Snarf (ThunderCats)

Snarf
ThunderCats character
First appearance	Exodus - January 23, 1985
Created by	Tobin Wolf
Portrayed by	Bob McFadden in the 1985 series Satomi Kohrogi in the 2011 series
Information
Aliases	Osbert Snarf-Ra
Species	Snarf
Gender	Male
Occupation	Servant
Relatives	Snarfer (nephew)

Snarf is a fictional character featured in the ThunderCats franchise. In the 1985 version of ThunderCats, Snarf is an elder Snarf, properly known by his name Osbert, which he hates. Snarf served as a nursemaid and protector for Lion-O when he was a boy.^[1] After Lion-O grew up, Snarf found that often Lion-O did not want to have him "mothering" or protecting him. Still, Snarf has remained loyal to Lion-O and the other ThunderCats. At times, he does come through in a pinch with an idea and takes action when it is needed. Even though not a fighter by skill or nature, Snarf is very agile. He also can communicate with other animals on Third Earth to enlist their help in his tasks, and once even tricked the Ancient Spirits of Evil into giving him a power up to become Snarf-Ra.

2011 series

In the 2011 cartoon, Snarf is a devoted pet of Lion-O. He is cuter and acts far more cat-like than his predecessor. Unlike the previous Snarf, he is primarily quadrupedal and does not have the ability to speak beyond the occasional murmured word, although later episodes do feature him making his characteristic "SNARF-SNARF" noise, and on occasion "SNARFITY-SNARF-SNARF" noise. Lion-O, at least, appears to be capable of understanding him.^[2]

Reception

The original version of Snarf received a mostly mixed to negative reception by both critics and fans, who perceived the character as being shrill or "annoying".^[3][4] But the 2011 version, who lacks the ability to speak, has been much more favorably received; its antics are seen as more "cute" than grating.

References