For those who may be confused, there are two crossovers going on between Battle of the Planets and Thundercats: one by Top Cow, who owns the rights to BotP; the other by Wildstorm/DC, who owns the rights to Thundercats. Two special, two-part covers were made for the crossovers. Each crossover uses a different approach.
The Good: Fresh, humorous approach that reads like an episode from both original TV series.
The Bad: Art doesn't quite suit the G-Force side of the story.
The story: A mysterious dimensional rift appears between the universes of G-Force and the Thundercats, and Mark and Lion-O go to investigate. Mark is pulled through the rift, and he and Lion-O are taken prisoner by the Mutants, who have allied with the forces of Spectra. Meanwhile, both G-Force and the other Thundercats encounter each other while searching for their respective leaders. Although no stereotypical match happens between the two groups (i.e. the two groups meet, fight, decide they are fighting the same enemy, then become buddies), you can't really say they get along as they unite to rescue Mark and Lion-O.
When dealing with a superhero cartoon whose retro value you wish to exploit, there are two ways to do it: the dark and serious method, which has been employed by Top Cow and their attempt to bring elements of Gatchaman into the BotP universe; and the lighthearted tribute, where the campy and nostalgic elements of each show are highlighted. Writer/artist Kaare Andrews does the latter, and it works. Andrews accurately captures the dialogue and feel of both Battle of the Planets and Thundercats cartoons, and happily pokes fun at their idiosyncracies without becoming derisive. The trademark cartoon repartee is simultaneously silly and funny. Andrews even brings 7-Zark-7 and Snarf into the tale without causing the reader undue pain. The plot of the crossover itself is fast and loose and doesn't make much sense (much like some of the original episodes of both shows), but frankly, it doesn't matter. What matters is you've experienced the same kind of fun you may have had as a kid, munching Processed Sugar-Pops in front of the TV.
If I had any complaints about the story, they were minor nit-picks. I wished there had been more, sillier dialogue from the leader of the Mutants. And I wasn't sure why Jason was driving his transmuted Spacemobile around town, but wearing his civilian clothes. Jason's farewell to Cheetara might also have been a bit over-the-top, but... aw, who cares? The expressions on the other characters were worth it.
The art: Kaare Andrews employs a fluid and expressive cartoony style that both flatters and distracts from the story. I liked what he did with the Thundercats and other characters, but I don't think this style suits G-Force at all. Otherwise, the layout is simple and roomy, with good pacing and spacious panels.
In an inauspicious-looking interview at The Pulse, Andrews commented, "Just wait til you see Panthro pimped-out in some crazy G-Force civilian gear!" I cringed, but when that scene came up in the book, it worked. Especially considering the colors of the outfit, which matched those of Chief Anderson's suit.
The bottom line: A lot of fun. Recommended.
Other Reviews of Thundercats/BotP:
http://www.thefourthrail.com/reviews/critiques/052603/thundercatsbattleoftheplanets.shtml
http://www.zentertainment.com/comicreviews.php?op=showcontent&id=934
For those who may be confused, there are two crossovers going on between Battle of the Planets and Thundercats: 