Beppo (comics)

Last updated
Beppo
Superboy76.jpg
Beppo on the cover of Superboy #76, art by Curt Swan.
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
First appearance Superboy #76 (October 1959)
Created by Otto Binder (writer)
George Papp (artist)
In-story information
Species Kryptonian monkey
Place of origin Krypton
Team affiliations Legion of Super-Pets
Notable aliasesSuper-monkey
Abilities
See list

Beppo is a monkey superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, primarily those featuring Superman.

Contents

Publication history

Created by Otto Binder and George Papp, he first appeared in Superboy #76 (October 1959). [1] He made sixteen appearances in Superman comics during the Silver Age of Comic Books. [2]

Fictional character biography

Beppo is a Kryptonian alien who resembles an Earth monkey due to convergent evolution. [3] He was originally one of Jor-El's test animals and escaped Krypton's destruction by stowing away aboard baby Kal-El's rocket. Upon landing, Beppo hopped out unseen and went off on his own for some months. One day Beppo, using his telescopic vision, spots Kal-El, now a toddler, living in Smallville with Jonathan and Martha Kent. Beppo quickly flies to Smallville and secretly causes havoc. Beppo accidentally sets off fireworks stored in the Kent garage, which startle him and cause him to flee into space. At the end of the story, which is told in flashback by teenaged Clark, the reader is informed that Beppo eventually returned to Earth. [4]

Many years later, Beppo encounters Supergirl, who introduces him to Krypto the Superdog and Streaky the Supercat. Beppo goes on to join the Legion of Super-Pets. [5] [6]

Beppo is erased from existence following the Crisis on Infinite Earths continuity reboot and does not appear for many years. He is later reintroduced to current continuity and appears in Infinite Crisis , Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds , and the 2024 one-shot Ape-Ril Special. [7]

Other versions

Television

Video games

Beppo appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure . [10]

See also

References

  1. Fleisher, Michael L. (2007). The Original Encyclopedia of Comic Book Heroes, Volume Three: Superman. DC Comics. p. 15. ISBN   978-1-4012-1389-3.
  2. Schelly, William (2013). American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1950s. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 215. ISBN   9781605490540.
  3. Greenberger, Robert; Pasko, Martin (2010). The Essential Superman Encyclopedia. Del Rey. p. 26. ISBN   978-0-345-50108-0.
  4. Superboy #76 (October 1959)
  5. Eury, Michael (2006). The Krypton Companion. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 36. ISBN   9781893905610.
  6. Rovin, Jeff (1991). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cartoon Animals. Prentice Hall Press. p. 24. ISBN   0-13-275561-0 . Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  7. Grunenwald, Joe (March 19, 2024). "DC Round-Up: Ape-Ril Special #1 is more fun than a barrel of monkeys". The Beat. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  8. Byrne, Craig (2021-02-25). "Superman & Lois: Who Is Chrissy Beppo?". KryptonSite. Retrieved 2025-06-24. at least the 'Christopher James Beppo' character was named after the super‑monkey.
  9. Smallville Legends: Justice & Doom Part II
  10. Eisen, Andrew (October 2, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Retrieved July 23, 2024.