Warning: contains spoilers for World of Krypton #3!
In a new issue, learn how Krypto came to the House of El—and it is amazingly wholesome.
Krypto first appeared in 1955’s Adventure Comics #210, created by Otto Binder and Curt Swan. Somehow resembling an Earth dog, he was originally introduced as the pet of the infant Kal-El during his time on Krypton. Jor-El would use Krypto as a test subject for his experimental star drive unit, similar to the one that would eventually carry Kal-El to Earth. The rocket drifted off course, making its way to Earth, where Krypto was reunited with Kal-El, now the teenage Superboy. As with all creatures native to Krypton, Krypto gains super powers under the yellow sun, such as flight and super-strength. However, Krypto has the intelligence of a regular dog, making for some truly unique adventures. The character has jumped into other media as well and will be voiced by Dwayne Johnson in the forthcoming League of Super-Pets film; another version of the Krypto has also appeared on the live-action Titans television show. Now, readers learn Krypto’s wholesome origin in World of Krypton #3 written by Robert Venditti, illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming, colored by Nick Filardi and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
Jor-El knows Krypton’s days are numbered and is entrusted by the Kryptonian Science Council to stop it. After being elected head of the Council, Jor-El heads into the city. Heading into the marketplace, a woman approaches him, asking if he would like to adopt a rescue pet, gesturing towards a group of puppies. Jor-El inspects them, choosing a white, playful puppy. The woman tells him all rescues are free, but donations are greatly accepted. Jor-El learns the dog’s name—Krypto, and as he leaves, donates a princely sum to the adoption agency.
The revelation that Krypto is a rescue dog, adopted from the traits ascribed to Superman, also run in his family, showing the apple did not fall too far from the tree.
Superman’s father Jor-El gave Krypto the ultimate second chance: pulling him off the streets of Krypton and eventually sending him to a world where he would be immensely powerful. This wholesome origin not only gives new depth to the character, but to Superman’s family as well.
