My Pride

My Pride is an engaging, unique YouTube web series released in 2018, created by Tribble of Doom, a Canadian artist. The show is an emotional roller coaster, centered around the naturalistic and somewhat mystic Pride life of wild lions, with elements of fantasy and magic interwoven, that is bound to appeal to both older and younger audiences. With its captivating characters and thought-provoking narratives, the series breaks typical lion pride norms depicted in nature and introduces a striking universe unlike any before it.

The central character of My Pride is Nothing, a young lioness. From the initial episodes, viewers are introduced to her struggle with an unfortunate disability, her fearlessness, independence, and her unwavering determination. The show chronicles the journey of Nothing’s life in the harsh reality of the Pride Lands, her trials and tribulations, providing a deeper dive into the intricate lion societies. Simultaneously, the series also places a high emphasis on Nothing's character development and growth, demonstrating her evolution from a powerless cub to a daring lioness.

In the nature-centric world of My Pride, lion societies, referred to as "Prides," function under a strict hierarchical system. Each Pride has a designated male lion referred to as the ‘Mane’, who commands and protects the pride, along with his cohort of lionesses who are bound to him. The series wonderfully captures the dynamics of these pride relationships, alongside showcasing the power struggles and territorial disputes often found in animal kingdom societies.

Where My Pride distinguishes itself is in its focus on the pride's female lions. Named as 'No-Manes,' these lionesses are often depicted as mere subordinates in typical narratives. However, My Pride flips the script and offers them center-stage, providing them with elaborate character arcs and portraying them as crucial and active members of the pride–capable of hunting, protecting their cubs, and even leading. The series celebrates the strength and power of femininity in a way that is fresh and profound, making it truly distinctive.

Interlacing through the bigger narratives are themes of friendship, kinship, survival, love, loss, jealousy, and vengeance. The intricate relationships between the characters provide rich and captivating storytelling. At the same time, the narratives also delve deeper into exploring the principles of loyalty, courage, acceptance, and struggle for power. Every episode brings new revelation and unexpected twists that hooks the audience to the screens.

The animation style is expressive and appealing, contributing significantly to bringing this series to life. The design mixes heightened realism and a softer, more illustrative style, creating a striking BALANCE BETWEEN THE TWO. Alongside, the show's original soundtracks, exhibiting a variety of African rhythms and infection beats further enrich the viewing experience. With its vibrant color schemes, diversified character design, and meticulous attention to detail, the show succeeds in creating a visually breathtaking universe.

In addition to its engaging narrative and visuals, My Pride also earns praise for its voice acting. Each character's distinct personality is thoroughly captured by a range of talented voice artists, whose performances give depth to the characters, making them relatable and memorable.

While My Pride does take creative license in depicting the life of lions, the series still maintains a degree of realism in terms of the harsh realities the animals face in the wild – From hunting for food, defending territories, dealing with internal power struggles, to surviving natural disasters. It reminds viewers of the fleeting nature of life in the wild while also showcasing the strength, courage, and resilience of these majestic animals.

Overall, My Pride is an exciting adventure, imbued with emotion that doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to the harsh realities of nature. It’s a fresh idea, executed with heart and passion and is sure to captivate not just animal lovers but anyone who enjoys engrossing narratives and well-developed characters. My Pride takes you on a surreal journey into the wild, offering an insightful look into the life and times of the kings and queens of savannah, promising an unforgettable viewing experience.