Streaky the Supercat
Encyclopedia
Streaky the Supercat is a fictional character that appears in comic book
s published by DC Comics
. Streaky first appeared in Action Comics
#261 (February 1960), and was created by Otto Binder
and Jim Mooney
.
One of a series of super-powered animals (including Krypto
the Superdog, Comet the Superhorse, and Beppo
the Supermonkey) that was popular in DC's comics of the 1960s, Streaky was Supergirl
's pet cat
that was given super-powers by an unusual form of kryptonite
.
Supergirl was experimenting on a piece of green kryptonite in an attempt to find a way to neutralize its deadly effects. When her experiment failed, she tossed the kryptonite (or "X-Kryptonite", as it became known) out the window. Though her experiment failed, her pet Streaky came across the X-Kryptonite and was exposed to its radiation. As the comics described it, "Due to the unique combination of chemicals in X-Kryptonite, it has given Streaky superpowers!" Streaky's powers consisted of a smaller subset of those of Superman
and Supergirl, including flight, super-strength, super-vision, and super-speed.
Streaky made sporadic appearances in comic stories through the 1960s, and even became a member of the Legion of Super-Pets
, a group consisting of the aforementioned super-powered animals.
Streaky's last pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths
appearance was in Adventure Comics
#394 (June 1970). Presumably, when all of Earth's kryptonite was transformed into iron in Superman
#233 (January 1971), Streaky's X-Kryptonite power source was eliminated as well, ending his super-career and returning him to the life of a normal housecat.
During Grant Morrison
's run in Animal Man
, an alternate, grey-furred Streaky (which, however, left an orange contrail with the telltale lightning bolt marking) made a brief appearance in issues #23-24 (May–June 1990) as one of the pre-Crisis characters that were returned to reality by the Psycho-Pirate
's Medusa Mask. This alternate Streaky attacked "Overman," an evil parallel universe Superman with his heat vision before being hurled out of the asylum. Presumably, this Streaky vanished from existence when the Psycho-Pirate
's episode of madness ended, along with his human counterparts.
Various cats inspired by (and sometimes named) Streaky have made appearances in the post-Crisis
DC Universe
, but none so far have acquired superpowers. In Peter David
's Supergirl
(vol. 4) series, a particular cat named Streaky, identical to the pre-Crisis version, jumps from a tree (as if trying to fly) before being saved by Supergirl and returned to its owner, saying the town of Leesburg is not "ready for a flying kitten." The cat appeared in issues #25 (September 1998) and #42 (March 2000).
At the 2007 New York Comic Con, when asked if Streaky would be returning, writer Paul Dini
said that the "cat’s out of the bag."
In Supergirl vol. 5, #10 (November 2006), it is revealed Kara has a female pet cat. In issue #14 (April 2007), it is revealed that the cat's name is Streaky because "she doesn't get the concept of the litter box." She has since had recurring cameos in Final Crisis
. She is first seen in Supergirl's apartment as Supergirl urges her not to pee in the laundry. After the escape of the Anti-Life Equation
, Supergirl takes Streaky to the Fortress of Solitude
.
Supergirl #38 (April 2009) establishes that, when Supergirl began sharing an apartment with Lana Lang
as "Linda Lang", she took Streaky with her. Now that Supergirl mostly lives on New Krypton, Lana looks after the cat.
), and was created by Jerry Siegel
and Jim Mooney. A lookalike for Streaky, Whizzy is an orange cat with white lightning-bolt markings on either side of his body.
Supergirl first encounters Whizzy, who also wears a red cape like his ancestor, when she answers a summons from the Legion of Super-Heroes
in the 30th century. After defeating the Positive Man, Supergirl is addressed telepathically
by a flying cat she assumes is her pet Streaky. She observes, "You have a 'W' insignia on your cape instead of an 'S'! The engraving on your collar explains everything!" True enough, emblazoned on the cat's collar is the following legend: "Whizzy, descendant of famed supercat Streaky."
The effects of the battle with the Positive Man, (defeated by use of a Negative Bird) have caused the Legionnaires to seemingly lose their powers. Supergirl covers for the team, but they betray her. She and Whizzy are tossed into the Phantom Zone.
While in the Zone, Supergirl learns the de-powered Legionnaires are really an invading race of "Chameleon Men". Whizzy assists in the escape from the Zone. The invaders are defeated and the heroes are rescued from their asteroid prison.
. With the second blast of this vision he reverts to a normal cat. He spends the rest of the series hissing at the bad guys, insinuating his intelligence has remained, but the powers and ability to express himself has gone.
Streaky has also appeared in DC titles Super Friends and Tiny Titans
. In Super Friends, he helps the other super-pets save the world when humanity is immobilised. In Tiny Titans, he attends pet club meetings with Supergirl and the other super-pets.
A version of the character is a main part for Supergirl's Wednesday Comics
strip along with Krypto.
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
s published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. Streaky first appeared in Action Comics
Action Comics
Action Comics is an American comic book series that introduced Superman, the first major superhero character as the term is popularly defined...
#261 (February 1960), and was created by Otto Binder
Otto Binder
Otto Oscar Binder was an American author of science fiction and non-fiction books and stories, and comic books...
and Jim Mooney
Jim Mooney
James Noel "Jim" Mooney was an American comic book artist best known as a Marvel Comics inker and Spider-Man artist, and as the signature artist of DC Comics' Supergirl, both during what comics historians and fans call the Silver Age of comic books...
.
Fictional character biography
Krypto
Krypto, also known as Krypto the Superdog, is a fictional character. He is Superman's pet dog in the various Superman comic books published by DC Comics. Krypto's first appearance was in a Superboy story in Adventure Comics #210 in March 1955...
the Superdog, Comet the Superhorse, and Beppo
Beppo (comics)
Beppo is a fictional monkey in the DC Universe. Created by Otto Binder and George Papp, he first appeared in Superboy v1 076 .-Fictional character biography:...
the Supermonkey) that was popular in DC's comics of the 1960s, Streaky was Supergirl
Supergirl
Supergirl is a female counterpart to the DC Comics Superman. As his cousin, she shares his super powers and vulnerability to Kryptonite. She was created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino in 1959. She first appeared in the Action Comics comic book series and later branched out...
's pet cat
Cat
The cat , also known as the domestic cat or housecat to distinguish it from other felids and felines, is a small, usually furry, domesticated, carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and for its ability to hunt vermin and household pests...
that was given super-powers by an unusual form of kryptonite
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
.
Supergirl was experimenting on a piece of green kryptonite in an attempt to find a way to neutralize its deadly effects. When her experiment failed, she tossed the kryptonite (or "X-Kryptonite", as it became known) out the window. Though her experiment failed, her pet Streaky came across the X-Kryptonite and was exposed to its radiation. As the comics described it, "Due to the unique combination of chemicals in X-Kryptonite, it has given Streaky superpowers!" Streaky's powers consisted of a smaller subset of those of Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
and Supergirl, including flight, super-strength, super-vision, and super-speed.
Streaky made sporadic appearances in comic stories through the 1960s, and even became a member of the Legion of Super-Pets
Legion of Super-Pets
The Legion of Super-Pets is a fictional team of super-powered pets in the pre-Crisis DC Universe. Members include Krypto the Super-Dog and Streaky the Supercat...
, a group consisting of the aforementioned super-powered animals.
Streaky's last pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
appearance was in Adventure Comics
Adventure Comics
Adventure Comics was a comic book series published by DC Comics from 1935 to 1983 and then revamped from 2009 to 2011. In its first era, the series ran for 503 issues , making it the fifth-longest-running DC series, behind Detective Comics, Action Comics, Superman, and Batman...
#394 (June 1970). Presumably, when all of Earth's kryptonite was transformed into iron in Superman
Superman (comic book)
Superman is an ongoing comic book series featuring the DC Comics hero of the same name. The character Superman began as one of several anthology features in the National Periodical Publications comic book Action Comics #1 in June 1938...
#233 (January 1971), Streaky's X-Kryptonite power source was eliminated as well, ending his super-career and returning him to the life of a normal housecat.
During Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
's run in Animal Man
Animal Man
Animal Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . As a result of being in proximity to an exploding extraterrestrial spaceship, Buddy Baker acquires the ability to temporarily “borrow” the abilities of animals...
, an alternate, grey-furred Streaky (which, however, left an orange contrail with the telltale lightning bolt marking) made a brief appearance in issues #23-24 (May–June 1990) as one of the pre-Crisis characters that were returned to reality by the Psycho-Pirate
Psycho-Pirate
The Psycho-Pirate is the name of two DC Comics supervillains, dating back to the Golden Age of Comics.-Charles Halstead:Charles Halstead is a minor character who first appears in All-Star Comics #23, created by Gardner Fox and Joe Gallagher...
's Medusa Mask. This alternate Streaky attacked "Overman," an evil parallel universe Superman with his heat vision before being hurled out of the asylum. Presumably, this Streaky vanished from existence when the Psycho-Pirate
Psycho-Pirate
The Psycho-Pirate is the name of two DC Comics supervillains, dating back to the Golden Age of Comics.-Charles Halstead:Charles Halstead is a minor character who first appears in All-Star Comics #23, created by Gardner Fox and Joe Gallagher...
's episode of madness ended, along with his human counterparts.
Various cats inspired by (and sometimes named) Streaky have made appearances in the post-Crisis
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
DC Universe
DC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
, but none so far have acquired superpowers. In Peter David
Peter David
Peter Allen David , often abbreviated PAD, is an American writer of comic books, novels, television, movies and video games...
's Supergirl
Supergirl (comic book)
Supergirl is the name of six comic book series published by DC Comics, featuring various characters of the same name. The majority of the titles feature Superman's cousin Kara Zor-El.-Volume 1 :...
(vol. 4) series, a particular cat named Streaky, identical to the pre-Crisis version, jumps from a tree (as if trying to fly) before being saved by Supergirl and returned to its owner, saying the town of Leesburg is not "ready for a flying kitten." The cat appeared in issues #25 (September 1998) and #42 (March 2000).
At the 2007 New York Comic Con, when asked if Streaky would be returning, writer Paul Dini
Paul Dini
Paul Dini is an American writer and producer who works in the television and comic book industries. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics animated series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated...
said that the "cat’s out of the bag."
In Supergirl vol. 5, #10 (November 2006), it is revealed Kara has a female pet cat. In issue #14 (April 2007), it is revealed that the cat's name is Streaky because "she doesn't get the concept of the litter box." She has since had recurring cameos in Final Crisis
Final Crisis
Final Crisis is a crossover storyline that appeared in comic books published by DC Comics in 2008, primarily the seven-issue miniseries of the same name written by Grant Morrison. Originally DC announced the project as being illustrated solely by J. G. Jones; artists Carlos Pacheco, Marco Rudy and...
. She is first seen in Supergirl's apartment as Supergirl urges her not to pee in the laundry. After the escape of the Anti-Life Equation
Anti-Life Equation
The Anti-Life Equation is the equation for total control over the free will of sentient beings, for which the DC Comics villain Darkseid is searching in the Jack Kirby's Fourth World setting. It is for this reason that he sends his forces to Earth, as he believes part of the equation exists in the...
, Supergirl takes Streaky to the Fortress of Solitude
Fortress of Solitude
The Fortress of Solitude is the occasional headquarters of Superman in DC Comics. Its predecessor, Superman's "Secret Citadel", first appeared in Superman #17, where it was said to be built into a mountain on the outskirts of Metropolis...
.
Supergirl #38 (April 2009) establishes that, when Supergirl began sharing an apartment with Lana Lang
Lana Lang
Lana Lang is a fictional supporting character in DC Comics' Superman series. Created by writer Bill Finger and artist John Sikela, the character first appears in Superboy #10...
as "Linda Lang", she took Streaky with her. Now that Supergirl mostly lives on New Krypton, Lana looks after the cat.
Descendant
Streaky had a 30th century descendant named "Whizzy" who first appeared in Action Comics #287 (April 19621962 in comics
-January:*Amazing Fantasy #8 – Marvel Comics*Fantastic Four #2 - Marvel Comics*Journey into Mystery #76 - Marvel Comics*Kid Colt: Outlaw #102 - Marvel Comics...
), and was created by Jerry Siegel
Jerry Siegel
Jerome "Jerry" Siegel , who also used pseudonyms including Joe Carter, Jerry Ess, and Herbert S...
and Jim Mooney. A lookalike for Streaky, Whizzy is an orange cat with white lightning-bolt markings on either side of his body.
Supergirl first encounters Whizzy, who also wears a red cape like his ancestor, when she answers a summons from the Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
in the 30th century. After defeating the Positive Man, Supergirl is addressed telepathically
Telepathy
Telepathy , is the induction of mental states from one mind to another. The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H. Myers, a founder of the Society for Psychical Research, and has remained more popular than the more-correct expression thought-transference...
by a flying cat she assumes is her pet Streaky. She observes, "You have a 'W' insignia on your cape instead of an 'S'! The engraving on your collar explains everything!" True enough, emblazoned on the cat's collar is the following legend: "Whizzy, descendant of famed supercat Streaky."
The effects of the battle with the Positive Man, (defeated by use of a Negative Bird) have caused the Legionnaires to seemingly lose their powers. Supergirl covers for the team, but they betray her. She and Whizzy are tossed into the Phantom Zone.
While in the Zone, Supergirl learns the de-powered Legionnaires are really an invading race of "Chameleon Men". Whizzy assists in the escape from the Zone. The invaders are defeated and the heroes are rescued from their asteroid prison.
Other versions
As well as appearing in comics related to the Krypto the Superdog cartoon, Streaky also appears in Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade. He has a cameo in issue #3 (April 2009), but it is in issue #4 (May 2009) that he is given superpowers by being exposed to an electrocuted piece of Kryptonite that Supergirl had discarded. He leads Supergirl under her school where she helps him free her fellow students. Then he takes off into space vowing to return as he has found something out about Supergirl's teachers. He returns in issue #5 (June 2009) where he saves Supergirl by taking a blast from Belinda Zee's Bizarro vision. He is transformed into a Saber-toothed catSaber-toothed cat
Saber-toothed cat or Sabre-toothed cat refers to the extinct subfamilies of Machairodontinae , Barbourofelidae , and Nimravidae as well as two families related to marsupials that were found worldwide from the Eocene Epoch to the end of the Pleistocene Epoch ,...
. With the second blast of this vision he reverts to a normal cat. He spends the rest of the series hissing at the bad guys, insinuating his intelligence has remained, but the powers and ability to express himself has gone.
Streaky has also appeared in DC titles Super Friends and Tiny Titans
Tiny Titans
Tiny Titans is an Eisner Award-winning comic book series by Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani. It is published by DC Comics, beginning publication in February 2008. The first issue was also released as part of the annual Free Comic Book Day promotion in May 2008.Tiny Titans stars alternate versions...
. In Super Friends, he helps the other super-pets save the world when humanity is immobilised. In Tiny Titans, he attends pet club meetings with Supergirl and the other super-pets.
A version of the character is a main part for Supergirl's Wednesday Comics
Wednesday Comics
Wednesday Comics was a weekly anthology comic book launched by DC Comics on July 8, 2009. The twelve issues of the title were published in 14" x 20" broadsheet format, deliberately similar to Sunday newspaper comics sections...
strip along with Krypto.
Television
- One scene of the Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series is an American animated series based on the DC Comics character Batman. The series featured an ensemble cast of many voice-actors including Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Arleen Sorkin, and Loren Lester. The series won four Emmy Awards and was nominated...
episode "Deep Freeze" had a group of robotic toys that all resembled classic comic book characters Bat-MiteBat-MiteBat-Mite is a fictional character appearing in stories published by DC Comics. Bat-Mite is an Imp similar to the Superman villain Mister Mxyzptlk...
, Mr. Mxyzptlk, and Krypto the SuperdogKryptoKrypto, also known as Krypto the Superdog, is a fictional character. He is Superman's pet dog in the various Superman comic books published by DC Comics. Krypto's first appearance was in a Superboy story in Adventure Comics #210 in March 1955...
, and one of the toys resembled Streaky.
- In Superman: The Animated SeriesSuperman: The Animated SeriesSuperman: The Animated Series is an American animated television series starring DC Comics' flagship character, Superman. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on The WB from September 6, 1996 to February 12, 2000. Warner Bros...
and Justice LeagueJustice League (TV series)Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics...
, Streaky has made a few appearances as an ordinary housecat of the Kents. As an injoke in the episode "Mxyzpixilated", Mr. Mxyzptlk demonstrated his powers by making Streaky fly around the room.
- In the Justice LeagueJustice League (TV series)Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics...
episode "Comfort and Joy", J'onn J'onzzMartian ManhunterThe Martian Manhunter is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in publications published by DC Comics. Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #225...
does not feel the Christmas spirit until he wanders around Smallville. He meets Streaky near the beginning of the episode, beckoning him to come over by saying "Kitty", at which Streaky hisses and runs away. At the end of the episode, he is seen in true Martian form, petting Streaky while singing.
- In 2005, Streaky became a supporting character on Cartoon NetworkCartoon NetworkCartoon Network is a name of television channels worldwide created by Turner Broadcasting which used to primarily show animated programming. The channel began broadcasting on October 1, 1992 in the United States....
's animated series Krypto the SuperdogKrypto the SuperdogKrypto the Superdog is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation, based on the DC Comics character Krypto. The show premiered on Cartoon Network on March 25, 2005 and aired on Kids' WB! in September 2006...
voiced by Brian DrummondBrian DrummondBrian Drummond is a Canadian actor. He also serves on the board of directors for the New Westminster-based Urban Academy along with his wife, Laura Drummond, also a voice artist. He and his wife serve as vice-president and president, respectively.- Career :Drummond was born in Salmon Arm, British...
. In this series, Streaky once again has superpowers, and is the pampered pet of Krypto's owner's next-door neighbor, Andrea. In the series, Streaky goes into a lab where he crashes into a duplicator laser. The laser shoots Krypto and bounces off him and into Streaky, giving him powers similar to Krypto's. Unlike the original comics version, who was immune to the effects of kryptoniteKryptoniteKryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
radiation, this Streaky does share Krypto's vulnerability to green and red kryptoniteKryptoniteKryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
.
- Streaky appears in the Legion of Super HeroesLegion of Super Heroes (TV series)Legion of Super Heroes is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation that debuted on September 23, 2006, based on characters appearing in the DC Comics comic book series. The series centers on the young Superman's adventures in the 31st century, fighting alongside a...
animated series in the episode "Message in a Bottle." This version of the character is a native to the shrunken city of KandorKandorKandor is the name of the former capital city of the fictional planet Krypton in the DC Universe. It is best known for being stolen and miniaturized by the supervillain Brainiac...
. When Brainiac 5Brainiac 5Brainiac 5 is a fictional character who exists in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Universe. He is a long standing member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Brainiac 5 is from the planet Colu...
turns the Kandorian sun from red to yellow, Streaky receives superpowers.
- In an episode of Batman: The Brave and the BoldBatman: The Brave and the BoldBatman: The Brave and the Bold is an American animated television series based in part on the DC Comics series The Brave and the Bold which features two or more super heroes coming together to solve a crime or foil a super villain...
, Streaky is shown in a TV advertisement that Blue Beetle is watching. The commercial is promoting "Plastino's Cat Snacks". Al PlastinoAl PlastinoAl Plastino is an American comic book artist best known as one of the most prolific Superman artists of the 1950s, along with his DC Comics colleague Wayne Boring...
was the artist who drew Streaky's owner, Kara Zor-ElSupergirl (Kara Zor-El)Kara Zor-El is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and related media, created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino. As Supergirl, Kara Zor-El serves as the biological cousin and female counterpart to DC Comic's iconic superhero Superman, created...
's first appearance.
External links
- http://www.comics.org/search/advanced/process/?reprint_notes=&letters=&series=&feature=&issue_notes=&colors=&tracking_notes=&indicia_publisher=&issues=&issue_date=&title=&series_notes=&job_number=&pub_name=DC&is_indexed=None&brand=&pub_notes=&end_date=&format=&price=&inks=&volume=&pages=&characters=Streaky&genre=&method=icontains&issue_pages=&order2=series&order3=&order1=date&pencils=&target=sequence&story_editing=¬es=&script=&publication_notes=&start_date=1959&synopsis=&issue_editing=&logic=False&page=1Streaky] at the Grand Comics Database
- Streaky Supermanica entry on the pre-Crisis Streaky
- Krypto the Superdog Cartoon Network website