As previously noted, Cartoon Network is remaking “Thundercats,” one of my favorite cartoons from childhood (along with “Belle and Sebastian” and anything that had robots), and this is supposedly the first official art released from Japanese animators Studio4°C — although that’s what they said about this art last June, so who knows.

The new “ThunderCats” will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode. [press release via]

Obviously, the biggest story here is that they’ve toned down Cheetara’s sex appeal. I mean, what gives? C’mon, Studio4°C, I don’t have a whole lot going on in my life. At least keep my fantasies of graphic sex with a cartoon cat-person intact.

UPDATE: BuzzFeed has a heartening image that reveals ample Cheetara 2.0 decolletage.