Black Lion and Cubs is a family-friendly, anime-inspired universe that celebrates fun, black representation, and the power of family.
The Black Lion and Cubs was created from the desire of a new father to provide something relatable for his children. This family-friendly anime universe, inspired by the 1980s, anime, and various pop culture icons, aims to demonstrate that it is possible to combine a safe environment with an entertaining and cozy game for the little ones.
At DreamHack Atlanta 2025, Hotep, creator of the Black Lion and Cubs universe, shares his passion for gaming and for his story that promises to bring a fresh yet old-school vibe to the industry.
The lore of Black Lions and Cubs
In a distant future, AI technology has been outlawed. A retired Nubian general is determined to teach his two young sons how to navigate this new world. As their journey unfolds, they encounter new characters and confront fierce enemies, through which they learn valuable life lessons.
I wanted to create something that was also appropriate for all ages, because a lot of stuff in the anime world is extra very violent or sexualized. I didn't want that for my children. I wanted to be something that I could expose them to proudly.
"I started to develop this brand two years ago because I'm a dad with two young kids. I’ve been sharing some of the things I loved growing up back in the ’80s, my childhood era. I introduced them to classics like Voltron, Thundercats, G.I. Joe, and Transformers," Hotep explained. "I even picked up an original Nintendo controller so we could play some of my favorite games from back then: Mega Man, Castlevania, Metroid, and, of course, Super Mario Bros. To my surprise and delight, my boys absolutely loved it. That’s when I thought, “If you guys like this so much… well, Daddy can create it."
"I started developing Black Lion and Cubs with the idea that I was going to create a brand, not just a comic or not just a video game, or not just an animation, but a brand that encompassed all these things. So, I started with animation first, then I created a comic, and then the video came third. Each story that I developed, I have a comic book, I have a video game, and an animation."
The family plays a big role in this universe. "I wanted to create something that was also appropriate for all ages, because a lot of stuff in the anime world is extra very violent or sexualized. As a father, I didn't want that for my children. I wanted something that I could expose them to proudly, without having to cover their eyes or explain extra things."
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 added, "Thinking back again to the ’80s, I remembered this famous comic and film series called Lone Wolf and Cub. It was a Japanese samurai story about a father traveling the land with his young son in a small cart. Along the way, the father fought battles and taught his son how to survive and fight as well. That story really stuck with me. I thought, I’m not a wolf. I’m more of a lion. And that’s where the name Black Lion and Cubs came from."
Hotep: "It's not anyone else's job to tell our stories. It's ours."
"I’m the kind of person who doesn’t complain about what’s missing. I create what I want to see. Instead of waiting for someone else to represent me, my culture, or my people, I take that responsibility myself. The Japanese create anime that reflects Japanese culture, as they should. So, as Black creators, we have to represent ourselves too. It’s not anyone else’s job to tell our stories. It’s ours," he stated.
"That’s why it was so important for me to create something that fully represents us, in every space, and to do it independently. I don’t need anyone’s permission, funding, or green light. I fund everything myself, 100%. I’m here at DreamHack to share what I’ve built with the world. If you’ve been looking for something like this, it’s here. You can support it, play it, watch it, read it, and make it part of your world," Hotep added.
In the realm of representation, history carries a special weight. In the Black Lion and Cubs story, the father is portrayed as a Nubian general. The Nubians are an ethnic group indigenous to southern Egypt and northern Sudan. In the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam submerged much of the Nubian homeland, forcing many to relocate to newly built settlements with limited infrastructure. Nubian activism has long centered on the right of the people to return to their ancestral lands along the Nile River.
"A lot of people forget that Egypt is part of Africa, and the original Egyptians were African people, black people who looked like me. I want black people, in particular, to look at our history and culture and remember where we come from. The heights we came from. That's part of the reason why I wanted to introduce that kind of lore and storyline," Hopted said.
Family support
More than a project, the Black Lions and Cubs is a family project. "They love it. Not only my family, but so many around the world. This is not a game just for black people. My characters are black, but the stories are universal. The artwork is beautiful, and anybody can appreciate that. People see the beauty of the artwork. They love the stories, and they love the fact that it's family-friendly."
Danger Chamber
"But why should someone play the Danger Chamber?" we asked Hotep. "Danger Chamber is probably one of the most exciting and fun games you’ll ever play. What I wanted to show is that you don’t need ultra–high-end graphics or something overly complex to make a great game. Fun doesn’t come from how realistic the visuals are. It comes from the experience, the energy, and the creativity behind it."
You can check out a preview of each game, animation, book cover, and all content related to the Black Lions and Cubs on their official page. There are also some feature items you can buy to support the team.
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