Tommy

Thomson's Gazelle, Leo's attendant

A close aide to Leo, the protagonist of Jungle Emperor. A Thomson's Gazelle who teams up with the parrot Koko. Depicted as a quick-witted sage.

Trivia

  • In the Manga Shōnen serialization version, it was written as 'Tomupuson Gāzeru'.
  • Appears wearing a hat in the first anime series and theatrical versions. The hat is a reward from Leo.
  • Tommy is depicted as a duo with Koko that frequently performs manzai banter.
  • There is a planned but unreleased Famicom game project.
  • A long-lived character adapted into TV anime and theatrical versions multiple times.

Alternate names

Tommy Thomson's Gazelle

Tags

Jungle Emperor Osamu Tezuka Animal Character Thomson's Gazelle Anime Character Friendship Supporting Character Koko White Lion

Profile

Species
Thomson's Gazelle
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Agile build characteristic of a Thomson's Gazelle. Wears a hat in the original work, the third anime series, and theatrical versions.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Blond
Distinguishing features
  • Small horns
  • Brownish body fur
  • Slim limbs
Iconic items
  • Hat
  • Hat as a reward from Leo

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Quick-witted
Detailed personality
Active as Leo's attendant, possesses quick-witted intelligence, excels in strategic actions and problem-solving. Also has a comical side with manzai-style banter alongside Koko.
Keywords
  • Quick wit
  • Wise
  • Loyal
  • Friendly
  • Comical
Talents
  • Quick thinking
  • Adaptability
  • Keen insight
Skills
  • Coordinating group actions
  • Negotiation skills
  • Information relay
Motivation
To support Leo and protect the peace of the jungle.
Habits
Engages in manzai-like conversations repeatedly with Koko.
Favorite foods
Grass, Leaves, Grains
Favorite places
Jungle, Panja's Forest
Disliked situations
Conflict, Discord

History

Backstory
Tommy is a Thomson's Gazelle inhabiting the African jungle, the setting of Jungle Emperor. Appears as protagonist Leo's attendant, primarily providing comic relief and the role of a wise advisor in tandem with the parrot Koko. Depictions vary across the original manga, 1965 anime, 1989 remake anime, and theatrical versions, but always as an important ally supporting Leo.
Debut date
1950-11
Work title
Jungle Emperor
Media type
Manga

Original Manga Serialization Start

Significant event
Original Manga Serialization Start
Description
In November 1950, Jungle Emperor serialization began in Manga Shōnen. Tommy made his debut there.

1965 TV Anime Adaptation

Significant event
1965 TV Anime Adaptation
Description
With Mushi Production's first color long-form TV anime adaptation, Tommy appeared with voice acting.

1989 Remake TV Anime

Significant event
1989 Remake TV Anime
Description
Tommy also appeared in the remake produced by Tezuka Production, with some changes to settings and design.

1997 Theatrical Version Appearance

Significant event
1997 Theatrical Version Appearance
Description
Reappeared in a new theatrical anime.

2009 TV Special Version

Significant event
2009 TV Special Version
Description
Appeared in the latest TV special version, with minor changes such as to gender settings.

Relationships

Leo

Attendant

Always supports Leo and acts alongside him as an attendant.

Koko

Best friend

As a manzai duo, lightens the atmosphere and faces various troubles together.

Jungle Emperor Companions

Jungle Emperor Companions: strategist

Media appearances

Jungle Emperor

Manga / Supporting

1950-1954

Jungle Emperor (1965 Version)

Anime / Supporting

October 6, 1965 - September 28, 1966, All 52 episodes

Jungle Emperor: Go Leo! (1966 Version)

Anime / Supporting

October 5, 1966 - March 29, 1967, All 26 episodes

Jungle Emperor (1989 Version)

Anime / Supporting

October 12, 1989 - October 11, 1990, All 52 episodes

Jungle Emperor (Theatrical Version 1997)

Movie / Supporting

Released August 1, 1997

Jungle Emperor -Courage Changes the Future- (2009 Special)

Anime / Supporting

Broadcast September 5, 2009

Voice cast and creators

Isao Akashi

Voice actor
Isao Akashi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
1965 TV Anime Version

Sukekiyo Kamiyama

Voice actor
Sukekiyo Kamiyama
Language
Japanese
Version or series
1989 TV Anime Remake Version (as Tony)

Naoki Tatsuta

Voice actor
Naoki Tatsuta
Language
Japanese
Version or series
1997 Theatrical Version

Ginzo Matsuo

Voice actor
Ginzo Matsuo
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Tezuka Osamu World Movie

Osamu Tezuka

Creator name
Osamu Tezuka
Role
Original author

Mushi Production

Creator name
Mushi Production
Role
Animation studio

Tezuka Productions

Creator name
Tezuka Productions
Role
Animation studio

Related goods

Figure

Item name
Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Plush

Item name
Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular