The DC Universe is home to an eclectic mix of superhero teams. The Justice League, Teen Titans, Justice Society, and Legion of Super-Heroes are made up of some of the most powerful beings in the universe. However, they all have one thing in common: almost all of them are human (aliens from Krypton and sentient tornado-themed robots notwithstanding). However, humans aren’t the only ones who can be heroes, and the Legion of Super-Pets is a testament to that.
The Super-Pets first appeared in Adventure Comics #293 in 1962. Members of the Super-Pets mostly included Superman or Batman-themed pets. However, there are several other mighty pets who weren’t necessarily a part of the Super-Pets team that also deserve recognition.
10 Comet The Super Horse Has A Weird Origin Story
One of the original members of the Legion of Super-Pets, Comet is a super-powered horse who belongs to Supergirl. However, Comet has a very strange origin story. Once a centaur named Biron in Ancient Greece, the witch Circe tried to turn him human; however, it backfired and made him a horse instead.
Circe felt bad, so she granted him powers like flight and immortality. Comet eventually met Supergirl and became her pet, who she went on adventures with, and he subsequently gained the ability to turn human when a comet passed by. As a result, he becomes the man Bill Starr, who Supergirl falls in love with without knowing he’s secretly her horse. (The Silver Age was an interesting time).
9 Jumpa The Kanga Jumps Into Action
Jumpa is a member of the alien kangaroo-like species known as Kangas. They were brought to Paradise Island by the Sky Riders from the planet Nebulosta, and they’re ridden by the Amazons on Paradise Island. Kangas have abilities such as super durability, super leaping, and limited flight.
Jumpa is the Kanga ridden by Wonder Woman when she lived on Paradise Island. Jumpa has appeared in several Wonder Woman comics and is occasionally a member of the Super-Pets. Most notably, Jumpa appeared in the DC Nation, DC Super-Pets! shorts. While Jumpa doesn’t often appear in modern comics, she’ll always hold a special place in Wonder Woman’s heart.
8 Storm The Seahorse Goes On Adventures Through The Seven Seas
Storm is the trusted mount of Aquaman, the King of Atlantis. Storm and Aquaman have a strong telepathic bond, and Storm is very faithful to his master, who he’s gone on many adventures with. Aquaman’s sidekick, Aqualad, also has a seahorse named Imp and, along with Aqualad’s pet walrus, Tusky, often get on Storm’s nerves when goofing off.
The wise and proper Storm was introduced to DC Comics in 1965. However, fans of the Super Friendsand Aquaman cartoons may also recognize him. Storm has made an appearance in DC Super Hero Girlsand Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Storm’s long history in both the comics and cartoons cements him as an important member of the Super-Pets.
7 Beppo The Super-Monkey Likes To Cause Mischief
Beppo is a type of monkey-like creature from the planet Krypton. Beppo belonged to Superman’s father Jor-El and was a test subject for his rocket ships. Luckily, Beppo decided to stow away on baby Kal-El’s spaceship when he made his way to earth.
Once on Earth, Beppo eventually ran into the toddler, Clark Kent, and his adoptive parents. Beppo used his powers to play pranks around the house, which were initially blamed on Clark. However, they eventually found out Beppo was the one causing the trouble and he went away. Several years later, Beppo met Supergirl, who introduced him to Krypto the Super-Dog and Streaky the Super-Cat and, along with Comet the Super-Horse, formed the Legion of Super-Pets.
6 Bat-Cow Fights Evil As The Battlin’ Bovine
Bat-Cow is an unusual member of the Bat Family, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t a beloved addition. Bat-Cow was rescued from a slaughterhouse by Batman and Robin, aka Damian Wayne. Damian instantly took a liking to her and brought her home, an experience that made him decide to become a vegetarian.
As an animal lover through and through, Damian is known for collecting pets. Bat-Cow is perhaps the most well-known of these pets for both the sheer absurdity of a crime-fighting cow and the fact she has a bat-shaped mark over her eyes. As a member of the Super-Pets, Bat-Cow is truly one heroic bovine.
5 Nightwing’s Puppy, Haley, Steals The Show
Haley, or Bitewing as she’s affectionately referred to by Barbara Gordon and Tim Drake, is a fairly new edition to the superhero pet community. Haley first appeared in Tom Taylor’s new Nightwing run and was rescued by the aforementioned hero after being bullied because of her missing leg. Dick saw it was hard for Haley to trust people after what she’d been through and related with that, so took her home with him.
In a callback to Jason Todd’s demise, Haley’s name was decided based on an internet poll put out by Tom Taylor and DC. As a result, Haley has quickly become a fan favorite character throughout the series. Bitewing has real Super-Pet potential, even if she hasn’t received an invitation yet.
4 Gleek Is A Proud Member Of The Super Friends
While Gleek’s name implies he’s a super fan of the hit musical TV show Glee, he’s actually an alien monkey who works with the Super Friends. Along with his owners Zan and Jayna, The Wonder Twins, Gleek is from the planet Exxor. The three met while they were working as performers in an alien circus.
Gleek has the power to stretch his tail and often uses it to either restrain bad guys or carry things. He acts as a source of comedic relief in the Super Friends cartoon, and even though he’s an alien, he’s no less of a super pet.
3 Streaky The Super Cat Helped Found The Super-Pets
Belonging to Supergirl, Streaky is an orange cat with a lightning bolt-shaped mark on her side. Originally a male cat who received his powers after Supergirl performed an experiment on some Kryptonite, Streaky is a female cat in the modern continuity.
Streaky was a founding member of the original Legion of Super-Pets, and in Super SonsAnnual #1, Streaky is seen alongside other members of the Super-Pets team. She almost didn’t rejoin the Super-Pets after the death of their teammate, Clay Critter, on their last mission. However, she showed her worthiness as a Super-Pet when she put justice over her own grudge.
2 Ace The Bat-Hound Is Batman’s Best Friend
Ace The Bat-Hound was first introduced in 1955 after his owner was kidnaped and Bruce Wayne adopted him. While working with Batman, Ace wore a cowl to hide his identity as Bruce Wayne’s dog. However, in 1964, Ace and some “sillier” aspects of the Batman comics such as Bat-Mite, Batgirl, and Batwoman, disappeared from the series.
Thankfully, Ace returned to continuity but with a different origin story of once belonging to the Joker. This also explained why he was named after a playing card. After he was taken to the pound, Alfred adopted Ace and trained him to do good, making him a beloved member of the Bat Family. While he may not have powers, his willingness to help others proves he’s a true Super-Pet.
1 Krypto The Super-Dog Is The Bestest Boy
Krypto is perhaps the most iconic member of the Super-Pets, having been the faithful pet of several members of the Superman family. Krypto has the same powers as Superman after he was used by Jor-El to test baby Kal-El’s rocket. He eventually landed on Earth and reunited with a now teenage Clark.
Krypto is very loyal to Superman and his family members. In one storyline by Alan Moore, Super: Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow? Krypto sacrifices himself to save Superman’s life. It’s this loyalty and willingness to do good that makes Krypto the best Super-Pet.