History ComicBook / KryptoTheSuperdog

[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/krypto_5290.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:250:Good boy.]]

->''"Idyllic Planet Krypton. The visitor. Journey between dimensions. Earth. Fortress. Kelex. Learns LOYALTY, OBEDIENCE and RESPECT FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY. Faster than a Streaking Cat. Stronger than a Comet. A Dog can fly. Woof."''
-->-- ''ComicBook/ActionComics'' #789

WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF GRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Wait... this is one of those where [[SelfDemonstratingArticle writing the article as the character just won't work]]. [[SpeaksFluentAnimal Unless you can speak animal]].

''Krypto the Superdog'' is {{Franchise/Superman}}'s pet canine, a white dog of indeterminate breed who like his owner also survived the explosion of Krypton. He was created by Otto Binder and Curt Swan, first appearing in ''Adventure Comics'' #210 (March, 1955). In the original [[UsefulNotes/TheSilverAgeOfComicBooks Silver Age]] origin story, Krypto was the El family dog on Krypton, and was used by Jor-El as a test subject for his work on the escape rocket he was building for Kal-El. The experimental rocket Krypto was put in, however, got knocked off-course, and Krypto drifted ([[HandWave presumably in some sort of suspended animation]]) for years before eventually winding up on Earth, reunited with the now-teenaged ComicBook/{{Superboy}}. Being from Krypton, of course, gave Krypto a dog-sized version of Superboy's/Superman's powers and roughly human-level intelligence (albeit with a dog's sense of priorities), which he used to help his owner fight crime.

Krypto was the first major Silver Age addition to the Superman mythos (the succeeding years would see other familiar elements, such as the Fortress of Solitude, the Phantom Zone, and ComicBook/{{Supergirl}} added).

He regularly appeared in Superboy stories from 1955 to 1970. In 1959, he was introduced to stories depicting the adult Superman, regularly appearing to 1970. He was then dropped for a few years before being revived in 1974. TheSeventies were arguably his heyday, with Krypto getting solo stories in the pages of ''Action Comics'', ''Superman'', and ''Superman Family''. The ''New Adventures of Superboy'' (1980-1984) at times depicted Krypto alongside Superboy, but this was the end of the original version of the character.

ComicBook/PostCrisis, Krypto was at first eliminated from continuity, but (after a few short-lived characters with the same name were introduced) was brought back in the early [[TurnOfTheMillennium 2000s]] as Superman's pet dog again, this time described as having come from an alternate-reality version of Krypton. This version needs considerably more maintenance considering he has only a regular canine level intelligence, which means he can be carelessly destructive and in combat, he will instinctively fight with ''all'' his strength without regard of the nature of the opponent.

In the ComicBook/{{New 52}} continuity, Krypto (redesigned to be more wolf-like) was the El family dog on Krypton, who was trapped in the Phantom Zone while helping repel an escape attempt by the criminals imprisoned there. Later, when another break-out attempt was staged through a Phantom Zone portal that had ended up in Superman's collection of Kryptonian artifacts on Earth, Superman and Krypto fought it off together and Superman brought Krypto back into the real world with him.

While Krypto's first animated appearance was as Superboy's sidekick in the mid-60s Creator/{{Filmation}}-animated Superboy cartoons, Krypto received his own animated series in 2005 titled ''WesternAnimation/KryptoTheSuperdog''. In this series, Krypto was allowed by Superman to live with a suburban Metropolis boy and his family, and had adventures alongside other characters such as [[{{Franchise/Batman}} Ace the Bat-Hound]] and Streaky the Supercat. Krypto would make his first live-action appearance on ''Series/Titans2018'', as well as will be appearing in the upcoming ''Legion of Super-Pets'' film with ''[[Wrestling/DwayneJohnson The Rock]]'' voicing him.

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!! Tropes associated with Krypto include:
* AmplifiedAnimalAptitude: It's unclear how intelligent his species is naturally, but among the powers yellow sunlight gives Krypto, as mentioned, is roughly human level intelligence.
* AnimalSuperheroes: He is essentially the canine counterpart of Superman.
* BadassCape: Sports a copy of Superman's cape attached to his collar.
* CanineCompanion: To Franchise/{{Superman}} and Comicbook/{{Supergirl}}. In the Silver and Bronze Ages Krypto always followed Clark around when he was Comicbook/{{Superboy}}. In ''Superman vol 1 #149: The Death of Superman!'' -an imaginary story- he became Kara's pet after Clark's death.
* CoolPet: A little white dog who happens to be one of the most powerful living creatures on Earth, perhaps in the whole universe. And he wears a cute little red cape.
* FlyingBrick: He's a Kryptonian dog. Duh.
* GratuitousAnimalSidekick: He was introduced as one for Superboy.
* HeroesLoveDogs: Provides the page image.
* HeroicDog: A superheroic dog with all the same powers as Superman.
* HeroicSacrifice:
** [[spoiler: In ''ComicBook/WhateverHappenedToTheManOfTomorrow'', Krypto dies of Kryptonite poisoning after biting Kryptonite Man to save his master.]]
** [[spoiler: Also the Krypto from the Pocket Universe.]]
** [[spoiler: And in the new 52, the first thing Krypto does is dive into the Phantom zone portal to stop the Phantom Zone criminals from dragging in Jor-El, Lara, and infant Kal-El to torture. Also a moment of awesome considering the reactions from the criminals.]]
* HistoricalRapSheet: In ''Franchise/{{Superman}} Family'' #165 we learn that Krypto accidentally caused the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chicago_Fire Great Chicago Fire]] of 1871. You can read it [[http://www.comicbooktidbits.com/Krypto%27s%20Time%20Trip.htm here]].
* KillerRabbit: Krypto is a cute white dog in a red cape that hangs around with Superman. He is also ''extremely dangerous'' and will tear anything that hurts one of his friends to shreds. Even the likes of ''[[https://arousinggrammardotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/krypto11.jpg Mongul]]''.
* MoralityPet: Krypto is one for ComicBook/{{Bizarro}}. If you hurt Krypto in front of him, Bizarro will get [[BadIsGoodAndGoodIsBad very happy at you.]]
* MythologyGag:
** Bibbo Bibbowski, a long-standing member of Superman's ComicBook/PostCrisis supporting cast, rescued a white puppy from drowning (sadly, it was too late for his siblings) and decided to keep him, and he names him "Krypton" after Superman's home planet. However, his dog tag is spelled "Krypto". The guy who sold him the tag tried to charge extra to correct it, but Bibbo decided on keeping it "Krypto". Later, the puppy is given to the [[ComicBook/Superboy1994 Post-Crisis Superboy]], but they don't exactly get along like their namesakes did.
** In the DCAU, a small, white (but unnamed) puppy that was baby Kal-El's playmate on Krypton appears in the ''Animated Series'' pilot episode. In a later episode, Bizarro keeps an aggressive alien creature that he calls "Krypto" and thinks makes a cute pet.
** Krypto briefly appears in the DCAU comic ''ComicBook/TheSupermanAdventures''.
** In ''Series/{{Smallville}}'', the Kents adopt a Golden Retriever that Clark toys with naming "Crypto" (short for "cryptic"). Martha Kent chooses the name "Shelby", instead. It's still better than Lois' suggestion "Clarkie".
*** A similar gag occurs in ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice'' when Superboy adopts a mutated wolf. When asked what he'll name it, "Krypto" is suggested, but is shot down because "it's already taken". Ultimately, the animal is named... [[ADogNamedDog Wolf]].
* OldDog: In his first Superman-era appearance in the Silver Age, Krypto had grown so old he blunders his superheroics. Fortunately, Superman discovers a FountainOfYouth in a Kryptonite valley, and it brings Krypto back to his prime.
* PetTheDog: [[spoiler: In ''ComicBook/DarkNightsDeathMetal: The Secret Origin'' he ends up being the only one that trusts ComicBook/SuperboyPrime.]]
* PutOnABus: The Earth dog Krypto was last seen in Hawaii.
* ReimaginingTheArtifact: His ComicBook/PostCrisis incarnation is one of the purer examples.
* RetGone: After ''ComicBook/CrisisOnInfiniteEarths'', Superboy was retconned out of existence, and with him, his faithful dog. He eventually came back.
* {{Retcon}}: Following the CosmicRetcon of ''ComicBook/InfiniteCrisis'', it is now said that the Krypto from the alternate reality Krypton is from the real Krypton, and [[RememberTheNewGuy has been with Clark since his teenage years]].
* SuperpowerLottery: Has all of Superman's powers, adjusted accordingly for his being a dog. This means, for the record, that his SuperSenses are among the most powerful in the DC Universe.
* SuperTeam: The Legion of Super-Pets (which included Streaky the Supercat, Comet the Superhorse, Beppo the Supermonkey, and Proty the shapeshifting blob) and the Space Canine Patrol Agents (who also appeared in Krypto's animated series, renamed the Dog Star Patrol). Also the ''Comicbook/DCRebirth'' Super-Pets (which included Streaky, Titus the Bathound, Bat-Cow, Flexi the [[ComicBook/PlasticMan Plastic Bird]], and Clay Critter the [[MythologyGag shapeshifting blob]]. With Detective Chimp as an associate member.)
* ThisIsMyHuman: In ''ComicBook/TheComingOfAtlas'', Krypto wants to maul Atlas for hurting ''its'' human (Superman).
* UndyingLoyalty: To Superman, Supergirl, Superboy, and the Kents.
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While Krypto's first animated appearance was as Superboy's sidekick in the mid-60s Creator/{{Filmation}}-animated Superboy cartoons, Krypto received his own animated series in 2005 titled ''WesternAnimation/KryptoTheSuperdog''. In this series, Krypto was allowed by Superman to live with a suburban Metropolis boy and his family, and had adventures alongside other characters such as [[{{Franchise/Batman}} Ace the Bat-Hound]] and Streaky the Supercat. Krypto would make his first live-action appearance on ''Series/Titans2018''.

* MoralityPet: Krypto is one for SelfDemonstrating/{{Bizarro}}. If you hurt Krypto in front of him, Bizarro will get [[BadIsGoodAndGoodIsBad very happy at you.]]

* PetTheDog: [[spoiler: In ''ComicBook/DarkNightsDeathMetal: The Secret Origin'' he ends up being the only one that trusts SelfDemonstrating/SuperboyPrime.]]

* SuperTeam: The Legion of Super-Pets (which included Streaky the Supercat, Comet the Superhorse, Beppo the Supermonkey, and Proty the shapeshifting blob) and the Space Canine Patrol Agents (who also appeared in Krypto's animated series, renamed the Dog Star Patrol). Also the ''Comicbook/DCRebirth'' Super-Pets (which included Streaky, Titus the Bathound, Bat-Cow, Flexi the [[Comicbook/PlasticMan Plastic Bird]], and Clay Critter the [[MythologyGag shapeshifting blob]]. With Detective Chimp as an associate member.)
* UndyingLoyalty: To Superman, Superboy, and the Kents.

* PetTheDog: [[spoilers: In ''ComicBook/DarkNightsDeath Metal'' ''The Secret Origin'' he ends up being the only one that trusts {{Superboy Prime}}.]]

* PutOnABus: The Earth dog Krypto was last seen in Hawaii.
* RetGone: After ''ComicBook/CrisisOnInfiniteEarths'', Superboy was retconned out of existence, and with him, his faithful dog. He eventually came back.

* PutOnABus: The Earth dog Krypto was last seen on Hawaii.
* RetGone: After the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Superboy was retconned out of existence, and with him, his faithful dog.

* KillerRabbit: Krypto is a cute white dog in a red cape that hangs around with Superman. He is also ''extremely fucking dangerous'' and will tear anything that hurts one of his friends to shreds. Even the likes of ''[[https://arousinggrammardotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/krypto11.jpg Mongul]]''.

** In ''Series/{{Smallville}}'', the Kents adopt a Golden Retriever that Clark toys with naming "Crypto" (short for "cryptic"). Martha Kent chooses the name "Shelby", instead. Still better than Lois' suggestion "Clarkie".

* HeroicDog: A superheroic dog all the same powers as Superman.

Wait... this is one of those where [[SelfDemonstratingArticle writing the article as the character just won't work]]. [[SpeaksFluentAnimal Unless you can do this]].

->"Idyllic Planet Krypton. The visitor. Journey between dimensions. Earth. Fortress. Kelex. Learns LOYALTY, OBEDIENCE and RESPECT FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY. Faster than a Streaking Cat. Stronger than a Comet. A Dog can fly. Woof."
-->--''ComicBook/ActionComics'' #789

''Krypto the Superdog'' is {{Franchise/Superman}}'s pet canine, a white dog of indeterminate breed who like his owner also survived the explosion of Krypton. He was created by Otto Binder and Curt Swan, first appearing in ''Adventure Comics'' #210 (March, 1955). In the original [[UsefulNotes/TheSilverAgeOfComicBooks Silver Age]] origin story, Krypto was the El family dog on Krypton, and was used by Jor-El as a test subject for his work on the escape rocket he was building for Kal-El. The experimental rocket Krypto was put in, however, got knocked off-course, and Krypto drifted ([[HandWave presumably in some sort of suspended animation]]) for years before eventually winding up on Earth, reunited with the now-teenaged ComicBook/{{Superboy}}. Being from Krypton, of course, gave Krypto a dog-sized version of Superboy's/Superman's powers and roughly human level intelligence (albeit with a dog's sense of priorities), which he used to help his owner fight crime.

* SuperTeam: The Legion of Super-Pets (which included Streaky the Supercat, Comet the Superhorse, Beppo the Supermonkey, and [[TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers Proty the shapeshifting blob]]) and the Space Canine Patrol Agents (who also appeared in Krypto's animated series, renamed the Dog Star Patrol). Also the ''Comicbook/DCRebirth'' Super-Pets (which included Streaky, Titus the Bathound, Bat-Cow, Flexi the [[Comicbook/PlasticMan Plastic Bird]], and Clay Critter the [[MythologyGag shapeshifting blob]]. With Detective Chimp as an associate member.)

** In ''Series/{{Smallville}}'', the Kents adopt a Golden Retriever that Clark toys with naming "Crypto" (short for "cryptic"). Martha Kent chooses the name "Shelby", instead.

In the current ComicBook/{{New 52}} continuity, Krypto (redesigned to be more wolf-like) was the El family dog on Krypton, who was trapped in the Phantom Zone while helping repel an escape attempt by the criminals imprisoned there. Later, when another break-out attempt was staged through a Phantom Zone portal that had ended up in Superman's collection of Kryptonian artifacts on Earth, Superman and Krypto fought it off together and Superman brought Krypto back into the real world with him.

While Krypto's first animated appearance was as Superboy's sidekick in the mid-60s Creator/{{Filmation}}-animated Superboy cartoons, Krypto received his own animated series in 2005 titled ''WesternAnimation/KryptoTheSuperdog''. In this series, Krypto was allowed by Superman to live with a suburban Metropolis boy and his family, and had adventures alongside other characters such as [[{{Franchise/Batman}} Ace the Bat-Hound]] and Streaky the Supercat.

* AnimalSuperheroes: He is essentially the canine counterparts of Superman.

->"Idyllic Planet Krypton. The visitor. Journey between dimensions. Earth. Fortress. Kelex. Learns LOALTY, OBEDIENCE and RESPECT FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY. Faster than a Streaking Cat. Stronger than a Comet. A Dog can fly. Woof."

** Bibbo Bibbowski, a long-standing member of Superman's ComicBook/PostCrisis supporting cast, rescued a white puppy from drowning (sadly, it was too late for his siblings) and decided to keep him, and he names him "Krypton" after Superman's home planet. However, his dog tag is spelled "Krypto". The guy who sold him the tag tried to charge extra to correct it, but Bibbo decided on keeping it "Krypto". Later, the puppy is given to the [[ComicBook/{{Superboy}} Post-Crisis Superboy]], but they don't exactly get along like their namesakes did.

** In the DCAU, "Krypto" is an aggressive alien creature that Bizarro thinks makes a cute pet.
The Superman animated-series' pilot episode also show that the El family had a small, white puppy that was baby Kal-El's playmate; its name was not revealed.

** In ''Series/{{Smallville}}'', the Kents adopt a Golden Retriever that Clark toys with naming "Crypto" (short for "cryptic"). Martha Kent chooses the name "Shelby".

* GratuitousAnimalSidekick

* HeroicDog: Of course.