On this glorious National Dog Day, it's time to celebrate the four-legged heroes of comics. While capes and cowls often steal the spotlight, these canine companions remind us that a hero's best friend is often the one with a wagging tail. Whether they're super-powered, super-loyal, or just plain grumpy, these top 10 good boys deserve all the recognition today. Get ready for some iconic pals and a few deep cuts that even the most seasoned comic fans will appreciate!
10. Terror (The Boys)
From the gritty world of The Boys comes Billy Butcher's bulldog, Terror. This isn't your average cuddly companion; Terror is as aggressive and foul-mouthed as his owner, albeit with his own unique communication style. Known for his infamous desire to "do it" on command, Terror is more than just a running gag. He's a loyal, albeit chaotic, partner who sticks by Butcher through thick and thin, offering unwavering, if often inappropriate, support in their crusade against supes. His presence highlights the darkly comedic and deeply human aspects of Butcher's character, proving that even the most anti-heroic figures need a loyal, if unhinged, friend.
The live-action Amazon Prime Video series The Boys. While he makes a few brief, memorable appearances, the show's creators intentionally kept him in the background to avoid the expensive and complex use of CGI for a full-time canine character.
9. Thori (Marvel Comics)
The comic book Thori is far from an ordinary dog. This demonic hell-hound is the offspring of the Hel-Wolf and the demonic wolf Garm, making his lineage truly terrifying. Initially a pup with a penchant for threatening anyone who crossed his path, Thori was given to Kid Loki, who named him after his brother, Thor. Despite his grim origins, his sharp fangs, and his habit of muttering "I will kill you the first chance I get," Thori has developed a fierce loyalty to his master. He has proven to be a reliable, if perpetually menacing, companion to Thor on many adventures, offering a unique blend of comedic relief and raw power. Thori is a powerful reminder that even the most hellish of creatures can, with the right guidance, evolve into a very good boy.
As a demonic hell-hound with a unique name, Thori has not yet been directly adapted for the big screen or television, but his grim nature would be a fun addition to a future Marvel film or series.
8. Cosmo the Spacedog (Marvel Comics)
Hailing from the far reaches of the cosmos, Cosmo the Spacedog is no ordinary canine. This Soviet cosmonaut dog was launched into space in the 1960s, where he gained incredible psionic powers and enhanced intelligence after prolonged exposure to cosmic rays. He became the respected Chief of Security of Knowhere, a floating celestial head that serves as a bustling space station. A powerful telepath and telekinetic, Cosmo is a crucial asset for the Guardians of the Galaxy. His Russian accent, coupled with his dedication to justice, makes him a unique and memorable character. Cosmo is a testament to the fact that even in the vastness of the cosmos, a dog's loyalty and courage can shine brightest.
Cosmo has a growing presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, first appearing in the background of Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). He later had a more prominent role in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and a major supporting role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, where he was voiced by actress Maria Bakalova.
7. Ace the Bat-Hound (DC Comics)
You might know him from animated films, but Ace the Bat-Hound has been a part of the Bat-family since his debut in 1955. This German Shepherd was found by Batman after his original owner was kidnapped. To protect his secret identity, Batman gave him a small, distinctive black mask over his eyes, resembling the Dark Knight's cowl. While Ace doesn't have superpowers, his superior training and unwavering loyalty make him an indispensable member of the crime-fighting duo. He has often provided crucial assistance in various cases, proving that not all heroes need a cape; sometimes, a well-placed collar and a keen nose are more than enough to save the day.
Ace has been a staple in animated media, including the animated series Krypto the Superdog and Batman Beyond, where he was a great dane and the companion of an elderly Bruce Wayne. He made his theatrical debut in the 2022 animated film DC League of Super-Pets, voiced by Kevin Hart.
6. Hot Dog (Archie Comics)
What's a definitive "Good Boys" list without a timeless classic? Hot Dog, the lovable Old English Sheepdog, is much more than just a pet; he is Jughead Jones's best friend and an iconic fixture of Riverdale. Since his introduction, he has been an integral member of the gang, often found napping, sniffing out a burger, or unintentionally causing mischief alongside Archie, Betty, and Veronica. Hot Dog’s unwavering presence brings a consistent dose of lighthearted fun and unconditional love to every panel. His expressive eyes and shaggy fur make him instantly recognizable, embodying the pure, uncomplicated joy of canine companionship that has resonated with generations of readers.
Adapted For: Hot Dog was a consistent character in the many animated versions of The Archie Show from the 1960s to the 1980s. However, he was notoriously absent from the live-action CW series Riverdale, save for a few brief appearances, much to the disappointment of fans.
5. Rex the Wonder Dog (DC Comics)
Predating even Krypto, Rex the Wonder Dog was a hero in his own right, headlining his own comic book series. Introduced in 1952, Rex was a key member of the Army's K-9 Corps. His life took an extraordinary turn when he was given a super-soldier serum that granted him enhanced strength, speed, and intelligence. This transformation effectively made him a canine Captain America, embarking on daring missions and facing various threats with unparalleled bravery. His thrilling escapades showcased that a dog with a clear purpose and extraordinary abilities could be just as heroic as any human, captivating readers with his unwavering dedication to justice and loyalty.
Rex has had a handful of appearances in other media, but none as prominent as his comic book series. He appeared in the 1978 animated series The New Fantastic Four and had a few minor roles in other animated shows, but has yet to have a starring role outside of his original comic run.
4. Lucky a.k.a. Pizza Dog (Marvel Comics)
Lucky, also known as Pizza Dog, is a fan favorite from the Hawkeye comics. Initially an enforcer dog for the Tracksuit Mafia, this golden retriever found his true calling after being fed a slice of pizza by Clint Barton. After losing an eye while defecting, Lucky quickly became a loyal companion. His most famous moment comes from Hawkeye #11, "Pizza Is My Business," a masterclass in comics storytelling told entirely from Lucky's perspective. The issue uses a unique visual language of shapes and symbols to show his world, proving that a "normal" dog can become an icon and a true star of his own story.
Lucky became a breakout star of the Marvel Studios' Hawkeye series on Disney+, where he was an immediate fan favorite and a major component of the show's emotional core. His depiction was so faithful to the comic that he became one of the most beloved live-action comic book characters.
3. Devil (The Phantom)
A true deep cut for fans of classic comic strips, Devil is the formidable wolf-dog companion of the legendary crime-fighter, The Phantom. Trained from a young age, Devil is more wolf than dog, but his devotion to his master is absolute. He's a formidable ally in the jungles of Bangalla, using his immense strength and keen intelligence to protect The Phantom and fight injustice. His savage loyalty and wild nature make him a compelling counterpoint to the more domesticated dogs on this list. Devil is a symbol of untamed power and unwavering loyalty, a bond forged in the wild that proves a hero's most effective ally can be a force of nature.
Devil has appeared in almost every iteration of The Phantom, including the 1943 film serial and the 1996 live-action film starring Billy Zane, solidifying his role as a core character in The Phantom's mythos across different media.
2. Lockjaw (Marvel Comics)
Lockjaw is the Inhuman Royal Family's gigantic bulldog and a living teleportation device. His powers are simple yet incredible: he can teleport himself and others anywhere in the universe. He is the faithful guardian and transportation for the Inhumans, often ferrying Black Bolt, Medusa, and the rest of the family across dimensions and even galaxies. While he might not have much to say, his silent, stoic presence and incredible abilities make him one of the most powerful and reliable dogs in all of comics. Lockjaw's loyalty is absolute, and his ability to instantly traverse space makes him a critical character in countless storylines, proving that actions speak louder than words—or barks.
Lockjaw had a major live-action presence in the ABC series Inhumans, where he was portrayed by a mix of animatronics and CGI. He also appeared in the Disney+ animated series Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors and various other animated shows, cementing his place in Marvel's extended universe.
1. Krypto the Superdog (DC Comics)
The original and, arguably, the best. Krypto was the family pet on Krypton before being rocketed to Earth by Jor-El as a test run for Kal-El's ship. He arrived on Earth years later, a fully-grown canine with all the powers of Superman under a yellow sun. From his miniature cape to his super-bark and heat vision, Krypto is the quintessential superhero sidekick. He's been a member of the Legion of Super-Pets and has saved his master more times than we can count, often acting as a first line of defense against threats too powerful for anyone but a Kryptonian dog to handle. Krypto's unwavering devotion and heroic deeds prove that every Superman needs a Super-dog.
Krypto is one of the most widely adapted comic book dogs. He was the star of his own animated series, Krypto the Superdog, and had major roles in shows like Smallville and the animated film DC League of Super-Pets, where he was voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. He also appeared in the DC Universe series Titans and has a future role in the DCU film Superman.
From the loyal-to-a-fault companions to the super-powered protectors of the galaxy, these comic book canines remind us that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They bring joy, loyalty, and a touch of the extraordinary to the lives of their human counterparts. So on this National Dog Day, let's raise a metaphorical glass to the good boys of sequential art.
Now it's your turn, comic fans! Who's your favorite good boy missing from this list? Share your picks in the comments and let's keep the celebration going for our furry, four-legged heroes!