Even after facing a reshuffling from its original release date, the animated DC League of Super-Pets figures to premiere amid much fanfare. Starring box office powerhouses Dwayne Johnson (voicing Krypto) and Kevin Hart (voicing Ace), as well as Keanu Reeves and Diego Luna, the Super-Pets appear poised for their moment in the spotlight.
From Bat-Cow to Old Lace and more, Super-Pets have had to evolve just as their superpowered owners. So often showcasing the kinship and mutual respect between animal and hero, Super-Pets add a profoundly human feel to our favorite characters in DC and Marvel Comics, further strengthening the bonds that emotionally invest us in the shared creative experience that is comics.
Ace The Bat-Hound
First appearing as the Dark Knight's loyal canine companion back in the Golden Age, Ace would accompany Batman in many adventures over the years. Teaming up with the likes of Scooby-Doo and the Legion of Super-Pets and clashing with villains like Catwoman and Scarecrow demonstrate the versatility of the Bat-Hound.
Ceremoniously given a heartwarming updated origin story in the landmark Detective Comics #1000 (2019), Ace shows his journey from a discarded, rabid beast to a dedicated compatriot with a will forged of iron. Voiced by the superbly talented Kevin Hart as one of the lead characters in the DC League of Super-Pets movie, Ace's popularity as one of the alpha Super-Pets will seemingly only increase.
Bats
With Doctor Strange 2 on the horizon, speculation is at a fever pitch as the internet sings with fans offering their opinions about easter eggs, storylines, and Stranges'. Of course, more than a couple of fans are hoping Strange's steadfast Super-Pet Bats makes his introduction into the MCU. Beloved and ethereal, this charming Bassett Hound would find his way to a forlorn Strange who had taken up veterinary medicine in the Loki: Sorcerer Supreme storyline.
Enchanted by Strange to speak to humans, Bats would meet his heroic demise while protecting Strange from Loki, another emerald-clad villain. This act of unconditional love would compel Loki to seek atonement for his voluntary 'dogslaughter' of Bats by retrieving his ghostly essence, prompting a collective sigh from his previously heartbroken fans. Since then, Bats has put his frank, no-nonsense personality to use, offering guidance and as a member of mighty Pet Avengers and the Midnight Sons, expediently proving that he belongs in the conversation with the best Super-Pets.
Cosmo The Space Dog
This Golden Retriever/Labrador mix, originally sent into space as a test animal by the CC (Soviet Space Program), eventually drifted out of orbit in the '60s, thought lost in space. However, Cosmo would develop psionic powers due to mutation from cosmic rays, finally arriving at Port Knowhere, the floating head of a dead Celestial, made famous in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies.
Featuring all the hallmarks of both dog breeds, such as loyalty and determination, combined with potent psionic abilities, Cosmo will team up with such iconic cosmic powerhouses as Nova, the Silver Surfer, and Quasar to protect the universe. As a valued member of the Knowhere Corps and the Annihilators, Cosmo qualifies amongst the most capable super-pets and a certifiable best.
Dex-Starr
Dexter, a domesticated housecat of earth, witnesses his owner slain, and after an encounter finds him drowning in a sack, the great rage in his heart is unleashed, granting him a scarlet ring. Complete with rage plasma spit and unwavering devotion to his master and Reds leader, Atrocitus, Dex-Starr is one of the most feared of the Red Lantern Corps and one hellacious Super-Pet.
Wielding domestic cats' cuddly unassuming nature to devastating effect, the feline Red Lantern of Sector-2814 garners fans worldwide, appearing in favorites like Injustice and DC Super Hero Girls, perpetually showing why he is the most exemplary of super-pets in DC Comics.
Krypto
First introduced in Adventure Comics #210 (March 1955), this Kryptonian canine has faithfully stood by Superman over the years versus prime-time baddies like Brainiac, Lex Luthor, and Superboy-Prime. So understandably, the quintessence of a Super-Pet, Krypto, will evolve with Superman over the decades, gaining such popularity to appear in a self-titled series.
Perhaps the most recognizable Super-Pet in all the land, Krypto appears in comics, video games, TV shows, and movies accentuating his mass appeal, establishing why this 'Dog of Steel' represents the Super-Pet that all others aspire to be.
Lockjaw
The result of experimentation by the Inhuman Surgeon Supreme on his mother, the massive bulldog Lockjaw, will possess the capability of instantaneous travel across the dimensions of time and space. Immediately demonstrating comion and a heroic nature in saving his non-Inhuman siblings, Sparky will become the first pet of the Inhuman Royal Family. Growing up as a companion to leader Black Bolt, Lockjaw is tasked with the guardianship of Crystal, eventually accompanying her on numerous adventures for Attilan.
As an invaluable member of the Inhumans, Lockjaw displays uncanny foresight, averting disaster on more than one occasion. Furthermore, in the formation of the vaunted Pet Avengers to thwart the Mad Titan Thanos from re-assembling the Infinity Gauntlet, Lockjaw slobbered his way into fans' hearts and that of fellow Inhuman Ms. Marvel as a leader in the Super-Pet community and one of its best.
Lockheed
First debuting in Uncanny X-Men #166 (1983) as the creation of legendary writer Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Lockheed represents a refreshing take on the traditional super-pet. Discovered by X-Men Kitty Pryde, this extraterrestrial violet dragon will defend her on the Brood-colonized world, secretly escaping with her and the other X-Men after the destruction of the planet at the hands of Binary.
Combining elements of ancient mystical lore and science fiction to differentiate himself from other comparable super-pets, Lockheed would see his long-awaited cinematic debut in The New Mutants (2020). Whether battling Dr. Doom during Secret Wars or Thanos alongside the Pet Avengers, Lockheed remains one of the best Super-Pets in comics.
Redwing
Debuting in Captain America #117 (1969), this vermillion avian would telepathically link with Sam Wilson while on Exile Island, utilizing mental capabilities given to him by the Red Skull and his manipulation of the Cosmic Cube. This imprint would prove unshakeable as Redwing flies overhead Sam through stints as Falcon, Captain America, and Falcon again, proving birds of a feather stick together.
Co-created by Stan Lee and Gene Colan with the first Black American superhero in mainstream comics, Falcon's vampiric super-pet sidekick would help define him as a superhero, patrolling high aloft, acting as Falcon's eyes in the skies. In addition, Redwing would form a bond of friendship that continues to endure, taking out baddies like Red Skull and Thanos, soaring high as one of the best Super-Pets in Marvel.
Streaky
Upon coming into with the unique 'X-kryptonite,' Streaky, the Tabby house cat of Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl, will manifest powers akin to Supergirl and Superman but on a lesser scale. Debuting as an original member of the Legion of Super-Pets in 1960, Streaky would receive some love in the form of a modernized rebirth in Super Sons Annual #1 (2017).
Showing all the good-natured cattiness readers expect from this top echelon Super-Pet, Streaky's appearances in numerous productions like the animated Krypto the Superdog series and the CW series Supergirl adroitly illustrate this feline companion's continued relevance in DC Comics.
Zabu
After the troglodytes of the Man-Ape tribe, led by Maa-Gor, poached his family and slew Zabu's pregnant mate, an enraged Zabu attacks Maa-Gor during his attempt to murder Ka-Zar. This incident will be the catalyst that unites Ka-Zar and Zabu, signaling the beginning of one of the most profound partnerships in Marvel Comics.
Seen in X-Men #10 (1965) as the inventive creation of industry legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Zabu possesses near human intellect to go with the usual bells and whistles found in the Smilodon, like razor-sharp claws and long pointed fangs. Over the decades, Zabu fights alongside Ka-Zar, Shanna, and the Pet Avengers against the likes of the Skrulls and Thanos, showcasing a synergy betwixt hero and pet only found in the best of Super-Pets.
