Krypto: A Brief History of Superman’s Dog
Krypto, Superman’s loyal canine companion, has been a part of Superman’s universe since 1955, despite often being left out of many Superman tales due to the perceived silliness of a flying dog in a red cape. The introduction of Krypto in the new Superman film, set to hit theaters in July 2025, is a significant decision tied to the future direction of DC films, as mentioned by director James Gunn.
Originally, when Superman was created in 1938, the focus was solely on the Man of Steel, with no mention of Krypto. It wasn’t until 1944 that DC decided to delve into Superman’s youth, leading to the debut of stories featuring the younger version of Superman known as Superboy. Krypto made his first appearance in 1955 in Adventure Comics #210 and quickly became a beloved part of Superboy’s adventures.
Since then, Krypto has made appearances in various Superman-related media, including his own animated series in 2005, a recent appearance in the 2022 film DC League of Super-Pets, and in TV series like Titans and Superman & Lois. While Krypto was notably excluded from earlier Superman films, including those starring Christopher Reeve and Zack Snyder’s darker take on the character, the upcoming 2025 Superman film promises to give Krypto a significant role alongside the Man of Steel.
Director James Gunn has shared insights into Krypto’s character, highlighting the dog’s multifaceted personality and complex relationship with Superman, drawing inspiration from his own dog Ozu. Gunn emphasized that Krypto’s appearance does not necessarily adhere to a specific dog breed, as the character, like Superman, hails from Krypton, making his features unique and alien.
In summary, Krypto’s history as Superman’s loyal companion has evolved over the years, with the upcoming 2025 Superman film poised to showcase the beloved canine in a new light, capturing the hearts of fans and audiences alike with his super-powered antics alongside the Man of Steel.
