Marvel Unleashed Assembles a New Generation of Pet Avengers

Marvel's next epic mystery has just brought together a whole new team of superheroic animals, but can they really replace the Pet Avengers?

The concept of high-flying heroes having their own animal companions is nothing new in the realm of pop culture, and certainly not in the Marvel Universe. Over the years, heroes ranging all the way from Doctor Strange to Bucky Barnes have opened their arms to pets just as incredible as their owners. However, these four-legged friends rarely get to spend any time in the spotlight for themselves.

Thankfully, Marvel Unleashed #1 (by Kyle Starks, Jesús Hervás, Yen Nitro, and VC's Joe Caramagna) has just opened the door for some of the most iconic Pet Avengers to take the center stage. Better yet, it has also introduced at least one all new canine crime-fighter who could easily become the next fan-favorite among Marvel audiences. That is, assuming she and the rest of her newfound allies survive long enough to leave a lasting impact in the first place.

Lockjaw

Even though Lockjaw isn't an official member of the Marvel Unleashed lineup just yet, his place at the center of its story ensures he will be sooner than later. This stands as great news for the likes of D-Dog and Redwing, who could certainly use a teleporting powerhouse added to their roster, though it would be nothing new for Lockjaw himself. It isn't just the powers Lockjaw commands that make him such a ferocious fighter. It's also the company he keeps as one of the most esteemed of all Inhumans.

As a member of the Inhuman Royal Family, Lockjaw frequently spends his time surrounded by the likes of Black Bolt and Crystal. Among the Royal Family, Crystal has gone to great lengths to establish something of a bond with the hulking beast. In the field, Lockjaw often carts around his fellow Inhumans. He quickly transitioned into being his masters' watchful eye in the affairs of other Inhumans who made their homes on Earth. Lockjaw has also made quite the name for himself outside the purview of any two-legged companions, most notably as a premier member of the Pet Avengers.

D-Dog

The first new addition out of the lineup of Marvel Unleashed, D-Dog is a courageous, confident, and charismatic pup who is determined to become the greatest hero who ever lived. Abandoned on the roadside as a pup, D-Dog discovered a mask among the trash she was sifting and took it as a clear sign of what the future had in store for her. Embracing destiny, D-Dog became "the justice that barks."

Sporting now powers of her own, D-Dog's enthusiasm and desire to help was ultimately what brought the cast of Marvel Unleashed together. After being approached by Juniper, whose owner went missing under mysterious circumstances, D-Dog took it upon herself to seek further help from those who know the ropes of superheroics. Despite her amateur status, D-Dog is still willing to lead her team into the heart of whatever battle lies ahead, even if she has no clue what to look for.

Lucky the Pizza Dog

D-Dog may not have much experience being a hero, but Lucky the Pizza Dog absolutely does, not to mention the reputation to go along with it. When Lucky was introduced in 2012's Hawkeye #1 (by Matt Fraction and David Aja), he was beaten, battered, and left for dead in the street by his former owners in the Tracksuit Mafia as punishment for daring to protect the Hawkeye. After being rescued by Hawkeye and nursed back to health, Lucky became a permanent fixture in the lives of both Clint Barton and Kate Bishop. Later on, Kate took Lucky with her when she made the move to the West Coast.

In the years since then, Lucky has investigated everything from murders to the goings-on of murderous mercenaries such as the Taskmaster. Lucky has also suffered more than Marvel's other animal heroes, having been bruised, broken, shot, and even losing an eye over the course of his endeavors. Shockingly, none of this has killed Lucky's endearing spirit, nor his simple desire to do his own thing before his humans notice he's gone missing. Fortunately, the only thing Lucky wants to do more than dumpster dive for loose pizza is solve crimes, and he is exceptional in both regards.

Redwing

Like Lockjaw, the falcon known as Redwing has been a part of the Marvel Universe for decades, having been introduced alongside Sam Wilson all the way back in 1969's Captain America #117 (by Stan Lee and Gene Colan). With his psychic connection to Sam, Redwing has proven to be an invaluable asset in the field on Captain America's various missions. Similarly, his ferocious attitude has helped him overcome what would have otherwise been lethal encounters on many occasions.

On top of all the talons and talents Redwing is innately imbued with, the high-flying falcon possesses all the strength, speed, and stamina that comes with being a creature of the night. As unlikely as it sounds, Redwing is every bit as much a vampire as Marvel heroes like Blade. As such, Redwing is capable of far more than his diminutive stature or sprawling wingspan would imply. Redwing is also the most knowledgeable of the animal heroes in question, and his insight into the mystery that the Pet Avengers have taken upon themselves just be the difference between life and death before they know it.

Chewbacca Sassy Danvers

Chewbacca Sassy Danvers may not be as old as many of her Marvel Unleashed cast members, but she has made as big an impact as any of them in the short time she has been around. Introduced in 2006's Giant-Size Ms. Marvel #1 (by Brian Reed, Roberto De La Torre, Jimmy Palmiotti, Chris Sotomayor, and Dave Sharpe), Chewie was transplanted from the House of M timeline into the primary Marvel Universe after being flung at a villainous Warren Traveler in the midst of casting a time travel spell. These convoluted beginnings were soon enough simplified when Chewie was adopted by Carol Danvers, albeit in strange ways.

Rather than being the house cat her appearance would imply, Chewie is a Flerken, a dangerous alien being sporting sprawling tentacles. These tentacles lead to a self-contained pocket dimension beneath her soft coat and luxurious sheen. As intelligent as she is deadly, Chewie has made the perfect companion for Carol in her adventures both at home and among the stars. In fact, Chewie is one of the few animal heroes who have made the leap from the comic book page to the silver screen as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While this helped to cement her popularity with fans, stories such as Marvel Unleashed continue to prove why Chewie deserves a place in their hearts to begin with.

Throg, Frog of Thunder

Like Lockjaw, the amphibian hero best known as Throg has yet to join the heroes of Marvel Unleashed, though he is currently the next up on their list of who to ask for help. Originally a man named Simon Walterson, things took a drastic turn when a vengeful mystic cursed him to live the rest of his days as a frog. Taking the name Puddlegulp, Simon made a home for himself along with the rest of the frogs in King Glugwort's kingdom, not to mention a reputation as a hero for his bravery in their war with the neighboring rats.

It was shortly after these battles that Puddlegulp met Thor the God of Thunder who, at the time, had also been reduced to an amphibian form thanks to a curse placed on him by Loki. Together, Thor and Puddlegulp helped each other overcome their personal struggles, as well as those faced by the kingdom they had landed in. Eventually, Thor returned to his proper Asgardian form, while Puddlegulp took on a similar albeit much smaller Asgardian form of his own. With his hammer crafted from a shard of Mjolnir and all that it takes to be worthy of wielding it, Puddlegulp stands as the ultimate powerhouse of the Pet Avengers. In light of this, it's hard to imagine Throg won't leap at the chance to take on that same role for yet another team of heroes in need.