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Warning: contains spoilers for The Ultimates #8!
Sorry Krypto, but Marvel just made the Guardians of the Galaxy’s Cosmo the best dog in comics with an awesome reveal. Canine characters such as Krypto have been part of comics for decades. While Krypto may be the best known among fans, Marvel makes an excellent case for Cosmo the Spacedog. A staple of the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe, a new, cooler Cosmo arrives in The Ultimates #8.
The Ultimates #8 was written by Deniz Camp and drawn by Juan Frigeri. The Ultimates have met a version of America Chavez, from another world in the multiverse. The team barely has time to react when another group of heroes shows up, calling themselves the Guardians of the Galaxy. Hailing from the 61st century, this incarnation of the team is nearly god-like. One of their members is Cosmo Starstalker, a cybernetically enhanced dog. Fans learn that, at some point, all dogs ascended to a higher plane of existence, but Cosmo stayed behind to help humanity, or “the ultimate good boy.”
Cosmo the Spacedog’s Cosmic Marvel History, Explained
Cosmo’s Origin is Rooted in a Real World Tragedy
Introduced during Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s run on Nova, Cosmo’s history is grounded in a tragic, but real, incident. During the Space Race between America and the former Soviet Union, animals were some of the first Earth creatures into space. One, a Russian dog named Laika, became notable for being the first creature to survive going into orbit. Laika perished in space, and became a cosmic legend. Cosmo, like Laika, was a Soviet dog sent into space, but mutated thanks to exposure to cosmic rays. Gaining telepathic powers, Cosmo would become security chief of Knowhere.
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This new Cosmo forsook a grand destiny to maintain the loving bond between humans and dogs.
The original Cosmo became a staunch ally of the Guardians of the Galaxy, even appearing in their first live-action feature film, and now a new incarnation has arrived in the Marvel Universe. This new Cosmo may be the coolest incarnation of the character yet. The new Cosmo comes from the 61st century, a timeframe that has not been explored in Marvel history. Like their fellow 61st century Guardians, Cosmo Starstalker’s powers are god-like, as seen in The Ultimates #8. This new Cosmo forsook a grand destiny to maintain the loving bond between humans and dogs.
Canine Characters Like Krypto and Cosmo Have Long Histories in Comics
Modern Creators Have Made Krypto Work in the Modern Age
Cosmo is far from the first canine character in comics. As noted earlier, Krypto may be the best known of the group, thanks to over 60 years of history as well as a major role in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. Superman’s first trailer, which featured Krypto prominently throughout, introduced the pup to the public consciousness, and mainstream audiences reacted appropriately. The trailer garnered a record-breaking 50 million views (so far) and, more importantly, got people excited about Krypto, a character once thought of as a goofy, Silver Age relic.
Krypto was created by Otto Binder and Curt Swan, and first appeared in Adventure Comics #210
Thanks to characters like Krypto and Cosmo, canine characters are more popular than ever. While it is true Krypto and other animal characters originated in the Silver Age, subsequent generations of writers and artists have tweaked the concepts for modern sensibilities, and Cosmo represents this trend. Cosmo’s origin is more sophisticated and realistic than Krypto’s, but just as tragic. Cosmo’s powers are not as expansive as Krypto’s but just as useful. In essence, Cosmo is Marvel’s version of Krypto, but who exactly is the best boy of the two is a matter of preference.
Who Is the Best: Cosmo? Or Krypto?
Comic’s Best Boy May Be Hard to Determine
Yet the debut of Cosmo Starstalker may settle the debate between them and Krypto. Every bit as heroic as their predecessor, Cosmo made an enormous sacrifice by not following their canine brethren to another dimension. As the last dog on Earth, Cosmo has two legacies to live up to: that of the original Cosmo, and canines as a whole. The Guardians of the Galaxy recognized Cosmo’s immense talents and good nature, and asked them to join them. The future is bright for Cosmo Starstalker, and in time, they may eclipse Krypto as comics’ best boy.
The Ultimates #8 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!
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