Moon-Boy

Moon-Boy is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is best known as the constant companion of Devil Dinosaur.

Publication history

Being primarily a supporting character to Devil Dinosaur, Moon-Boy has yet to be the lead character in a comic book series of his own. His appearances in print have been invariably linked to Devil. Moon-Boy made his debut in ''Devil Dinosaur'' #1 (April 1978) and was a continuing character in all nine issues of the series' run. Since the cancellation of the original ''Devil Dinosaur'' series, Moon-Boy's appearances have coincided with Devil Dinosaur's various cameo appearances, supporting roles, and one-shot comics.

The team of Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy was created by artist Jack Kirby who scripted and penciled all issues of the first ''Devil Dinosaur'' series. Kirby's intent was for the duo to be inhabitants of Earth's prehistoric past as evidenced by a title on the cover of ''Devil Dinosaur'' #1 which proclaims Moon-Boy to be the "first human". Some later writers retconned the pair to be mutants from an alien world, while others have written them as being from Dinosaur World, a planet in the parallel universe of Earth-78411.

Fictional character biography

Moon-Boy was born into a tribe of ape-like humanoids known as the "Small-Folk" in the "Valley of Flame", a region of numerous active volcanoes. Moon-Boy's connection with Devil Dinosaur began as a young boy when he came across a female dinosaur being attacked by a rival tribe known as the Killer-Folk. The female was killed, as well as two of her three young. The third survived, but was badly burnt, permanently turning his skin red. Moon-Boy cared for the orphaned creature after its ordeal and named him "Devil".

Ostracized from his tribe because of his association with Devil, Moon-Boy and his red companion became wanderers. Devil and Moon-Boy's wanderings eventually took them to distant times and worlds. First, they encountered extraterrestrials. Next they encountered Godzilla, who had been transported to Moon-Boy and Devil Dinosaur's alternate Earth. In time, they encountered the Fallen Angels. They traveled to Earth, and temporarily took up residence with the Fallen Angels in New York City. After several trips to the modern era of Earth-616 via magic, time travel, and teleportation by mutants, the pair eventually settle in the Savage Land of Earth-616.

After the Roxxon Energy Corporation invades the Savage Land, Ka-Zar recruits Moon-Boy and Devil Dinosaur to fight them. Later, the Heroes for Hire take Moon-Boy to New York City, place him into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody, and separate him from Devil. This leads Stegron to attack S.H.I.E.L.D. bases in an attempt to rescue him. After learning of Stegron's motivations, the heroes return Moon-Boy and Devil Dinosaur to the Savage Land.

Moon-Boy and Devil Dinosaur later confront a group of Killer Folk to reclaim the Nightstone, an artifact which the latter group worshipped and had killed many Small Folk over. However, Moon-Boy is killed while a temporal vortex transports the Killer Folk, Devil Dinosaur, and the Nightstone to New York City. Moon Girl and Devil later use a time machine to save Moon-Boy moments before his death.

Powers and abilities

Moon-Boy has lifelong experience at foraging and general survival in the wild. He additionally possesses a thick coat of hair that protects him from the elements.

Other versions

* Moon-Boy's skeletal remains appear in ''Earth X'' #0.
* An alternate universe variant of Moon-Boy from Earth-1298, amalgamated with Moon Knight, appears in '' Mutant X'' as a member of the Lethal Legion.
* An alternate universe variant of Moon-Boy from Earth-63163 who was killed by Devil Dinosaur appears in ''Nextwave'' #12.Wade Gum (2006-07-01). "Heros Con: Joe Quesada Panel",

In other media

Television

* Moon-Boy appears in ''The Super Hero Squad Show'' episode "The Devil Dinosaur You Say! (Six Against Infinity, Part 4)", voiced by Josh Keaton. This version is from an alternate universe called "Dinosaur World".
* Moon-Boy appears in the '' Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.'' episode "Days of Future Smash: The Dino Era", voiced by James Arnold Taylor. This version is from an alternate timeline created by the Leader where dinosaurs evolved to become intelligent and civilized.

Video games

Moon-Boy appears as a playable character in '' Lego Marvel's Avengers'', voiced again by James Arnold Taylor.

References

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Characters created by Jack Kirby
Comics characters introduced in 1978
Fictional humanoids
Fictional prehistoric characters
Marvel Comics aliens
Marvel Comics male superheroes