Krypto

[Chad Anderson]

My toddler has developed an interest in Krypto based on seeing him on a windup tin toy on my bookshelf (my 5-second explanation — "He's Superman's dog" — may also have had something to do with it, even though he barely knows who Superman is), and my question is this: Has there ever been a collection of classic Krypto stories in a TPB?

Or, failing that, can anyone point me in the direction of the comics where his backup stories or other tales featuring him appeared? I've ordered the new comic based on his cartoon, but I'd like to share some of the "classics" available, too.

[Lone Ranger]

Or, failing that, can anyone point me in the direction of the comics where his backup stories or other tales featuring him appeared? I've ordered the new comic based on his cartoon, but I'd like to share some of the "classics" available, too.

I don't think they've been collected as a TPB, which is too bad because many children would enjoy the stories.

Krypto stories ran in the back of Superboy, Adventure, Action and Superman from the late 50s into the late 60s (some of these from 1965-1967 aren't too expensive on eBay in lower grades).

The Superman Family series from the mid to late 70s featured some Krypto stories from time to time - some new stories and some reprints.

[Scott Shaw!]

There are also two different DVDs of KRYPTO THE SUPERDOG available. As a Silver Age Superman and Hanna-Barbera fan (I also storyboarded some of the cartoons on these DVDs), I think the show combines the two concepts pretty well. The show was intended as an introduction to superheroes for very young kids, so there's nothing too complicated or scary in 'em.

Aloha,

Scott!

[Chad Anderson]

I don't think they've been collected as a TPB, which is too bad because many children would enjoy the stories.

I agree. And I think a well-designed Krypto- or super-pets-focused TPB collection would do well in bookstores.

Thanks for the info.

[Chad Anderson]

The show was intended as an introduction to superheroes for very young kids, so there's nothing too complicated or scary in 'em.

Good to know. I'll be sure to check out the cartoon. I sometimes forget how much violence, death, etc. can be found in superhero comics, even the classics that are now largely considered tame. All of which I'm happy to let him wallow in later, just not yet. ;)

Also, can't let the moment pass without a quick thank you for Captain Carrot, one of the true pleasures of my own childhood. (And yes, I will be picking up the upcoming Showcase collection for passing the enjoyment on to the next generation.)

[dan bailey]

As it happens, I'm looking for cheap copies right now (curses on eBay sellers who want $4.95 to mail one comic Media Mail & $2 per additional comic!) of Superboys 131-132, just because they feature the first 2 appearances (out of 3 total, I think) of Krypto in tandem with the Space Canine Patrol Agents ...

Anyway, on the much-easier-to-find end of the spectrum, a fair number of ishes of the 1980-84 New Adventures of Superboy comic included backup Krypto stories. I obtained the entire 54-issue run a couple of years ago for probably no more than cover price, & quite possibly less than that.

[Chad Anderson]

As it happens, I'm looking for cheap copies right now (curses on eBay sellers who want $4.95 to mail one comic Media Mail & $2 per additional comic!) of Superboys 131-132, just because they feature the first 2 appearances (out of 3 total, I think) of Krypto in tandem with the Space Canine Patrol Agents ...

The Space Canine Patrol Agents? You may have just unwittingly created an eBay rival.

[dan bailey]

Er ... ah ... *choke*

[The Confessor]

I don't think they've been collected as a TPB, which is too bad because many children would enjoy the stories.

Yeah....DC have really missed a trick there. A Krypto & other Super-Pets TPB would be great. I'm not even really that much of a DC fan but I'd buy it!

Someone should have words with DC's product developement department. They're falling down on the job!

LOL...also, while we're on the subject of Krypto, you gotta love dan bailey's signature (originally written by Reptisaurus!). That's made me smile a number of times...

"I tend to split superhero comics fans into "People who like Krypto" and "People who don't like Krypto." Basically, if you miss the wonder of a dog flying around in a little Superman cape, you're in the wrong hobby."

Well said! :D

[dan bailey]

Thanks much -- Reptisaurus! definitely gets a tip of the Hatlo hat for that little gem.

As it happens, just a couple of nights ago the Legion of Super-Pets -- Krypto, of course, along with Streaky, Comet, Beppo & Proty II -- showed up in a story I was reading in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives v5, "The Evil Hand of the Luck-Lords" (from Adventure #343, cover-dated 4/66 ... that entire era of LOSH is sort of the comics equivalent of comfort food for me). I was, as always, immediately charmed.

To quote myself during the 12 Days of Chrismtas thread on favorite comics characters (my ranking of which includes Krypto at #6), referring to Squirrel Girl & Volstagg the Voluminous, the Super-Pets always brings a smile to my face. I can't speak for the rest of you, but that's an extremely rare, & hence highly treasured, commodity in my life.

[Scott Shaw!]

Also, can't let the moment pass without a quick thank you for Captain Carrot, one of the true pleasures of my own childhood. (And yes, I will be picking up the upcoming Showcase collection for passing the enjoyment on to the next generation.)

Thanks very much for the kind words, Chad. I hope you and your son dig the new CAPTAIN CARROT miniseries, too!

By the way, since they've already been mentioned here, the Space
Canine Patrol Agents -- Hot Dog, Bull Dog, Husky Tusky, Tail Terrier, etc., plus a few new members, now collectively calling themselves "The DogStars" -- have been incorporated into the KRYPTO THE SUPERDOG cartoon show!

(Imagine, a concept that was too silly even for mid-1960s DC Comics -- and let's face it, that's gotta be REALLY silly -- makes their big comeback four decades later on a nationally-aired TV series? Talk about Oddball!)

Aloha,

Scott!