Action Figure Review: Krypto #565 from POP! Heroes: Superman by Funko

 

   James Gunn's Superman comes out this week and I am incredibly excited. I've liked most of the film versions of Superman (the only one I didn't much care for was Superman Returns) but this one looks incredibly fun, colorful, and inspiring. It also features Krypto, so as a dog person I'm thrilled. I even bought some of the Krypto branded Milk-Bones for Zoey, our beloved kelpie/terrier mix who has helped me with some reviews in the past. Unfortunately, these past couple weeks have been a bit tough for my family as our beloved Jackabee, Crouton, passed away near the end of June. He was a very old dog (at least 17 years old!) so he had a long life with us, and who knows what he did and where he went before he was brought to our home as a stray, but we still miss him and his absence is always noticeable. He was lovable a good bit of the time, but also crotchety in his elder years, and he was always convinced that he ran the place. Still, he was a charming pup and a really cute little dog; white with black speckles. While I'm not sure what Krypto and Crouton share in personality, I definitely can't look at Krypto without thinking about my pup. I have a lot of faith in Gunn's direction and vision for Superman overall and putting Krypto in this movie is an incredibly wise choice as he's not only a draw for dog lovers, but his presence clearly signals that we're in for something fun and lively versus a darker, grimmer film like Man of Steel. I saw this Funko POP! vinyl of Krpyto a week or two ago at GameStop and decided to grab him. I liked him better than any other toy version of Krypto that seems to be out there on shelves right now. Ready to believe that a dog can fly? Then join me after the break...

The Facts:

Height: 3 1/4ths inches (hovering)

Articulation: Swivel head

Accessories: None

Non-Scalper Price: $13 to $15 dollars

The Positives:

* I love how this version of Krypto looks like he's soaring through the air. He's clearly not just a white dog wearing a cape; he has super powers! He's not removable from his display stand but he's in a great pose with his front and rear paws extended out. He looks really happy and would absolutely stand out in any sort of Superman display. I'm sure we'll see more Krypto POP! vinyls down the line as he seems tailor made to be a popular character, but this one is a solid figure no matter how you look at it.

* Krypto might have the big POP! eyes, but his body isn't particularly stylized or anything. It's sculpted to look furry as this take on Krypto is a bit of a mix, perhaps some sort of terrier mixed with maybe a Schnauzer. He's definitely not large breed of dog, but the mixture of his powers and his smaller stature really makes him lovable. He's also legit wearing a cape, which is brilliant. I love when comic book movies aren't afraid to embrace the look of their characters and this is just such an endearing element of Krypto's look. He's also sporting that "S" logo collar!

* How adorable is Krypto? He's super cute! Just a scruffy little guy who you'd absolutely want to pet. Based on Gunn's own rescue dog, Ozu, Krypto just seems like a lively, spunky little fellow. Definitely a dog you might be worried about having super powers, but one that's also incredibly charming. He's a cute dog with a furry face and adorable little teeth. 10/10. Would pet and give treats to. 

* I love how Krypto's ears often go in different directions. Krpyto has one ear flapped out and one ear hanging down. Some dogs have ears that are incredibly even and always work in tandem while others have ears that seem to each have their own agenda. Krpyto's ears are definitely all over the place. 

* Check out Krypto's cute little paws and pads! They're adorable. He has painted pads on his front feet, too.

* Rather than a clear display stand, Funko included a translucent blue base that makes Krypto look like he's hovering off the ground or soaring through the sky. it's a neat little extra that has a pretty large footprint, so he's definitely not going to tip over.

   This is an excellent toy Krypto! He's just a fun, charming little fellow that ought to put a smile on your face, even if you're one of those people who absolutely hates POP! vinyls. I'm very excited for Superman this week though I have to admit that even with all of the cool stuff we're getting with the mains of Superman, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor, and plenty of other heroes (Hawkgirl! Metamorpho! Mister Terrific! Guy Gardner!), Krypto is without a doubt the biggest draw for me at this point. I'm a dog person, though. This is Great and a 1/2 take on Krypto and a fun little collectible. 

If you're looking for more of Krypto, I've also reviewed the DC Primal Age Krypto the Superdog.

For more POP! Heroes, check out the following:
Batgirl #3 (GameStop exclusive)
Batgirl #168 from DC Comics Bombshells
Harley Quinn #66 (Roller Derby) 
Harley Quinn Impopster #127