Tundro
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[edit] Description
Tundro is one of the infamous Herculoids. Along with Zok, Gleep, Gloop, Igoo, and the humans Zandor, Tara, and Dorno, he is a defender of the land of Amzot on the planet Quasar. Tundro is a ten-legged behemoth that resembles some fantasic cross between a rhino, millipede, armadillo and triceratops. He stands approximately 9 feet tall and is covered with impermeable armored skin. As a result of having ten legs Tundro can move at surprising speeds, which makes him the choice ride for Zandor. Tundro's legs also have the ability to greatly extend allowing him to reach greater heights. Each Herculoid possesses a powerful trait that makes them unique. Tundro is able to launch round energy stones from the longest horn that protrudes from his skull. The stones are charged with combustible energy that causes them to explode once they make contact with a target. From observing the cartoon it indicates that there is no real limit on the range of Tundro's projectile energy rocks. This obviously gives him a great advantage over his enemies. The energy rocks are very similar to the rocks that are shot from Zandor and Dorno's sling-shots. It is never determined if they are actually the same rocks or not. If Zandor, Tara, or Dorno is riding Tundro, he is able to protect them from enemy projectiles. He can raise his armored mane to use as a shield. Tundro's massive body was covered with thick armored plates that were never penetrated in any episode. There are twelve large armored rectangular plates. There are six on each side. Tundro also has a small tail that resembles that of a rhinocerous, but serves no significant purpose in the cartoon. Tundro is voiced by Mike Road. Mike Road was also the talent behind Zok, Zandor, and shared the vocal duties of Igoo with Ted Cassidy. Road was also the talent behind Mr. Fantastic in the 1978 Fantastic Four. 36 episodes of The Herculoids were created, and Tundro appeared in every one.
[edit] Merchandising
Tundro has been merchandised into numerous products, including action figures, posters, lunchboxes, and comic books. The rights to the Herculoids action figures are owned by Toynami. Tundro appeared with the Herculoids in several comic books that featured other Hanna-Barbera characters from the same genre. Decades after the shows debut in the 60's, the Herculoids were featured by DC Comics in several issues of Cartoon Network Presents. The comics are currently out of print. Action figures from the series are still available for purchase. All existing episodes were compiled and sold as a collectors VHS.
