Krypto the Superdog has been Superman‘s best friend for decades. The Canine Crusader will also play a key role in the upcoming DCU film. However, his origins have changed somewhat in the ever-shifting DC Universe of the comics. It is for that reason that the Dog of Steel is getting a rebooted origin in Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton.
Written by Ryan North, with art by Mike Norton, Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton reveals how the caped canine came to Earth. The modern origin introduced him as part of an artificial Krypton created as a trap for Superman. When the Man of Steel escaped, he took the Superdog with him. However, the new comic confirms that Krypto was a native of Krypton and a loyal pet to the House of El as a puppy. This seems to restore his original origin story from 1955.
“Krypto’s origin has always been done at kind of a high level,” noted North. “The chance to really define (him) —to show what a little lost dog would go through if he landed all alone on a strange alien world named Earth—was really enticing.” North also noted that the comic will not “cheat” and allow the Dog of Steel to talk. All of Krypto’s reactions will be shown entirely through Mike Norton’s art, without caption boxes or thought balloons.
The first four pages and covers of the miniseries may be viewed below.
Is Krypto: Last Dog of Krypton canon to DCU?
Some may wonder if Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton is set in the same reality as the cinematic DCU. The comic has been described as being “set in the DC Universe continuity” in some of the early press. However, the term ‘DC Universe’ is often applied to the current comics, as well as the reality of the movies.
It should be noted that what we see of Krypto’s origin in the previews aligns with his history in Superman Unlimited #1. This comic presented the latest definitive history of the Man of Steel. Additionally, each of the covers bears the insignia of DC All-In. This, coupled with the movie cover being a variant, suggests the comic is not set in the cinematic DCU. In any case, it appears to be an easily accessible story perfectly geared towards new comic readers.
Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on June 18, 2025.
