Simba vs Kimba | Hammers High

As the Lion King roared on the screen in 1994, uproar went across Japan, not in appreciation but in opposition. The countrymen felt cheated, their culture undermined, and above all, their lovable artist Tezuka not credited of what he deserved.

Osamu Tezuka is the most reverend comic and cartoon artist of Japan. He also introduced the idea of epics to comics, which he first realized with Jungle Emperor. This was a comic and later made into a weekly TV series in 60’s. It was then translated in English and aired as ‘Kimba the White Lion’ in 70’s, which turned out to be a landmark in animation industry. The basic storyline, being of an orphaned cub, raised by humans, who gets back to his kingdom to fight the villain and establish a civilized kingdom. I am sure, you must be thinking I am narrating The Lion King’s story with added spices, but dude, Kimba and Simba have much more in common. An all knowing baboon, an annoying squeaking bird, love interest female cub, evil uncle with a scar on eye and pack of hyenas. No one can ignore, the similarity in pride rock pose, unfortunate stampede, funny face while eating bugs, and guiding parent speaking between the clouds. Even, as per sources, Simba started out as a white lion until one of the animators spoke up: "Not even OUR lawyers are THAT good!"

But let me tell you other side of coin too. Tezuka had himself acknowledged Disney’s influence on his life and art. He considered Walt Disney as an idol and wrote an autobiography to show his dedication. He was inspired by Bambi and Tarzan to create Jungle Emperor, and even critics agree on Disney’s influence on it in terms of cartooning and animation style. Looks like, we came back a whole circle.

The heir of Tezuka’s copyrights did not file a law suit against Disney, considering the relationship Tezuka and Walt Disney held. He stated, “If Tezuka were alive and knew about, even the rumour , that Disney might have copied elements of his work, he would have been proud.” Leaving aside emotions, a fact could have been that the rights to ‘Kimba the White Lion’ were tied up in legal battles for many years, and nobody knew who had the US rights to Kimba from 1978 on.

As a Disney lover, I cannot deny that they have been retelling others stories, be it fairy or historical tales, so why not one more. But a simple note of acknowledgement would have done no harm. I'll let you be the judge. I have merely presented the case, such as it is, with the facts that I could gather.

Written By: Neha Jain