With James Gunn's "Superman" set to officially launch the new DCU, audiences are not only watching to see if the film can reboot the DC cinematic universe but are also buzzing about another key character: Superman's super-powered dog, Krypto.
As longtime comic readers know, iconic heroes like Superman and Batman have loyal animal companions who have fought by their sides through thick and thin, earning their own dedicated fanbases.
While loyal and cool pets like Krypto and Ace the Bat-Hound are the most famous, the DC Universe is also home to some truly wild and bizarre characters. From a shapeshifting parrot and a starfish who dreams of being Robin to an octopus that can wield four bows at once, these unconventional super-animals constantly redefine what it means to be a hero's partner.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most discussed "super-animals" to ever appear in DC Comics:
1. Krypto — The Superdog with Superman's Powers
First appearing in 1955's "Adventure Comics" #210, Krypto is one of the earliest and most famous super-pets in DC Comics. This loyal canine from Krypton was originally the companion of a young Kal-El on their home planet.
To test a prototype rocket intended to save the infant Kal-El from Krypton's destruction, Superman's father, Jor-El, launched Krypto into space as a test subject. However, the rocket was knocked off course and drifted for years before finally crashing on Earth, where Krypto was joyfully reunited with Kal-El.
Under Earth's yellow sun, Krypto gained the same array of superpowers as Superman, including flight, super-strength, super-speed, heat vision, and freeze breath, all enhanced by his natural canine senses of smell and hearing.
Though he can sometimes be as mischievous as any ordinary puppy, Krypto never shies away from a fight. He frequently joins Superman and Supergirl in battling crime, saving his masters in his own unique way, and has even been a member of the Legion of Super-Pets in the comics.
2. Ace — The Bat-Hound Without Superpowers
Ace debuted in 1955's "Batman" #92 as Batman's faithful canine and crime-fighting partner. Originally a German Shepherd whose owner was kidnapped, Ace was adopted by Bruce Wayne and began fighting crime alongside the Dark Knight. In his early appearances, Ace often wore a bat-mask, adding a lighthearted and humorous touch as one of the few animal heroes of the Silver Age.
In later continuity, Ace was reimagined as a highly trained military dog at Wayne Manor, with an emphasis on his intelligence and combat skills. In series like "Batman Beyond" and "Titans," Ace is an indispensable companion to an older Bruce Wayne, showcasing his loyalty and bravery as a steadfast guardian of the Bat-Family.
3. Streaky — The Earth Cat Who Gained Powers by Accident
Streaky first appeared in 1960's "Action Comics" #261 as Supergirl's pet cat. He was just an ordinary orange tabby until he was accidentally exposed to "X-Kryptonite" created by Supergirl, which granted him Kryptonian-like abilities such as flight, super-strength, and heat vision. As "Streaky the Supercat," his mischievous personality often shines through, but he always steps up to help his owner fight evil forces when it counts.
Streaky is one of the founding members of the Legion of Super-Pets, frequently teaming up with Krypto, Beppo, and Comet. Although his appearances in modern comics have become less frequent, he occasionally shows up in DC's multiverse and made a humorous return to the screen in the 2022 animated film "DC League of Super-Pets," remaining a fan favorite.
4. Jarro — The Baby Starfish Raised by Batman
A miniature clone of Starro the Conqueror, Jarro may look like a pink starfish, but he possesses immense telepathic powers. In "Justice League: No Justice," after the monstrous Starro sacrificed itself, Batman collected a piece of its remains and raised it in a jar, naming it Jarro.
Jarro proudly calls himself the "best Robin" and often imagines himself fighting crime in the classic red-and-green costume, even referring to Batman as "Dad-Bat." Though a destructive urge lies dormant within him, Jarro has thrived under the care of the Justice League, becoming one of the most adorable and hilarious super-pets in the DC Universe.
5. Flexi — The Shapeshifting Plastic Parrot
This colorful parrot is the mysterious partner of Plastic Man, first appearing in 2018's "Super Sons Annual" #1. Flexi possesses the same incredible shapeshifting abilities as his owner, able to alter his form and density to impersonate various objects.
Surprisingly, Flexi has never been given a clear origin story since his debut, seemingly appearing out of nowhere on the super-pet roster. How he came to be remains an unsolved mystery.
6. Topo — The Octopus Who Mastered Archery
Aquaman's octopus friend Topo first appeared in 1956's "Adventure Comics" #229. Not only is he intelligent and swift, but he was once trained by Green Arrow to become an "archery monster" capable of wielding four bows at once, making him arguably the most formidable octopus in the seven seas.
When Atlantis was on the verge of being overrun by the Scavenger's army, Arthur Curry summoned Topo for aid. However, the telepathic strain of controlling Topo proved too much for Aquaman, causing him to fall into a coma for six months. Topo later reappeared during Arthur's exile to help him combat the mysterious sorcerers known as the Coven of Thule.
7. Jumpa — Wonder Woman's Kangaroo Steed
Debuting in 1942's "Sensation Comics" #6, this character reveals that Diana of Themyscira doesn't ride a horse—she rides an alien kangaroo.
Jumpa is a species of alien creature called a Kanga, possessing the ability to leap through the air and superhuman strength. Though this early concept was sidelined for a time, Jumpa has recently been reintegrated into the main canon, solidifying her status as one of Wonder Woman's oldest allies.
8. Bat-Cow — The Bovine Rescued from a Slaughterhouse
First appearing in 2012's "Batman Incorporated Vol 2" #1, Bat-Cow was rescued from a slaughterhouse by Damian Wayne (Batman's son and the current Robin) during a mission. He saved her because of a bat-like marking on her face, vowed to become a vegetarian, and adopted her as a pet.
While Bat-Cow has no superpowers, her presence adds a strange warmth to the Batcave and has unexpectedly made her one of the most endearing pets in the eyes of fans.
9. Beppo — The Mischievous Monkey from Krypton
Introduced in 1959's "Superboy" #76, Beppo is one of the few animal characters who, like Superman, hails from Krypton. He stowed away on baby Kal-El's rocket to Earth and possesses the same powers as the Man of Steel.
After the rocket crashed, Beppo lived alone in the jungle for a time before being reunited with Superman years later and officially joining the Legion of Super-Pets. He has all of Superman's Kryptonian abilities, and though he has a mischievous, prank-loving nature, he always steps up to help save the world, making him the most uncontrollable yet lovable member of the Superman family.
10. Comet — The Super-Horse Who Dated Supergirl
First appearing in 1962's "Adventure Comics" #293, Comet was originally a centaur in ancient Greece named Biron who was transformed into a horse by a sorceress and granted god-like powers. When a comet passed by, he could transform into a human man named "Bill Starr" and even dated Supergirl for a time. He was also a member of the Legion of Super-Pets.
Although this bizarre romance was erased from canon after the 1985 "Crisis on Infinite Earths" event, the original Comet was no longer considered part of the main continuity. However, he made a triumphant return in the 2021-2022 comic series "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow," where he heroically sacrificed himself to protect Supergirl in a critical moment.