Key points
- Krypto always has Superman's back, helping him save the day with his Kryptonian powers and loyalty.
- Superman gives Krypto to Superboy in hopes of forming a strong friendship.
- Krypto makes the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life to save Superman from Kryptonite Man.
Since his first appearance, Krypto the Superdog has warmed the hearts of many comic fans around the world. Superman's The Kryptonian dog has proven to be more than just a pet, repeatedly saving the Man of Steel on multiple occasions and even leading his legion of super pets.
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Even though it can be annoying at times, Krypto he always has his best friend Kal-El's back and best interests at heart. Despite its small size, it has the same powers as Supermanalways helps save the day together with other heroes and alone. Let's look at the best times Krypto proved what a good guy he truly is.
6 Man's Best Friend (Adventure Comics #210)
Superman meets Krypto for the first time
Adventure comics Issue #210 is the first appearance of Krypto the Superdog. In this issue, readers will get to see Superboy reunite with his forgotten pet Krypto. Although he's a bit of a maniac, the two manage to work together in the end, with Krypto donning the red cape and flying above Lana Lang to help convince her that Clark Kent couldn't be the Superboy.
While Krypto doesn't necessarily save the day with Superboy and perhaps causes more problems than he solves, this story is a true classic and captures the meaning of man's best friend. Ultimately, Krypto chooses to leave Earth, saving Clark from having to make a difficult choice, proving just how good of a pet and friend he really is.
5 The Best Gift (Teen Titans #7)
Superman gives Krypto to Super Boy
In the 2003 Teen Titans comic, Superboy moved with Martha and Jonothan Kent to Smallville. Superman hoped that by living with the Kents, his clone would learn to feel comfortable around humans and be surrounded by the most supportive people he had ever met.
When Superman realizes that Conner is struggling to live in a small town and needs a friend, he decides to give Krypto to Conner. He does this in hopes that they will connect, bond, and form a friendship similar to the one Clark and Krypto have. Although they struggle to get along at first, Conner and Krypto become best friends, with Conner even taking Krypto to Titans Tower with him when he is away from Smallville.
4 Krypto the Tracking Dog (Batman: Hush – #5)
Krytpo uses his canine abilities to track down Poison Ivy
In Batman: Shut up issue #5, Poison Ivy takes control of Superman with a kryptonite-infused lipstick and sends him after Batman and Catwoman. After an intense battle between The Dark Knight and the Man of Steel, Catwoman manages to free Superman from Poison Ivy's mind control by throwing Lois Lane off a nearby rooftop.
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With Poison Ivy in the wind, Batman and Superman aren't sure how they will find her. In probably one of the most real-dog acts readers have seen from Krypto the Superdog, he is given a leaf from the Poison Ivy plant in an attempt to track her down. Like the good guy he is, he finds Poison Ivy without any problems and later blocks her escape attempt as well.
3 Confronting Mongul (Superman Volume 2 – #170)
Krypto clashes with the intergalactic warlord Mongul
While Clark Kent and Lois Lane are out for a quiet stroll in Metropolis, they are interrupted by legendary Superman villain Mongul, who was accompanied by his sister (in this iteration), Mongal. Superman has his hands full and Mongul alone is enough of a challenge for the Man Of Steel. Luckily, Krypto is there to lend a hand and before Clark can even react, Krypto begins his attack.
While Superman deals with Mongal, Krypto faces Mongul alone. This is undoubtedly one of Krypto's most impressive feats, using his Kryptonian powers such as laser vision, super speed and super strength, Krypto manages to keep Mongul at bay until Superman manages to deliver the final blow. Even though this comic ends with Superman punishing his furry friend for acting so recklessly, readers agree that Krypto was doing what all good pets would do: protect his owner.
2 The Loyal Protector (Action Comics Volume 2 – #13)
Krypto saves Superman from Doctor Xa-Du
Action Comics Volume 2 issue #13 shows the true amount of loyalty Krypto has towards his best friend. When a disgraced Kryptonian doctor, Xa-Du, attempts to escape the Phantom Zone, he tries to attack a young Kal-El. Without hesitation, Krypto springs into action, stopping Xa-Du, while unfortunately entering the Phantom Zone as a result.
Many years later, when Xa-Du successfully escapes, he manages to send Superman into the Phantom Zone. While there, Superman is attacked by Krypton's imprisoned criminals, but despite all this time, Krypto is there waiting. He successfully fends off the attackers and sacrifices his chances for freedom to once again save his best friend. Superman would eventually return to the Phantom Zone to free Krypto, reuniting with his long-lost friend.
1 The Final Sacrifice (Action Comics – #583)
Krypto sacrifices himself to save Superman
Action Comics issue #583 is the conclusion of the “What Happened to the Man of Tomorrow” plot. In this comic, Superman and his allies face some of the Man of Steel's greatest enemies. Seeking refuge in the Fortress of Solitude, the heroes find themselves under attack by Lex Luthor controlled by Brainiac, Kryptonite Man and the Legion of Super-Villains.
When one of Superman's most dangerous adversaries, Kryptonite Man, sneaks into the Fortress of Solitude, Krypto takes it upon himself to deal with the threat. In a truly selfless act, Krypto makes the ultimate sacrifice. Despite knowing that getting close to Kryptonite Man would weaken him, Krypto attacked anyway, sacrificing his own life to save that of his best friend.
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