Warning: contains spoilers for World of Krypton #3!
In a new issue, DC Comics has revealed the wholesome origin of Krypto, Superman’s dog, and one of his most trusted allies. The miniseries World of Krypton has been redefining Krypton for a new generation, offering fans new and exciting wrinkles in the Superman mythos. In issue three, on sale now in print and digital, readers 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 streets of Krypton, adds wholesome new layers to the character. Krypto was unloved and unwanted, but Jor-El chose to take him in. Of course, readers know Jor-El chose the dog as a test subject for his star drive, but if he had not intervened, Krypto most certainly would have died with the rest of Krypton. Jor-El’s actions show that mercy and compassion, 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.
