Long Live the Legion of Super-Pets
By the time that Krypto first appeared in 1955’s Adventure Comics #210, by Otto Binder, Curt Swan, and Sy Barry, Superman had evolved far from the pulpy social justice crusader of the 1930s and had become a more fanciful sci-fi character. The change occurred, in part, because of DC Comics‘ dishonest yet successful copyright suit against Fawcett Comics and their popular character Captain Marvel. The legal battle brought writer Binder over to Superman. Furthermore, the end of World War II meant that superhero comics lost their adult audience, largely consisting of GIs stationed overseas, and now catered almost exclusively to kids.
Although Krypto arrived right before the official start of the Silver Age in 1956’s Showcase Comics #4, the pooch’s debut signals the coming of more outrageous concepts designed to appeal to children, resulting in wonderful animal characters. Soon after Krypto would come Beppo the Super-Monkey and Streaky the Super-Cat. Supergirl would get (and fall in love with, in an infamous story) Comet the Super-Horse, while Batman got Ace the Bathound. The pets would band together in their own team, the Legion of Super-Pets, eventually joined by the Legion of Super-Heroes sidekicks Proty and Whizzy the Super-Cat.
Yes, “Whizzy.” It’s a goofy name. But what about a super-powered cat from the 30th century isn’t goofy? Furthermore, what about superpets can’t evoke the same pathos and joy as a regular animal? Isn’t the same principle at work, that we find these animals beautiful and charming, elements heightened, and not obscured, by the addition of super-powers?
If you’re James Gunn, the answer is clearly, “Yes!”
Super Silly
Midway through Gunn’s Superman, a dejected Clark stands at a window and announces to Lois that he plans to turn himself in. His reason? Because if he gets arrested, then maybe he can find out where Lex took Krypto, who was stolen from the Fortress of Solitude.
“He’s just a dog,” points out an incredulous Lois.