I must admit, as a casual Kryptonologist, the concept of Superman having a dog with superpowers always puzzled me. Does he cause chaos by knocking over fire hydrants? Does he disrupt the Earth’s rotation when he chases his tail? These questions have lingered in my mind until I saw the trailer for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot, featuring Kal-El’s canine companion. Now, I can’t help but wonder why it took so long to bring this character to the big screen.
Krypto, also known as Skip when living undercover on the Kent farm, has been a part of DC Comics since 1955, debuting in Adventure Comics #210. Despite being initially introduced as a one-off character, his popularity led to many appearances in Superman and Superboy comic book stories.
The origin of Krypto is a bit convoluted due to years of comic book adaptations, but the basic story involves him being a test subject for a rocket prototype designed to save Superman from Krypton’s destruction. After a mishap during the launch, Krypto ends up on Earth where he reunites with a teenage Superman in a heartwarming tale.
Krypto has made appearances in various comic books, Saturday morning cartoons, and TV shows like Smallville, Titans, and Superman & Lois. He even had a role in the animated film “DC League of Super-Pets,” voiced by Dwayne Johnson. While Krypto typically does not speak, he possesses abilities like heightened intelligence, super speed, strength, and flight.
One consistent aspect of Krypto’s appearance is his iconic red cape, gold collar, and a dog tag with a red “S.” His breed varies in different portrayals, but his fur is always white. Krypto’s most powerful attribute, however, is his cuteness, which adds a lighter tone to superhero stories compared to darker versions seen in previous Superman films.
Overall, the inclusion of Krypto in James Gunn’s Superman reboot has been well-received by fans, offering a refreshing change in tone. Watching Krypto in action in the trailer brings a sense of warmth and joy, signaling a more uplifting direction for the beloved superhero franchise.
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