Spoilers for Superman: Red and Blue #2 ahead!
More than just a dog, Krypto is one of Superman’s most loyal allies, and in Superman: Red and Blue #2, fans can see Krypto get a cool upgrade that makes his title of Dog of Steel quite literal.
Created by writer Otto Binder and artist Curt Swan, Krypto first appeared in Adventure Comics #210, in March 1955. He had been the infant Kal-El’s dog while on Krypton, and Jor-El launched Krypto into space as a test subject for his experimental space drive—the one that would eventually carry the young Kal-El to Earth. Krypto found his way to Earth as well, during Clark’s years as Superboy, and the two would share adventures together over the years. There have been different versions of the character over the years, mostly depending on how his intelligence levels are portrayed—previous versions depicted the dog having human intelligence, but in more contemporary incarnations, he is simply a dog with Superman’s powers. But now, in Superman: Red and Blue #2, readers meet the most awesome version of Krypto yet.
The issue consists of three stories, and in the second, titled “Into the Ghost Town” and written by Chuck Brown with art by Denys Cowan and colors by John Stanisci, a decidedly different Krypto makes his debut. Unlike previous versions this humanoid Krypto is far more of a sidekick than a pet. He is capable of speech and can fight as well. He works as an information broker for Superman (here Val Zod, the Superman of Earth 2) as well, and looks out for him during fights, such as the one with Prometheus depicted in this issue. And it is thanks to Krypto’s help that Superman is able to track Prometheus to the Ghost Zone.
As a member of the Superman family, Krypto has been through a variety of changes over the years, and even depicted as a regular dog at times. The change introduced in Superman: Red and Blue #2 is the most radical reinvention of this character yet. He now resembles a humanoid dog, one just as capable of movement and action as Superman himself. His intelligence is a huge asset in battle, as he was able to detect Prometheus’ drones, ones enchanted with dark magic—capable of killing Superman. He also demonstrates a dark wit, breaking tense situations. This new version of Krypto is a sidekick to Superman, and also shares elements with Batman’s butler Alfred. It is a new and unique vision of the character.
This new version of Krypto is the most dynamic version seen to date, a dog who is capable of holding his own with Superman. And like all versions, he is Superman’s most faithful ally. Superman: Red and Blue #2 is available now in print and digital.