-winning Batman: The Animated Series.
Beth Bornstein is the author of the following episodes of ThunderCats:
124. Ma-Mutt's Confusion
