The Origination and Evolution of Zebediah Killgrave’s Name in Jessica Jones

In the Netflix series Jessica Jones, the character known as Kilgrave is primarily referred to by his name rather than his comic book alias, Purple Man. This leads to the question: why is he called Killgrave? This article will explore the origins and reasons behind this character's name in both the comics and the show.

Relevance to Real Life and Comic Book Origins

Zebediah Killgrave, the character, is not a pseudonym but his real name. The use ofPurple Man as his alter ego is a result of a chemical accident. In the comics, Kilgrave's skin turned purple, hence the nickname Purple Man. However, in the context of the Netflix series, Julius Russo and the show’s creators chose to use only his name to keep the character's portrayal more grounded and relatable to a mainstream audience. This decision has led to some confusion among fans who are more familiar with the character from the comics.

Why Purple Man in the Comics?

According to the information found in various comic book sources, the character first appeared in Daredevil #4 in 1964. His real full name is Zebediah Killgrave, and he comes from Croatia. During a heist, comparable to the Red Hood's origin, his skin turned purple due to a chemical spill. The nickname Purple Man thus emerged as a visual description of his appearance. In the comics, his skin retains the purple hue, which is a key identifying feature for fans of the series.

Why Not in the Netflix Series?

In the Netflix series, Kilgrave does not retain the purple skin that is a defining characteristic in the comics. This is why they chose to call him Kilgrave directly in the show. The producers aimed to make the character more relatable and less fantastical, focusing on his psychological threats rather than magical or supernatural powers. Additionally, the show wants to avoid using overly comic book-specific names that might confuse new viewers or alienate those unfamiliar with the source material.

Comics and Beyond

As further explored in the current comic series, Jessica Jones: Alias, there are comics that delve into the background of Kilgrave and his interactions with other characters. For instance, an arc in Jessica Jones: Alias Volume 4 involves Jessica telling her story to Luke Cage. This arc is aptly titled "Purple," reflecting the significance of his alter ego, Purple Man. This volume and the subsequent Jessica Jones Volume 3 showcase the ongoing evolution of the character in modern comic book culture.

Conclusion

Zebediah Killgrave, known as Kilgrave in the Netflix series, is the real name of the character stemming from his comics origins. The decision to refer to Kilgrave by his name rather than Purple Man in the show was made to make him more relatable and grounded. For fans of the comics, the name Purple Man carries special significance, but adapting to a live-action series like Jessica Jones meant simplifying the character name. This decision shows the balance between staying true to the source material and appealing to a broader audience.