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Osamu Tezuka based Kimba the White Lion on his long-running manga Jungle Taitei (“Jungle Emperor”). Because it was partially funded by NBC Enterprises, the show remained episodic, with no sustained story arcs. Tezuka had wanted to adapt the storyline of the manga, which traced the main character’s childhood, adult years, and eventual death, followed by his son’s succession. When Kimba debuted in syndication in 1966, it was the first color Japanese series to air in the U.S.

Born on the ship transporting his mother to a European zoo, Kimba escapes and swims back to Africa, where he’s hailed as the successor to his father, Caesar. With the assistance of wise old Dan’l Baboon, bigmouth parrot Pauley Cracker, and kindly human Roger, Kimba protects all the animals in the jungle. He insists on good sportsmanship, honesty, and friendship, sometimes to the point of priggishness.

The unabashed moralizing, cute designs, and very limited animation make Kimba feel like a throwback to the mid-1950s, when cartoon series were pitched to very young children. By the time the series aired, American kids were watching much more sophisticated shows: The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, Beany and Cecil, and The Flintstones. The stories have some distinctly odd aspects: Kimba insists all the carnivores switch to a vegetable diet, and, in some episodes, he sleeps with the rug made from his father’s hide.

The extras include the original Japanese version of episode 1, scenes that were deleted from five episodes, and a 32-page booklet “How Kimba Came to Be” by Robin Leyden and Fred Patten (published in Fanta’s Zine in 1991). Kimba has been remade several times over the decades. (Not rated, suitable for ages 5 and older: cartoon violence) –Charles Solomon

Product Description

Now Kimba’s enchanting adventures of friendship, jungle survival and harmony return once again in this beautifully restored complete DVD collection ready to be introduced to a whole new generation of fans. Join Kimba along with his pals Pauly the Parrot, Daniel Baboon, and a charming assortment of other loveable characters, as he follows in the footsteps of his late father, the great lion king, making the jungle a safer, better place for everyone to live. This DVD Box Set collects all 52 color episodes masterfully restored on 10 DVDs plus an additional bonus DVD packed with tons of extras. Each episode is presented in order according to Osamu Tezuka’s original storyline. Also includes a special “How Kimba Came to Be” booklet written by Fred Patten and Robin Leyden. From Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Astro Boy, comes Kimba, one of the “first-generation anime classics” to reach American TV – the very first Japanese animation to be broadcast in color, in 1965. Fans have long remembered its catchy theme song, spectacular designs, pioneering animation techniques and gentle stories. Includes a special “How Kimba Came to Be” booklet written by Fred Patten and Robin Leyden. DVD Features: All original 52 Kimba Episodes masterfully restored, a special “How Kimba Came to Be” booklet written by Fred Patten and Robin Leyden, Original Japanese Episode 1 (with English subtitles), Interview with Fred Ladd, Deleted Scenes, Textless English Opening, Original English Closing, Original Character Art Gallery, Merchandise Gallery, and Character Profiles. Spoken Languages: English