Snarf (ThunderCats)

Snarf
ThunderCats character
First appearance	"Exodus" (ThunderCats) September 9, 1985
Created by	Tobin Wolf
Voiced by	Bob McFadden (1985 series) Satomi Kōrogi (2011 series) Victor Courtright (Roar)
In-universe information
Alias	Osbert
Species	Snarf
Gender	Male
Occupation	Servant
Relatives	Snarfer (nephew)

Snarf is a fictional character featured in the ThunderCats franchise.

1985 series

Main article: ThunderCats (1985 TV series)

In the 1985 version of ThunderCats, the character is an elderly Snarf, whose real name is Osbert. Snarf's friends are Jaga, Tygra, Panthro, Cheetara, Wilykit, Wilykat, and even Lion-O. Snarf served as a nursemaid and protector for Lion-O when he was a boy. 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. His catch phrase "SNARF!" means that he often refers to himself in third person. His enemies are Mumm-Ra, Ancient Spirits of Evil, The Mutants, The Lunataks, The Berserkers, and Grune the Destroyer.

2011 series

Main article: ThunderCats (2011 TV series)

In the 2011 cartoon, Snarf is the devoted cat-like pet of Lion-O. Unlike his predecessor, Snarf is primarily quadruped and does not 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.

ThunderCats Roar

Main article: ThunderCats Roar

In the 2020 cartoon, Snarf is re-imagined as a robotic, cat-like pet of Lion-O, equipped with multiple tools. He is again a quadruped, but does not speak at all.

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". In a 2002 interview set up by fan site ThunderCatsFans.org on AIM, writer Peter Lawrence revealed that executive producer Jules Bass came up with the character for comedic relief as “everyone loves some kind of whacko animal”. The 2011 counterpart, who is less human-like, has been more favorably received by critics and fans, who perceived his antics to be more "cute" than grating.

In other media

Snarf was also featured in South Park's season 11 series of episodes about "Imaginationland", and appeared as a hand puppet in the Adult Swim short film, Too Many Cooks.