Who the Clix? is a series of articles featuring information on comic book characters that have been made into figures for the popular tabletop game Heroclix. These articles are meant to help Heroclix players learn more about the characters behind their favorite pieces.
He predates that other guy by 15 years, but isn’t nearly as well known: Venomm
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Appearances in Heroclix: Black Panther
First Appearance: Jungle Action vol. 2 #6 (September 1973)
Team Affiliations: N/A
Powers/Abilities: Immunity to most venoms; Snake charmer
Created by: Don McGregor – Rich Buckler
Horatio Walter grows up as a loner, a condition exacerbated when a bully throws acid in his face. Scarred for life, Horatio retreats further into solitude and becomes a full blown recluse. Horatio adopts some snakes and begins studying them, growing immune to their venom. While taking night classes, Horatio is saved by Erik Killmonger. Killmonger then recruits the snake charmer in his plans to invade Wakanda.
Using the pseudonym Venomm, Horatio attacks Black Panther in the Wakandan Vibranium mines, only to be soundly defeated. While imprisoned in Wakanda, a man by the name of Taku tries to befriend Venomm. However, Venomm uses this friendship to distract Taku so that Malice could rescue the super-villain. Black Panther is able to defeat Malice so that W’Kabi can subdue and recapture Venomm. Taku continues to try and grow close to Venomm, only for the villain to reject this overture and escape.
Venomm returns to his snake pit, only to be pursued by Black Panther and Taku. Venomm sends a number of deadly snakes after the Black Panther but is horrified when he sees Taku in danger. Unable to allow Taku to be harmed, Venomm surrenders to Black Panther. When Killmonger attacks Wakanda again, Venomm is able to escape prison again. However, Venomm feels close to Taku and seeks him out, saving the Wakandan from another villain. After Killmonger’s crew is defeated, Taku asks for Venomm to be pardoned. A request that is granted.
Venomm and Taku begin a romantic relationship, leading to Venomm living in the Wakandan Palace with his paramour. While Venomm is suspected of being a spy, he is eventually exonerated. He even marches into battle alongside Wakandan warriors.
He later seems to return to his villainous ways in service of the Red Skull’s daughter, Sin. Whether this was mind control, an illusion, or just a change of heart is unknown.
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