Posted in: Comics, Comics Publishers, Current News, Marvel Comics, Venom | Tagged: Kid Venom, Taigai

When Kid Venom Was Called Venom Boy… (Spoilers)

Today's Kid Venom: Origins from Marvel Comics collects the stories by Taigami that first appeared in the Edge Of Venomverse series.

Published Wed, 03 Jan 2024 11:00:17 -0600

by Rich Johnston

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Article Summary

Explore the origins of Kid Venom in Marvel's latest release, 'Kid Venom: Origins.'
Dive into the rich folklore of Kintaro, the inspiration behind Taigami's Kid Venom.
Discover Kid Venom's alternative name, 'Venom Boy,' in early concept sketches.
Get an exclusive look at Kid Venom's journey and what's ahead with two new issues.

Today's Kid Venom: Origins from Marvel Comics collects the stories by Taigami that first appeared in the Edge Of Venomverse series, plus a few extra bits. Including his original sketches for the character, in which it seems he went by a different name.

Hailing from 10th century Japan, Kintaro will do anything to protect his village from mysterious symbiote attacks, even if it means bonding to a symbiote of his own! As he attaches himself to a new symbiote entity dubbed Clinter, Kintaro embraces his wild new abilities as Kid Venom.

On introducing this character to the Marvel Universe, Taigami said: "It is an honor. I was a big fan of the Marvel Universe since I was in school, so this feels unreal that the characters and the stories that I came up with are in that Universe, and I still can't believe it! Kid Venom was based on a one shot that I sent for a manga contest Shonen Magazine and Marvel held in 2018. One of the rules for the contest was [to use a theme or a character from Marvel and write and draw a first episode for a new series] and the theme that I chose was symbiote. The next thing that I thought was who would be the best host for a symbiote. There were already many Venoms and there were enough variations, so I thought it had be something totally new to be recognized. In Japan there are several famous folklores such as 'Momotaro' and 'Urashimataro.' Among them, there is a story of 'Kintaro.' The legend is about a boy who was strong, lived with his mother in Mount Ashigara. He later was hired by Minamoto Yorimitsu, a very high ranked samurai and defeats many yokai. Later he becomes one of the four samurais of Minamoto Yorimitsu. This story is a mix of folklore and a historical story from the Heian Era of Japan. So when I mixed Symbiote to the legend of Kintaro, 'Kid Venom' was born."

Perhaps Venom Boy was a little close to Spider Boy for Marvel's liking. Even as they hope to replicate the sales success of Spider-Boy with this new manga-style character?

Well, someone else is certainly waiting for him…

KID VENOM ORIGINS #1
MARVEL COMICS
OCT230964
(W) Taigami (A/CA) Taigami
THIS IS KID VENOM! For the first time collected in one issue, the full four parts of KID VENOM from DEATH OF THE VENOMVERSE! Also, behind-the-scenes content never before seen, including the original work that brought Taigami to Marvel! Plus: A glimpse at what the future holds for KID VENOM! Rated T+ In Shops: Jan 03, 2024 SRP: $4.99

KID VENOM #1
MARVEL COMICS
JAN240904
(W) Taigami (A/CA) Taigami
EMBRACE YOUR INNER VENOM! JAPAN, 977. KID VENOM has made his presence known to the evil symbiotes taking people and creatures hostage…but who else has their eye on Kintaro and his symbiote? The world of KID VENOM expands as new characters and dangers are revealed! Breakout manga creator TAIGAMI continues his vision of KID VENOM in this brand-new series! Rated T+In Shops: Apr 17, 2024 SRP: $4.99

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