TV-Series
Description
Bucky, known in the original Japanese version as Tommy, is a Thomson's gazelle and a recurring character throughout the Jungle Emperor universe, appearing in the original manga, the 1965 anime Kimba the White Lion, its sequel series Onward Leo, and the 1997 film Jungle Emperor Leo. His design is typical of his species, though he is often distinguished by a straw hat that makes him stand out among the other animals.
As a character, Bucky primarily serves as comic relief. He is consistently portrayed as timid, cowardly, and dim-witted, frequently jumping to the wrong conclusions and becoming easily frightened. Despite his nervous disposition, he is very well-meaning and deeply loyal, especially to his friend, the white lion prince Kimba. He often forms a comedic duo with a parrot named Coco, also known as Pauly Cracker. In this pairing, Bucky is typically the more skeptical of the two and sometimes has to act as the voice of reason, even if he often gets caught up in their chaotic antics.
Bucky's role in the story is that of a close ally and supporter of the protagonist. In the 1965 anime, his first encounter with Kimba occurs when he is attacked by the hyena minions of the villainous Claw. He is frequently seen alongside Coco, and the pair often attempt to help Kimba in his efforts to create a peaceful and civilized jungle, such as by following his suggestions to start a restaurant. In the original manga, his role is slightly more distinguished; he is the first animal from the late King Panja's jungle to greet Kimba upon his arrival in Africa and is later appointed as the minister of agriculture.
Beyond his friendship with Kimba, Bucky maintains key relationships with other members of the cast. He is a childhood friend of Kimba and his love interest, Kitty. He is also good friends with the human character Kenichi, often known as Roger Ranger. In the 1997 film, his role evolves into that of a concerned and caring uncle figure to Kimba's cubs, Lune and Lukio, though he and Coco remain sources of comic relief.
While Bucky does not possess any notable physical abilities or combat skills, his primary strengths are his loyalty and his enduring friendship with the hero. His character sees little significant development across the various adaptations, remaining a consistent source of humor and a faithful, if often frightened, companion. In the darker and grimmer sequel series Onward Leo, his role is reduced, and in the later 1997 film, he takes on a slightly more mature, yet still humorous, position as an elder figure to the next generation.
As a character, Bucky primarily serves as comic relief. He is consistently portrayed as timid, cowardly, and dim-witted, frequently jumping to the wrong conclusions and becoming easily frightened. Despite his nervous disposition, he is very well-meaning and deeply loyal, especially to his friend, the white lion prince Kimba. He often forms a comedic duo with a parrot named Coco, also known as Pauly Cracker. In this pairing, Bucky is typically the more skeptical of the two and sometimes has to act as the voice of reason, even if he often gets caught up in their chaotic antics.
Bucky's role in the story is that of a close ally and supporter of the protagonist. In the 1965 anime, his first encounter with Kimba occurs when he is attacked by the hyena minions of the villainous Claw. He is frequently seen alongside Coco, and the pair often attempt to help Kimba in his efforts to create a peaceful and civilized jungle, such as by following his suggestions to start a restaurant. In the original manga, his role is slightly more distinguished; he is the first animal from the late King Panja's jungle to greet Kimba upon his arrival in Africa and is later appointed as the minister of agriculture.
Beyond his friendship with Kimba, Bucky maintains key relationships with other members of the cast. He is a childhood friend of Kimba and his love interest, Kitty. He is also good friends with the human character Kenichi, often known as Roger Ranger. In the 1997 film, his role evolves into that of a concerned and caring uncle figure to Kimba's cubs, Lune and Lukio, though he and Coco remain sources of comic relief.
While Bucky does not possess any notable physical abilities or combat skills, his primary strengths are his loyalty and his enduring friendship with the hero. His character sees little significant development across the various adaptations, remaining a consistent source of humor and a faithful, if often frightened, companion. In the darker and grimmer sequel series Onward Leo, his role is reduced, and in the later 1997 film, he takes on a slightly more mature, yet still humorous, position as an elder figure to the next generation.