Lemon Kid

As a lightning fast gunslinger, Lemon Kid is a specialist at playing the (cow)boy hero role. Although he grew up idolizing Melon Kid, one of the toughest outlaw bandits on the American frontier, Lemon’s innate sense of justice eventually wins out over his boyhood desire to emulate his anti-hero and leads him away from a life of crime.

A celebrated sharpshooter and hero during the American Civil War, Lemon eventually finds himself pressed into service as Sherrif. Although his duty is clear, his resolve is put to the test when the dreaded Melon Kid wanders into town.

Unsurprisingly, Lemon Kid made his debut in the title role of Lemon Kid (1953). However, despite being one of the “good guys”, Lemon was not above making an appearance in Mr. Cactus (1951-53) to stir up a heated rivalry with “Cactus” Sam to decided which one of them is the rootin-est, toot in-est cowpoke in the Old West. He has also been featured in another cowboy adventure manga, The Bean President (1953).

Lemon Kid’s name in Japanese is derived from English. Although it has no particular meaning, it is an anagram of his childhood anti-hero’s name, “Melon Kid“, and is inspired by a long line of outlaws from the Wild West, such as “Billy-The-Kid” or “The Sundace Kid”.

Although he does not have any particular distinguishing physical characteristics, you can usually spot the Lemon Kid by his blond hair, large round eyes, and 10-gallon white cowboy hat.

(Source: Tezuka In English)