Kimba's father Caeser was King of the Jungle, but he is killed by a professional hunter, and Kimba's mother shipped off to a zoo. Kimba is born on board and escapes when the ship is wrecked. He makes it back to Africa where he sets about realising his father's vision of creating a jungle haven for all animals, free from fear of each other and humanity. Kimba wants to bridge the divide between animal and human culture, a philosophy which brings him into conflict with some members of the animal community.
Released: 1965
Language: English
Alternate Title: Janguru Tatei (Japan)
Style: 2D animation
Rated: G
Number of Episodes: 52
Featuring the voices of:
| Billy Lou Watt | ... Kimba |
| Gilbert Mack | ... Pauley Cracker |
| Ray Owens | ... Dan'l Baboon, Narrator |
| Francine 'Sonia' Owens | ... Kitty, Mammoth, "Aunt" Belladonna |
| Hal Studer | ... Roger Ranger |
Directed by: Eiichi Yamamoto
Theme Music by: Bill Giant, Bernie Baum and Florence Kaye
Extensive similarities have been noticed between 'Kimba' and Disney's 'The Lion King', and in a 1993 interview Roy Disney said "Wait until you see next summer's "The Lion King," and Kimba's mother. She's quite lovely." (for a full list of comparisons see 'The Lion King' page in the Kimba website linked below)
Created by Osamu Tezuka, 'Kimba' was the first colour anime series ever broadcast. Tezuka also created 'Astro Boy', the very first anime series.
Kimba was re-released in the 1990's on VHS, re-dubbed by a Canadian company. These tapes are called 'Kimba the Lion Prince' in the USA, but 'Kimba the White Lion' everywhere else. Although they have their merits, the original voice cast is gone, the great original theme song is gone, and frankly I would advise you to avoid them. Play it safe and follow the merchandise links here, which are to the newer re-releases of the original 1966 voice cast and soundtrack.
Links:
- kimbawlion.com -- Most comprehensive Kimba site on the web - everything you could want to know.
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Kimba the White Lion
