Variants and Lore: Kim Jacinto Artist Showcase

It’s a pleasure to once again write an article related to the art of Marvel Snap! Our last two installments of “Variants and Lore” were very well received.

Whether we focus our article on the story behind our favorite characters or the art of incredible artists, you always let me know that continuing with these types of articles is worth it.

• Variants and Lore #1: The Phoenix Force, Phoenix Five, and Jean Grey
• Variants and Lore #2: Dan Hipp Artist Showcase

Choosing a group of variants focused on some story arc or the next artist to delve into is not easy. However, the new bundle “Artist Showcase: Kim Jacinto” that will be available from September 24th to October 2nd has set the tone for me.

First of all, this is the perfect excuse to showcase the many incredible variants Kim has in the game. Traveling through them and his work will be formidable. And second of all, you know my love for the Sentinel Program. Kim is the creator of the new best variant of Master Mold, which has influenced me a bit.

Who is Kim Jacinto?

His full name is Aaron Kim Jacinto and he was born in the Philippines on August 4th in an unknown year. Kim’s career in the comics industry began in 2012 when C.B. Cebulski, an American writer and the current editor-in-chief for Marvel Comics, recruited him during a visit to the Philippines for the “Be The Next Comic Marvel” contest that was held at the country’s national bookstore.

More than 200 artists were vying for a position at Marvel, but only the top 34 made it to the final trial of illustrating a test script for Ghost Rider.

Debut

Kim certainly impressed the right people, as is now the case with us Snap players who gawk at every new variant that comes out under his name. And after this event, he was recruited by Marvel to make his debut in 2013. We can see his first works in the pages of Wolverine MAX Vol. 1 #6. I searched exhaustively, but I could not find the inner pages since the cover is by another artist. However, I can share the cover of #6 with you for reference in case anyone decides to embark on the search for this comic. Can you imagine getting a physical copy and having Kim sign it?

His first appearance as a regular artist was in the Venom Vol. 2 series written by Cullen Bunn. In an interview, Cullen described Kim’s work as “wonderful grittiness,” especially when dealing with the “nuttier” aspects of the arc. This was said in reference to the tight composure with rough sketchy line-work that was similar to the previous Venom artist, Declan Shalvey. He worked on the series for three issues: 37, 38, and 39.

From that point on, his appearances were somewhat sporadic with some participation in comics between 2013 and 2015:

• Inker in Indestructible Hulk Vol.1 #13
• Penciler and inker in Indestructible Hulk Vol.1 #14 and #15
• Penciler and inker in Superior Carnage Annual Vol.1 #1
• Penciler and inker in Thunderbolts Vol.2 #23, #29, #31, and #32

Angela: Queen of Hel

The first work that probably helped him establish himself at Marvel came a little later in mid-to-late 2015 with an incredible title, and one that I highly recommended: Angela: Queen of Hel.

Stolen from Asgard, exiled from Heaven, and robbed of Sera, her greatest companion – Angela plunges into the depths of the blackest Hel to save her friend… and once there, the lost princess of Asgard will carve out a realm of her very own. All hail Angela, the new queen of Hel!

This series was released on October 28, 2015, and would see its culmination in its #7 released on April 27, 2016.

It was from this point on that Kim would work on various Marvel titles such as Venom: Space Knight, Uncanny Inhumans, Avengers, and, my favorite of all, the Sentry Miniseries, starring one of my favorite characters in Marvel Snap.

Champions

Thanks to the success of some of these series and the evolution of Kim’s art, little by little he made a significant leap in 2019 and began to have an opportunity to work on consecutive covers. He draws the cover of the 10 issues of Champions Vol. 3.

The Champions have gone global! The team has seen explosive growth under Ms. Marvel’s leadership, with super-powered members ready to answer the call in a dozen different countries. They’re saving people and improving lives across the planet while they inspire the next generation… but something sinister lurks beneath the surface of their expanded mission. It’s a dark secret that could destroy the team and everything they stand for!

Many of Kim’s other works for Marvel are noteworthy, but I will only leave a couple more images in this section. First, cover #1 of another long series in which Kim was responsible for all the covers, Hawkeye: Freefall. And second, one that many of you will recognize from information revealed about some future variants, the cover of Marauders Vol. 2 #12

Other Publications

Kim also worked during this time in publications for DC Comics, Boom Studios (with big IPs like Power Rangers, Dune, and MTG), Skybound Entertainment (The Walking Dead, G.I. Joe, and Invincible), and Massive-Whatnot. Some important examples are:

• Variant covers for DC Comics in series like Batgirls, Batman Urban Legends, Earth-Prime (all issues), The Flash, The Joker, and Monkey Prince.
• Variant cover of Magic: The Gathering #1 for Boom Studios.
• Variant cover C of Fire Power #22 for Skybound Entertainment.
• Covers of Quested (all issues) for Massive-Whatnot.

If there’s one thing that’s clear to me, it’s that Kim’s art is quite adaptable. Although it’s evident that it has well-founded roots, we see him go through different drawing styles without complications. It’s clear that, when Kim is free to work as he pleases, the evolution of his style leads him to very dynamic poses and unique proportions that give an unmatched personality and form to his works.

This biography was made with data from:

• Universo Marvel
• Marvel Database I Fandom
• iFanboy
• DC Database I Fandom

Kim Jacinto and Marvel Snap

In this case, it was a little easier to find what Kim’s first works were for Marvel Snap.

Do you recognize this drawing?

That’s how it is. The art of this variant cover of the first volume and issue of Shang-Chi is a variant available in the game (Super Rare – 1,200 Gold). It was the first variant in Marvel Snap from Kim Jacinto, along with his variant for Colleen Wing (Rare – 700 Gold).

Both were released on August 7, 2022, a month before the game’s global launch. That is, both were available since the closed beta.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that even though these two variants were Kim’s first in the game, most of us have likely seen the Carnage and Venom variants first.

This is because both were released on October 7, a few days after the official launch of the game, but not in the same way. Carnage is, in some ways, rather special because the only way to get it (until recently) was by purchasing the October 2022 Season Pass “Symbiote Invasion”, where you could also acquire Miles Morales and a variant of Spider-Woman.

Venom, for his part, arrived at the same time, but went directly to the store for 1,200 Gold.

It’s curious to note the symmetry of the variants, and, at the same time, what I had mentioned earlier about the dynamic poses and proportions of the characters’ bodies. Without a doubt, time has gradually allowed Kim to strengthen the personality of his work.

Personal Top 3 Variants

Honorable Mentions

Not mentioning Electro or Darkhawk on this list could cause Troy to burn. I certainly can’t mention all the variants I like from Kim (I had to leave out Nimrod, for example). However, these four deserve a special mention.

Electro is here because it seems like a very peculiar work coming from Kim. A high-angle shot with well-defined proportions is not something that is common, and that gives it a very peculiar touch. Available as Token Shop Ultimate for 5,000 Collector’s Tokens.

Darkhawk, needless to say, is the best variant for Darkhawk in the opinion of many. It’s in a challenging pose with incredible colors and looks ready to jump into action. Available in the Artist Showcase Bundle: Kim Jacinto for 7,500 Gold.

I confess that I had never seen the variant for the Human Torch until I was writing this article, and boy was it a pleasant surprise. In this case, it’s a low-angle shot with a lot of personality and a background that is reminiscent of a comic strip. Available for 1,200 Gold.

The Onslaught variant catches my attention in addition to the tremendous drawing and coloring work due to the way the space is managed. It could very well be centered, and the character’s head is, but its body presents a large charge on the left side and leaves a space of “visual rest” on the right. This makes it appear as though Onslaught is charging towards you with incredible force. Available for 1,200 Gold.

3rd – Brood

One of Kim’s most recent variants, this was released on August 15, 2023. I really like the way in which the variant proposes a profile perspective, something that is unusual in variants in general.

The contrast generated by the background and the light that comes from the lower part of the image gives it an incredible touch.

Brood’s facial expression is fantastic, too. It really makes me regret that this variant doesn’t generate tokens that are also drawn by Kim. Available for 1,200 Gold.

2nd – Sentry

I place this variant here (even though its launch will be on September 26th, 2023) because, by the time you are reading this, it’s likely that you will already see it in your store (or, at least, very soon).

Plus, this is another of my favorite characters. Kim has done an excellent job showing us a tremendously aggressive pose with a very striking body composition and proportions.

Notice the fingers on Sentry‘s hand in front, the expression on his face, and his mouth and eyes. Without a doubt, this is exceptional work. Also, when Kim works on the colors and puts effort into it, it’s immediately noticeable and it enhances the work greatly. Available for 1,200 Gold.

1st – Master Mold

Not only is this the best Master Mold variant (in my opinion), but it’s also the best Kim Jacinto variant to date.

The fact that it does not show Master Mold’s entire body in the image, in addition to the posture and the debris that accompanies the image, give us the impression of being in front of a huge robot.

The art is incredible, and I also think that the color work is one of Kim’s best.

Available for a limited time in the Artist Showcase: Kim Jacinto Bundle from September 24, 2023 – October 2, 2023 for 7,500 Gold.

Unreleased Variants

Without a doubt, these three variants seem incredible to me (although I think that, for the vast majority, Kitty Pryde will win the applause). I had mentioned before that the Kitty Pryde variant is from a variant cover of the Marauders comic, and it’s going to be available on October 24, 2023 as a Spotlight variant.

Nothing is known yet about the variants for Sauron and Nightcrawler, but, despite the incredible nature of Kitty’s variant, I would like to be able to get Sauron‘s first.

Miscellaneous Work

Looking at the social media of the artist for whom we make these types of articles allows us to get to know them a little more and, thanks to their posts, realize the things they are passionate about beyond work.

This drawing and a small figure of the Tidehunter that is sometimes seen on his desk could suggest that Kim enjoyed playing DOTA 2. I wouldn’t be surprised since this MOBA is quite popular in Southeast Asia.

There’s no doubt that Game of Thrones was a global event. I’m just about to finish reading the first book, and I don’t doubt that Kim enjoyed the series, too. Be that as it may, this John Snow turned out incredible!

Continuing with video games, on more than one occasion, Kim has uploaded not only drawings but also photos of playing Warframe. I have never tried it, but this frantic action game is to the taste of many. He also has some Valorant drawings on his Instagram.

Some drawing on Kim’s Instagram let us know that he is also a fan of watching some anime. This Jiraya is very cool, but wait until you see one of my favorite characters from Kimetsu no Jaiba: Inosuke and, the boy in yellow, Zenitsu.

Once again, the artworks complement each other. In their actions and combat positions, with their colors of a lot of pink and purple, and from their shocking facial expressions. You can find other works about Akira, Dragon Ball, and some other anime on his social media.

How impressive is it to see work related to Star Wars from an artist who has worked on Marvel Snap? Dan Hipp has some, too! Each one in their own style, honoring one of the most important sagas of our time.

We finish this article with four images. Above is Skeletor, a villain from He-Man. Below are two recent drawings of Miguel O’hara (Marvel related, but made for pleasure/practice) + one photo that all but confirms that our dear Kim Jacinto is part of the modeling hobby and, in this case, enjoys building Gunpla.

Closing Words

Before I go, let me share with you the platforms where you can find more of Kim Jacinto’s work:

• Instagram
• Next Comic Art <- You can buy his art here. Original Master Mold variant sketch was sold for $700
• Facebook
• DeviantArt

This has been really hard work, but I’m left me with a lot of knowledge about one of my favorite Marvel Snap artists and his wonderful work. From here, I wish that Kim continues to be successful and that, in the company of his family (he lives with his wife and is the father of two children), he can continue with what he is passionate about so we can continue enjoying it.

Do not hesitate to share your opinions with us in the comment section of this article, on the Marvel Snap Community Discord, and on my Twitter. We will return with more variants, lore, and artists as long as it’s content that is valuable to our community.

See you soon! And as always, dear readers, thanks for reading this far, and don’t forget to smile. You know it makes a difference!