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Kid Paddle
View on Wikipedia| Kid Paddle | |
|---|---|
Title character Kid Paddle | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Dupuis (1996-2009, 2019-present) MAD Fabrik (since 2010) Glénat (2014-2019) |
| Publication date | 1993 |
| Main character(s) | Kid Paddle Big Bang Horace Beket Mirador |
| Creative team | |
| Written by | Midam |
| Colorist | Angèle |
Kid Paddle is a Belgian gag-a-day comic series created by Michel Ledent (Midam) in 1993.[1][2] It was first published in the Franco-Belgian comics magazine Spirou before branching out into its own volume of comic albums in 1996.[3]
The series inspired an animated television series produced by the now-defunct animation studio Spectra Animation.[4] The series premiered on September 2, 2003, and was aired on M6 and Canal J in France, RTBF Television in Belgium, and on Teletoon in Canada.[5][6]
Overview
[edit]The series delves into the interests and hobbies of children aged 8 to 12 years old.[7] The central character, known as Kid Paddle, is portrayed as a young boy with a strong affinity for video games, comic books, a fictional alien species known as Blorks, and sci-fi television.[8] Kid Paddle's closest companions include Big Bang and Horace. Big Bang is depicted as a child scientist who enjoys inventing various gadgets for Kid Paddle to experiment with and is characterized by his high intelligence. In contrast, Horace, another member of Kid Paddle's friendship circle, is portrayed as more innocent and possesses an unusual appetite. He admires Kid Paddle and offers his support. Kid Paddle frequently engages in disagreements with his sister, Carol, who views her brother as somewhat of an eccentric and absent-minded individual.
Comics
[edit]The series has been released as 20 comic albums.[9][10] The first 11 albums were published by Dupuis, from volume 12 the albums were published by Mad Fabrik, Midam's own publishing company.[11]
- Jeux de Vilains (Villain Games),1996
- Carnage Total (Total Carnage), 1996
- Apocalypse Boy, 1997
- Full Metal Casquette (Full Metal Cap), (1998)
- Alien Chantilly, 1999
- Rodéo Blork (Blork Rodeo), 2000
- Waterminator, 2001
- Paddle... My Name Is Kid Paddle, 2002
- Boing! Boing! Bunk!, 2005
- Dark, j'adore! (I Love the Dark!), 2005
- Le Retour de la Momie Qui Pue Qui Tue (The Return of the Mummy Who Stinks, Who Kills), 2007
- Panik Room, 2011
- Slime Project, 2012
- Serial Player, 2014
- Men in Blork, 2017
- Kid N' Roses, 2020
- Tatoo Compris, 2021
- Silence of the Lamps, 2022
- Love, Death and Roblorks, 2023
- Blork Chef, 2024
Source:[12]
Video games
[edit]Kid Paddle has been the subject of three video game releases available on various Nintendo platforms in Belgium and France. The initial installment, titled "Kid Paddle," was developed for the Game Boy Advance and released in 2005.
Subsequently, "Kid Paddle: Blorks Invasion" became available for the Nintendo DS in 2007.[13] The franchise expanded its presence with the release of "Kid Paddle: Lost in the Game," a title accessible on both the Wii and DS platforms, in 2008. Additionally, "Kid Paddle: Puzzle Monsters" is a video game designed for iPad and iPhone platforms. Published by Anuman Interactive in 2009, the game extends the franchise's presence into the realm of mobile gaming.[14]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Beauduin, Lucas (3 July 2023). "Kid Paddle au coeur d'une expo au musée de la bande dessinée à Bruxelles: "C'est un personnage qui fuit le réel car c'est chiant"". DHnet.
- ^ "Dans sa bulle : Le grand retour de Kid Paddle, le roi des jeux vidéo et du gentiment gore". parismatch.be. November 11, 2022.
- ^ "Nouveau tome de Game Over : Le succès de Kid Paddle est loin d'être fini". parismatch.be. August 19, 2022.
- ^ "Kid Paddle Out Of Dock For Spectra Animation and Dupuis Audiovisuel". www.animationmagazine.net. 15 November 2002. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
- ^ "La version ciné de Kid Paddle reportée à cause... de Kev Adams!". DHnet. 4 July 2023.
- ^ Kid Paddle Season 1, retrieved 2023-11-04
- ^ "Vaucluse. Midam en dédicace à Monteux ces 30 et 31 octobre : " Kid Paddle est devenu un objet de pop culture "". www.ledauphine.com. 28 October 2021.
- ^ ""Kid Paddle, c'est vraiment moi"". Europe 1. 25 August 2011.
- ^ "Cambremer. Ian Dairin est le nouveau dessinateur de Kid Paddle". 4 November 2020.
- ^ "Interview. La célèbre BD Kid Paddle dessinée à Cambremer par Ian Dairin, l'auteur de Katz". actu.fr. 29 November 2021.
- ^ Truc, Jean-Laurent (April 12, 2019). "Midam revient chez Dupuis avec son Kid Paddle". Ligne Claire.
- ^ "Kid Paddle". bedetheque.com (in French). 3 January 2024.
- ^ "Kid Paddle Blorks Invasion for DS - GameFAQs". gamefaqs.gamespot.com. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ "[Communiqué de presse] Le Jeu Vidéo et les Bandes Dessinées Kid Paddle débarquent sur l'iPhone et l'iPod Touch – Jeux iPhone, Android, 3DS, PS Vita... Tout le jeu mobile et les consoles portables !". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
External links
[edit]- Kid Paddle Official Website Archived 2007-11-01 at the Wayback Machine
Kid Paddle
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and publication
Creators and influences
Michel Ledent, better known by his pen name Midam, is the Belgian creator, writer, and illustrator of the Kid Paddle comic series, which he developed starting in 1993. Born in 1963 in Etterbeek, Brussels, Midam studied art and served as a draughtsman for the Belgian Navy during his military service before transitioning to professional illustration work. From 1989 to 1993, he contributed comics and illustrations to the technology magazine Micro-Systèmes, and he also took on roles as an illustrator for advertisements and press publications. In 1992, Midam joined the staff of Spirou magazine, where he provided illustrations for the "Zig Zag" section, laying the groundwork for his entry into the Franco-Belgian comics scene.[1] The concept for Kid Paddle originated as short, humorous gags created for Spirou's dedicated video game column in 1993, reflecting Midam's interest in blending everyday childhood antics with fantastical elements. These initial strips quickly gained popularity, leading to the compilation and expansion into a full album format by 1996, marking the series' shift from episodic magazine features to a structured narrative collection. Midam handled both writing and artwork for the debut album, establishing the tone of rapid-fire, gag-driven storytelling centered on a young protagonist's obsessions. He continued as the primary illustrator for subsequent volumes.[1][6] Influences on Kid Paddle draw heavily from 1990s video game culture, with its tropes of pixelated adventures, power-ups, and virtual worlds serving as core motifs, alongside sci-fi media elements like alien invasions and monstrous creatures. The series also echoes the gag-a-day format prevalent in Franco-Belgian comics, particularly the short, punchy strips of Spirou magazine. Midam has acknowledged inspirations from cartoonists such as Charles M. Schulz for character-driven humor, André Franquin for dynamic action and whimsical designs, and Bill Watterson for imaginative, childlike perspectives on the absurd.[1][7]Publication history
Kid Paddle first appeared as a series of one-page gags in the Franco-Belgian comics magazine Spirou in 1993, created to accompany the publication's video game review section.[8] The strips quickly gained popularity, leading to the compilation of selected gags into collected albums beginning with Jeux de vilains in 1996, published by Dupuis.[9] Dupuis handled the initial run of albums from 1996 to 2009, releasing the first 11 volumes during that period. In 2010, following creator Midam's establishment of his own publishing imprint, MAD Fabrik took over publication starting with volume 12. From 2014 to 2019, Glénat published several volumes amid shifts in distribution partnerships. Dupuis resumed publishing duties in 2019, continuing the series through the present day. By November 2025, the series had reached a total of 21 albums.[10][11] The series has seen international distribution, with translations available in 12 languages, including Spanish editions by Norma Editorial—such as Juego de villanos (2008)—and German editions by Carlsen Comics, starting with Game Over in 1997. English-language comic editions have not been officially released, resulting in limited U.S. distribution primarily through imported French volumes available via specialty retailers like Amazon.[3][12][13] Recent developments underscore the series' ongoing vitality, with the 2024 release of the 20th album, Blork Chef, on October 31 by Dupuis, followed by the 21st album, Zombie or not to be, on October 23, 2025.[11][9]Characters and setting
Main characters
Kid Paddle is the titular protagonist of the series, a 10-year-old boy obsessed with video games, particularly those involving slimy alien monsters known as Blorks, as well as science fiction comics and general two-dimensional violence.[9] His rebellious personality and enthusiasm for gross-out humor drive much of the series' chaos, as he frequently turns everyday situations into exaggerated, game-inspired adventures that often backfire spectacularly.[14] For instance, Kid's imaginative pranks, fueled by his gaming addiction, highlight his tendency to blur the lines between virtual and real worlds, providing the core comedic tension with authority figures like his family.[9] Big Bang, whose full name is Benji "Big" Bang, serves as Kid's best friend and a self-proclaimed genius inventor whose gadgets are heavily inspired by video game mechanics.[14] Despite his inventive prowess, Big Bang's experiments frequently fail in hilariously disastrous ways, offering comic relief through his overambitious and often impractical creations, such as devices meant to enhance gaming sessions but resulting in unintended mayhem.[14] His role in the trio emphasizes themes of youthful ingenuity gone awry, complementing Kid's chaos with pseudo-scientific enthusiasm that amplifies their group's misadventures. Horace Beckett acts as the loyal and innocent sidekick to Kid and Big Bang, characterized by his naivety and unwavering support for their schemes despite his younger, more childlike worldview.[14] Often the victim of the duo's antics due to his gullibility, Horace provides punchline humor as the butt of jokes, enduring absurd misfortunes that underscore the series' slapstick elements.[14] His interactions with the group highlight dynamics of friendship amid imbalance, where his innocence contrasts sharply with Kid's rebelliousness and Big Bang's cleverness.Supporting characters
Carol Paddle is Kid's older sister and a recurring rival in the series, characterized as a top student who is desperately reasonable and often clashes with her brother due to his messy habits and obsession with video games.[15] She frequently moralizes to Kid, viewing his interests as immature, which heightens sibling conflicts throughout the albums.[16] Mirador is a recurring alien character in Kid's sci-fi fantasies, depicted as the leader of the Blorks, but also appears in reality as the grumpy owner of the local arcade, where he often chases away Kid and his friends for their rowdy behavior.[17] Mr. Paddle, Kid's father, serves as an exasperated authority figure, portrayed as phlegmatic who always wears a tie and constantly says "no" to his son's chaotic requests, adding domestic tension to the narratives.[16] Mrs. Paddle, the mother, is rarely depicted, though she occasionally appears as a supportive yet overwhelmed parent.[18] School figures, including teachers like the gym instructor, act as foils to the children's antics, enforcing rules in classroom and playground scenarios that contrast with Kid's imaginative disruptions. The stories are set in a contemporary suburban environment, primarily around Kid's home, school, and the local arcade called City Game, where the boundaries between everyday life and virtual gaming worlds often blur through Kid's imagination.[3]Comics content
Premise and themes
Kid Paddle is a gag-a-day comic series centered on the everyday escapades of its titular protagonist, a ten-year-old boy obsessed with video games and gore, whose adventures frequently blur the boundaries between reality and his virtual fantasies.[2] The core premise revolves around standalone humorous vignettes depicting Kid's attempts to infuse his mundane life with the excitement of gaming, often resulting in chaotic mishaps involving his friends or family, such as improvised battles against imaginary foes inspired by his favorite sci-fi titles.[19] These gags typically feature Kid's avatar, the Petit Barbare—a diminutive barbarian warrior—springing from the screen into real-world scenarios, highlighting the absurdity of childhood imagination colliding with adult expectations.[2] Recurring themes in the series satirize 1990s and 2000s pop culture, particularly the burgeoning video game industry, with fictional aliens known as Blorks serving as archetypal invaders parodying classic arcade and console antagonists.[2] The comics explore childhood rebellion through Kid's relentless pranks and defiance of authority figures, juxtaposed with strong bonds of friendship among his peers, all delivered via gross-out humor that revels in slime, violence, and repulsion without imparting moral lessons or resolutions.[19] This playful exaggeration of youthful antics underscores a motif of escapist fantasy invading the ordinary, emphasizing fun over consequence in a lighthearted critique of generational gaps in media consumption.[2] The primary setting unfolds in Kid's home, school, and local neighborhood, where routine activities like homework or family dinners are disrupted by dream-like sequences in which game elements—such as Blork invasions or virtual quests—manifest tangibly, amplifying the series' blend of whimsy and satire.[19] For instance, albums like Rodéo Blork exemplify this intrusion, where sci-fi tropes overrun everyday spaces to fuel the gag structure.[2]Album series
The Kid Paddle comic series consists of 21 main albums published between 1996 and 2025, primarily as collections of standalone gags centered on the protagonist's video game obsessions, family antics, and encounters with the alien Blorks. These volumes, written and illustrated by Midam, showcase evolving humorous parodies of pop culture, sci-fi, and gaming tropes, with each album featuring a loose thematic arc through its gags. Early albums focus on introducing the character's world and basic slapstick, while later ones incorporate more elaborate movie and genre spoofs.| Tome | Title | Year | Brief Plot Hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeux de vilains | 1996 | Introduces Kid Paddle's chaotic gaming world and villainous video game fantasies. |
| 2 | Carnage total | 1996 | Explores over-the-top carnage from Kid's violent video game simulations spilling into reality. |
| 3 | Apocalypse Boy | 1997 | Centers on apocalyptic scenarios inspired by end-of-the-world games and Kid's doomsday preparations. |
| 4 | Full métal casquette | 1998 | Parodies military action films through gags involving Kid's indestructible cap as a weapon. |
| 5 | Alien chantilly | 1999 | Features whimsical alien invasions with a whipped cream twist, introducing the cinema ticket seller character. |
| 6 | Rodéo Blork | 2000 | Depicts wild rodeo-style chases and battles with the Blork aliens in a Western sci-fi mashup. |
| 7 | Waterminator | 2001 | Revolves around water-based Terminator parodies, with gadget-filled squirt gun fights. |
| 8 | Paddle… My Name Is Kid Paddle | 2002 | Mimics James Bond espionage through Kid's "licensed to play" missions against family foes.[20] |
| 9 | Boing ! Boing ! Bunk ! | 2004 | Highlights bouncy, sound-effect-driven action gags from platformer games and physical comedy. |
| 10 | Dark, j'adore ! | 2005 | Delves into horror and dark fantasy games, with Kid embracing spooky adventures. |
| 11 | Le Retour de la momie qui pue qui tue | 2007 | Focuses on a stinky, murderous mummy's return in ancient curse-themed gags. |
| 12 | Panik Room | 2011 | Parodies the thriller film with confined panic room escapes and Blork intruders. |
| 13 | Slime Project | 2012 | Involves gooey slime monsters in a Ghostbusters-style containment project gone wrong. |
| 14 | Serial Player | 2014 | Satirizes binge-watching and serial killer tropes through endless game levels. |
| 15 | Men in Blork | 2017 | Spoofs Men in Black with Kid and allies hunting disguised Blork aliens. |
| 16 | Kid N'Roses | 2020 | Explores awkward teen romance gags intertwined with gaming and Blork interference. |
| 17 | Tatoo compris | 2021 | Centers on tattoo mishaps and body art disasters from sci-fi gadget experiments. |
| 18 | Silence of the Lamps | 2022 | Parodies Silence of the Lambs with lamp-headed creatures in psychological horror spoofs. |
| 19 | Love, Death and RoBlorks | 2023 | Draws from anthology series like Love, Death & Robots, featuring robotic Blork tales of love and doom. |
| 20 | Blork Chef | 2024 | Presents culinary sci-fi parody with Blork chefs in chaotic kitchen invasions. |
| 21 | Zombie or not to be | 2025 | Parodies zombie apocalypse scenarios through gags involving undead invasions and Kid's gore-filled gaming fantasies.[4] |
Adaptations
Animated television series
The animated television series adaptation of Kid Paddle was produced by the now-defunct Canadian studio Spectra Animation in association with Dupuis Audiovisuel, marking Spectra's first major project as a co-production between Canada, France, and Belgium.[21][22] The series premiered in September 2003, airing on M6 and Canal J in France, RTBF in Belgium, and Teletoon in Canada, with the Canadian debut on September 7.[23][21] Comprising 104 episodes of 13 minutes each, structured across two seasons of 26 half-hour installments with each installment featuring two self-contained segments, the series concluded on February 19, 2006.[24][3] These episodes expand the source material's short gags into structured narratives with voiced dialogue and animated sequences.[21][25] These episodes incorporate sci-fi action elements, such as encounters with arachnoids or ancient mummies, blending humor with adventurous plots involving the main characters' group dynamics.[26] In contrast to the comics' static, gag-a-day format, the animated version emphasizes ongoing group adventures among Kid Paddle and his friends, reducing isolated humor in favor of interconnected storylines that often revolve around video game-inspired escapades or inventive mishaps.[27] Many episodes introduce original content not directly adapted from the comic albums, allowing for expanded world-building and new sci-fi scenarios while retaining the core themes of childhood rebellion and geek culture.[28]Video games
The Kid Paddle comic series inspired a series of licensed video games released primarily in Europe during the mid-2000s, capitalizing on the franchise's popularity among young audiences. These titles, developed by Mistic Software and published by Atari SA for most entries, integrate elements from the comics such as the protagonist's obsession with gaming and encounters with the alien Blork species.[29] The games span various platforms and genres, emphasizing interactive adventures that parody video game tropes while featuring Kid Paddle's inventive gadgets and battles against Blorks. Key titles include:| Title | Platform(s) | Release Year | Genre | Developer | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kid Paddle | Game Boy Advance | 2005 | Platformer with puzzle and shooting elements | Mistic Software | Atari SA |
| Kid Paddle: Blorks Invasion | Nintendo DS | 2007 | Action-adventure | Mistic Software | Atari SA [30] |
| Kid Paddle: Lost in the Game | Wii, Nintendo DS | 2008 | 3D platformer adventure | Mistic Software | Atari SA [29][31] |
| Kid Paddle: Puzzle Monsters | iOS (iPhone/iPad) | 2009 | Match-3 puzzle | Anuman Interactive | Anuman Interactive [32] |
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