The story behind Black Lion and Cubs: A father’s gift to his children

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Black Lion and Cubs is a fun and welcoming world inspired by anime, where Black characters and strong family bonds are celebrated.

I recently discovered ‘The Black Lion and Cubs,’ and it’s so cool! The creator actually came up with the idea because he wanted something his own kids could really connect with. It’s this really fun, family-friendly anime world that feels like it jumped straight out of the 80s, packed with nods to classic anime and pop culture. What I love is that it’s designed to be a safe and cozy game for younger kids, but it’s still totally entertaining – it really proves you can have both!

Hotep will be at DreamHack Atlanta 2025 to talk about his love of gaming and introduce Black Lion and Cubs, a story that blends a classic feel with a modern approach.

The Black Lion and Cubs

Long after technology was banned, a former Nubian general is raising his two sons in a world without AI. As they travel and meet others, they face challenges and learn important lessons about life.

I aimed to make something suitable for everyone, as much anime contains excessive violence or mature themes. I wanted a show I could confidently let my own children watch.

Hotep

Hotep started building his brand two years ago, inspired by wanting to share his childhood with his two young sons. He introduced them to the classic ’80s cartoons he grew up with – things like Voltron, Thundercats, G.I. Joe, and Transformers. He even found an original Nintendo controller so they could play his favorite games, including Mega Man, Castlevania, Metroid, and Super Mario Bros. He was thrilled when his boys loved it all, and that’s when he decided to turn his passion into a business.

As a huge fan of Black Lion and Cubs, it’s so cool to hear about how it all started! The creator really had a vision – they didn’t just want to make a comic, a game, or an animated series, but a whole brand! They actually began with the animation, then created the comic, and the video game came after. What’s amazing is that for every story they develop, there’s a comic, a video game, and an animation to go with it. It’s a really immersive world!

Family is a central theme in this series. The creator wanted to make something everyone could enjoy, as many anime shows contain excessive violence or mature content. Being a parent, he aimed to create a show he could share with his own children without reservations, something wholesome and appropriate for all ages.

Where did the name come from?

As for the name, it partially came from Hotep himself. “Part of the inspiration actually came from my hair, because of the way I used to wear it, big and full. People often told me I looked like a lion. So, since I’m a father, “Lion and Cubs” just felt natural. That was the idea,” he explained. “When I saw the first concept image, a father with two children, I wanted a name that spoke to fatherhood, protection, and power.”

He recalled being a fan of the classic Japanese comic and film, Lone Wolf and Cub, which followed a samurai father and son traveling across the country. The father protected his son and taught him how to fight and survive. Remembering this story later, he realized he identified more with a lion than a wolf, and that’s how he came up with the name Black Lion and Cubs.

Hotep: “It’s not anyone else’s job to tell our stories. It’s ours.”

I don’t dwell on what’s lacking; I focus on building what I want to exist. Instead of hoping someone else will portray my experiences, culture, or community, I take the initiative myself. Just as Japanese animators create content that reflects their own culture, we as Black creators need to represent ourselves. Telling our stories is our responsibility, not anyone else’s.

I wanted to create something that truly reflects who we are, and I wanted to do it completely on my own terms. I didn’t want to wait for approval or funding from anyone – I’m self-funded. That’s why I’m at DreamHack – to share what I’ve built with everyone. If this is what you’ve been searching for, it’s here now. You can check it out, enjoy it, and even become a part of it, Hotep explained.

Historical representation holds particular significance. In the story of the Black Lion and Cubs, the father character is depicted as a general from Nubia, an ethnic group originally from southern Egypt and northern Sudan. During the 1960s, the building of the Aswan High Dam flooded much of Nubia, causing many Nubian people to move to new settlements that lacked adequate resources. For a long time, Nubian activists have focused on securing the right for their people to return to their ancestral homes along the Nile River.

Many people don’t realize Egypt is in Africa, and its earliest inhabitants were Africans – people of color who resemble me. I want Black people especially to reconnect with our heritage and remember our powerful origins. That’s why I wanted to incorporate that history and storytelling into my work,” Hopted explained.

Family support

Black Lions and Cubs isn’t just a creative endeavor; it’s a passion project for my family and has resonated with people worldwide. While the characters are Black, the stories are relatable to everyone, and the beautiful artwork appeals to all ages. People connect with the art, enjoy the stories, and appreciate that it’s something the whole family can enjoy together.

Danger Chamber

We asked Hotep why people should try Danger Chamber. He explained that it’s a really exciting and enjoyable game, and he wanted to prove that you don’t need amazing graphics or complicated gameplay to create something great. He believes fun comes from the overall experience, the game’s energy, and the creativity that goes into making it, not just how realistic it looks.

See previews of all Black Lions and Cubs games, animations, book covers, and other content on their official website. You can also purchase featured items to help support the team.

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2025-10-31 23:42