Get ready to howl with excitement! The animated movie DC League of Super-Pets is hitting theaters, bringing the furry, feathered, and scaled sidekicks of our favorite superheroes into the spotlight. But these super-powered pets are not new to the DC Universe. In fact, the concept of Dc Super Pets has a rich and fascinating history in comic books, dating back decades. Before you and your family dive into the movie, let’s explore the origins and evolution of these incredible animal heroes, from the classic Legion of Super-Pets to the exciting new team featured in the film.
The Original DC Super Pets: The Legion of Super-Pets
Way back in 1962, in Adventure Comics #293, comic readers were introduced to the Legion of Super-Pets. This wasn’t just a random group of super-powered animals; it was a team specifically composed of the pets belonging to Superman and Supergirl. Think of them as the Justice League, but with fur, feathers, and fins! Just like their human counterparts, the Legion of Super-Pets was formed to protect Earth from intergalactic threats. Their first mission? To thwart the Gil’dishpan, a bizarre race of brain-like aliens encased in globes – aptly nicknamed “Brain Globes”. This original DC Super Pets team remained a beloved part of the comics for over two decades, until the Crisis on Infinite Earths event reshaped the DC Universe.
Krypto the Super-Dog: The Leader of the Pack
First Appearance: Adventure Comics #210 (1955)
Krypto, the super-powered canine, is a cornerstone of the DC Super Pets legacy and the only original member featured in the new movie. Hailing from Krypton, just like Superman, Krypto’s origin story is deeply intertwined with the Man of Steel’s. Sent to Earth as a companion for baby Kal-El by his parents, Jor-El and Lara, Krypto was intended to be a loyal and loving friend for their son in a potentially hostile new world. This Kryptonian dog possesses similar powers to Superman, making him a truly super DC Super Pet.
Streaky the Super-Cat: Earth’s Kryptonite Kitty
First Appearance: Action Comics #261 (1959)
Unlike Krypto’s extraterrestrial beginnings, Streaky is an Earth-born feline who gained powers through a unique twist. Originally the pet of Linda Lee, Supergirl’s secret identity in the Silver Age, Streaky was an ordinary housecat. However, Supergirl’s experiments with “X-Kryptonite” inadvertently granted Streaky Kryptonian-level superpowers. This concept of power-giving X-Kryptonite might be familiar to viewers of the Superman & Lois TV series. It’s interesting to note the crossover of ideas, considering the Supergirl TV show previously borrowed elements from Superman lore. Streaky adds a purr-fectly powerful touch to the DC Super Pets team.
Beppo the Super-Monkey: The Kryptonian Stowaway
First Appearance: Superboy #76 (1959)
Beppo, another Kryptonian member of the DC Super Pets, shares a similar origin to Krypto, but with a mischievous twist. While Krypto was intentionally sent to Earth, Beppo was an accidental passenger on baby Kal-El’s rocket. This super-simian stowed away at the last moment, ensuring his escape from Krypton’s destruction and becoming the last Kryptonian monkey. Beppo brings a playful and unpredictable energy to the team.
Comet the Super-Horse: From Centaur to Super-Pet
First Appearance: Adventure Comics #293 (1962)
Comet the Super-Horse boasts a truly unique and complex backstory, even involving romantic entanglements with Supergirl in some storylines. Introduced as Supergirl’s pet horse in the Legion of Super-Pets’ debut, Comet’s origins were gradually revealed. He was once Biron, a centaur transformed into a horse by the sorceress Circe. Lost in space, Comet was rescued by Supergirl and became her loyal companion. Adding another layer of complexity, Comet could even transform back into his human centaur form, “Bill Star,” when a specific comet passed by, leading to a romantic subplot with Supergirl. While a different version of Comet appeared in the 1990s Supergirl comics, this original Comet remains the iconic super-horse of the DC Super Pets.
Silver Age Expansions to the DC Super Pets
Whizzy the Super-Cat: A Legacy of Super Felines
First Appearance: Action Comics #287 (1962)
The “Legion” in Legion of Super-Pets is a nod to the Legion of Super-Heroes, and the pets’ first adventure involved a crossover with these 30th-century heroes. This connection allowed for the introduction of future members into the DC Super Pets, reflecting the expansive Superman Family concept of the time. Whizzy the Super-Cat is one such addition, a descendant of Streaky from the 30th century. Apparently, X-Kryptonite powers are hereditary in the super-cat lineage!
Proty II: The Shapeshifting Mascot
First Appearance: Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #72 (1963)
Proty II is a unique member of the DC Super Pets, an amorphous, telepathic being from the Antares star system. More of a mascot or ally to the Legion of Super-Heroes than a traditional pet, Proty II, following the demise of the original Proty, occasionally joined the Super-Pets on time-traveling adventures, adding its shapeshifting and telepathic abilities to the team.
The DC Super Pets of the 853rd Century: Legion of Executive Familiars
The Legion of Executive Familiars: Future Generation Super-Pets
First Appearance: DC One Million 80-Page Giant #1 (1999)
After Crisis on Infinite Earths, the original Legion of Super-Pets faded into the past, or so it seemed. The DC One Million event in 1999 introduced the Legion of Executive Familiars from the 853rd century – a team of highly intelligent animals who are the successors to the original DC Super Pets. This futuristic team includes Krypto-9, descendant of Krypto; Octus, an octopus from the 8th dimension; Wormhole, a massive, subspace-dwelling worm; Phaethon and Savitar, the sun dogs; and Googal, the last mouse in the universe with self-replication powers. This imaginative team expands the concept of DC Super Pets into the far future.
DC Super Pets Return in Tiny Titans
The Tiny Titans comic series in 2008 marked a significant resurgence for DC Super Pets, bringing them back into the spotlight and broadening their scope beyond Superman’s sphere. This lighthearted series reimagined the Super-Pets as a counterpart to the entire Justice League, incorporating animals from across the DC Universe, from Golden Age to modern comics. This era truly solidified the DC Super Pets as a team in their own right.
Jumpa: Wonder Woman’s Leaping Kanga
First Appearance: Sensation Comics #6 (1942)
Technically the oldest DC Super Pet, Jumpa, Wonder Woman’s kangaroo companion, predates even Krypto. Introduced as young Diana’s mount in Wonder Woman #23, Jumpa is not just any kangaroo, but a Kanga, the preferred steeds of the Sky Riders of Nebulosta. After young Diana foiled their invasion of Paradise Island, the Amazons adopted the Kangas, and Jumpa became Diana’s closest animal ally.
Hoppy the Marvel Bunny: Shazam! For Funny Animals
First Appearance: Fawcett’s Funny Animals #1 (1942)
The 1940s and 50s were a golden age for “funny animal” comics, and Fawcett Comics, the original home of Shazam, entered the genre with Hoppy the Marvel Bunny. This rabbit hero transforms into a super-powered version of himself by saying “Shazam!”, which in Hoppy’s case stands for a different set of attributes: the wisdom of Salamander, the strength of Hogules, the stamina of Antlers, the power of Zebreus, the courage of Abalone, and the speed of Monkury. Hoppy brings a whimsical and powerful element to the DC Super Pets.
Terrific Whatzit: The Speedy Turtle Hero
First Appearance: Funny Stuff #1 (1944)
DC also joined the “funny animal” trend, introducing Terrific Whatzit in Funny Stuff. Merton McSnurtle, an anthropomorphic turtle, gains superpowers from cosmic beings to test if a neutral entity would use power for good. His costume bears a striking resemblance to Jay Garrick, the original Flash. Later, Terrific Whatzit was revealed to be the uncle of Fastback from Captain Carrot and his Zoo Crew. “Merton, Shell on Wheels,” a modern DC Super Pet, is named in his honor.
Ace the Bat-Hound: Batman’s Canine Crusader
First Appearance: Batman #92 (1955)
Just as Superman has Krypto, Batman has Ace the Bat-Hound, introduced the same year. Ace’s origin has varied over the years. Originally, he was a German Shepherd belonging to an engraver kidnapped by counterfeiters. Batman and Robin helped rescue the engraver, who then entrusted Ace to Batman. Since then, Ace has been portrayed as a guide dog, a rescue dog from a fighting ring, and even Bruce Wayne’s companion in Batman Beyond. The DC League of Super-Pets movie presents yet another origin for Ace, adding to the Bat-Hound’s enduring legacy as a DC Super Pet.
Topo: Aquaman’s Multi-Talented Octopus
First Appearance: Adventure Comics #229 (1956)
Topo, Aquaman’s loyal octopus companion, has taken many forms throughout DC history, from intelligent octopus to Atlantean humanoid to Lovecraftian creature. Regardless of his form, Topo is a steadfast ally to Aquaman, whether babysitting Aquababy, studying magic with Mera, battling enemies of Atlantis, or even playing drums in the Aquaman movie. Topo is a versatile and essential DC Super Pet.
Fuzzy the Krypto Mouse: A Tiny Powerhouse
First Appearance: Superboy #65 (1958)
Fuzzy the Krypto Mouse is a deep cut from Tiny Titans, having only appeared in a single Silver Age Superboy issue before his revival. Like Streaky, Fuzzy gained powers from an experimental Kryptonite variant. After a day of superheroics as “Krypto Mouse,” he reverted to his normal form but earned his place in the expanded DC Super Pets roster.
Super-Turtle: The Slow and Steady Super-Pet
First Appearance: Adventure Comics #304 (1962)
Super-Turtle, or “Tur-Tel,” was a humorous character in ’60s Adventure Comics, a throwback to the “funny animal” era. Like Superman, Tur-Tel is the last survivor of his planet, Galapagon, gaining powers upon arriving on Earth. In a funny twist, while Tur-Tel’s father predicted Galapagon’s destruction, the turtle race was simply too slow to react in time!
Bd’g: The Green Lantern Rodent
First Appearance: Green Lantern: Rebirth #3 (2004)
Bd’g, a rodent-like Green Lantern from Sector 1014, was introduced during Geoff Johns’ influential Green Lantern run. He replaced the popular Ch’p after his death. Bd’g is notable for mentoring Simon Baz, a human Green Lantern, while other human Lanterns were occupied, adding a cosmic dimension to the DC Super Pets concept.
Robin Robin: The Bird of Justice
First Appearance: Tiny Titans #28 (2010)
Following the tradition of Comet the Super-Horse, the Tiny Titans creators Art and Franco introduced their own DC Super Pet, Robin Robin. This is literally a robin bird with Robin’s skills. He foreshadowed the hyper-competent Super Robin of Teen Titans Go! sparking the age-old debate: who is the best Robin? (The answer is still Jason Todd, for some fans!).
DC Super Pets Reborn in Rebirth
The DC Super Pets made their return to mainstream continuity after Crisis in Super Sons Annual #1, marking a long-awaited reunion between Krypto and Ace. Streaky rejoined them, but the rest of the team was a new generation of animal heroes.
Bat-Cow: The Bovine Crusader
First Appearance: Tiny Titans #17 (2009)
Bat-Cow is a unique case, originating in Tiny Titans. Grant Morrison, writer of Batman & Robin, loved Bat-Cow so much he incorporated her into the New 52 Batman Incorporated series. Bat-Cow became a meme and a natural choice when assembling a new version of the DC Super Pets.
Nathan the Dachshund: Harley Quinn’s Beloved Pet
First Appearance: Harley Quinn #1 (2013)
Nathan, Harley Quinn’s dachshund, wasn’t part of the initial Super Sons reunion but joined the DC Super Pets in Dark Nights: Metal. Created by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner, Nathan is Harley’s first and most cherished pet (besides Bernie the beaver).
Clay Critter: The Living Clay Super-Pet
First Appearance: Super Sons Annual #1 (2017)
Clay Critter is a modern equivalent to Proty, a sentient piece of Clayface that appeared in Super Sons Annual #1. Clay Critter is no longer active with the team, and his disappearance might have contributed to the original team’s disbandment before their reunion.
Flexi the Plastic-Bird: The Stretchable Super-Pet
First Appearance: Super Sons Annual #1 (2017)
Flexi the Plastic-Bird, with its red, white, and yellow colors, bears a resemblance to Plastic Man. Described as the “heart of the team,” Flexi’s powers and connection to Plastic Man remain mysterious. They’ve never been seen together… could Eel O’Brian be involved?
The New DC League of Super-Pets Movie Team
The DC League of Super-Pets movie introduces a new team alongside Krypto and Ace. This fresh crew includes PB the Wonder Pig, the enigmatic Keith and Mark, Merton the Turtle, and Chip, who seems to be a resurrected Ch’p, the Green Lantern! The movie promises to be a fun-filled adventure showcasing these new DC Super Pets. You can also delve deeper into their adventures with the graphic novel follow-up, DC League of Super-Pets: The Great Mxy-Up.
DC League of Super-Pets opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, July 29.
