Best in show: The 21 top superhero pets
Dogs and cats and capes, oh my—a look at faithful and powerful companions across DC, Marvel, and more
Film Features Kevin Hart
Most casual superhero fans know about Superman’s faithful dog Krypto, whether or not they’ve seen the super pooch save the day or leap a particularly tall fire hydrant in a single bound. But those fans may not know that superheroes, just like the rest of us, often need a smart, loyal companion. The difference with superhero pets, of course, is that occasionally possess super powers and can help save the day.
To mark the release of DC League Of Super-Pets, The A.V. Club has assembled an extensive (but by no means comprehensive) kennel of superhero animals. Some have shown up in live-action adventures, while others have remained on the printed page (so far). Not all are necessarily good boys or girls, but unlike the heroes and villains they work with, most can be subdued with a well-placed scratch or two behind the ears (or wings or … ).
17 Comments
My favorite versions of Krypto and Ace are from DC Super Hero Girls (2019 version) episode, #BeastsInShow (Season 1, Episode 18)The whole series is actually pretty great, as well.
My favorite Krypto is from “Whatever happened to the man of tomorrow?” He rips out Kryptonite Man’s throat to save Superman, but dies from radiation poisoning. I actually got tears in my eyes when I read it.
Mine as well, I cried as a kid in 86.
Anyone remember that time the Punisher had a coyote?
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur was drawn by “Pia Guerra” not “Guirerra”.
No Topo? Lucky the Pizza Dog? Cosmo? Beppo? That monkey from Y, the Last Man? Ant-Man’s numerous ants?
No Beppo the Super-monkey?
PROTY!
When I saw the name Bruce I was hoping against hope that it would be the ocelot from the wonderful old TV show Honey West.
None of those losers can type or file.
You’re gonna mention Comet the Super-horse and not mention the fun (messed up) fact that he’s actually a dude that got transformed into a horse and is in love with Supergirl? And I’m pretty sure she doesn’t know! Ah, the Silver Age…
No Bats, Dr Strange’s talking ghost basset hound?
Wait, so Chewie (named after a certain co-pilot) was switched to Goose, who is possibly named after another certain co-pilot?
Hey….let’s not forget Dr Midnite’s pet owl Hooty. He has to be one of the original superhero pets. I heard he later became a musician and had some hits in the 90s.
No Dyno-Mutt?When my daughter was 5, she caught a plush eagle at a parade and named it “Eagley.” So I see what the brains behind “Peacemaker” were going for.
I straight up almost walked out of Birds of Prey when it looked like they had killed Bruce. Sad it wasn’t Bud and Lou, but I guess it’s twice as expensive to CGI TWO uncanny valley hyenas..
Krypto has made me cry twice. Once in What ever happened to the man of tomorrow when he dies and Clark hears him crying in pain but can’t save him as he is fighting for his life. Fuck you Allan Moore you brillant bastard, that still hurts my soul!And then in (I can’t remember the issue) when they do a whole issue of Krypto with Connor kent in flash backs and then they show Krypto howling at the sky and Martha Kent ask’s Jonathan what he is looking for…. and Jonathan says “for him to come home” because Connor was killed by Superboy Prime. Just fucking heart breaking!Also if Eagly every dies, people will lose their f’n shit!