As comics are only limited by a creator’s imagination, why not have a cat for a protagonist? Here are the best comics starring animals.

BY GEORGE CHRYSOSTOMOU

A lot of things can inspire a great comic book run. However, across multiple brands and over the years, animals have always provided a great source of potential. Both Marvel and DC, in particular, have had some well-known animal characters come to life in the pages of their comics.

There are some fantastic comic book arcs in the pages of these animal-based titles. From a space raccoon to a dog from another solar system, there are certainly some creative ideas from these major brands. Whether the reader is a fan or not of these animals, these are definitely some comics they may want to pick up that has an animal in the lead role.

10 Rocket Raccoon

Rocket Raccoon was a relatively unknown character before he was brought to life by Bradley Cooper in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is now one of Marvel’s most famous animal characters, and definitely for good reason.

With a number of crazy weapons, a bad attitude, and a heroic spirit, Rocket was a standout amongst the Guardians of the Galaxy. He got his own book and it really took off for a while. His comic was wacky, over the top, and full of the space adventure expected.

9 Detective Chimp

Detective Chimp is exactly what his name says he is. He is a primate with enhanced intelligence and a knack for solving puzzles. He is a detective and quite a good one. So much so that he ended up having his own comic run and has been featured numerous times in various team-ups.

The Chimp has had quite the journey across the DC timeline and there’s probably enough material in all of this for a live-action series of his own. However, despite his significance, there is still a lot for fans to learn about this brilliant mind.

8 Spider-Ham

Spider-Ham is another character that has shot to fame after recent on-screen appearances. But before falling into the web of the universe and ending up in Miles’ timeline, Peter Porker had quite a successful comic run on his own.

With some ridiculous villains who might take the animal theme too far, this is a hilarious parody of everyone’s favorite wall-crawler, done in a way that clearly pays homage at the same time, rather than just poking fun at Spider-Man.

7 Pride Of Baghdad

DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint released some of their more experimental material. The Pride of Baghdad is quite a different comic compared to almost everything else, as these animals are typically designed to mimic humanity.

However, this is a story about a lion pride that escapes from a zoo after a bombing. This is actually a true story which makes it all the more powerful. It’s a fascinating read and certainly a change of pace for comic book readers who are used to superhero books.

6 Howard The Duck

Howard the Duck has to be one of the strangest creatures that Marvel has ever created. This fourth-wall breaking, dimensional hopping, suit-wearing duck isn’t everyone’s cup of tea; however, he can have some moments of absolute hilarity.

The Howard the Duck comic run is one of the most influential of all time. It pushed the boundaries of what could be done in print and as a result, it had a large effect on comics as a whole. Without this comic, there would have never been that fantastic George Lucas movie as well…

5 WE3

Another Vertigo comic, albeit one with a bit of a twist. This is also based upon normal animals, however, these pets have been significantly changed. They were experimented on and turned into robotic animals.

Scared, lost, and trying to work out what has happened to them, this is a small adventure that fans of deep storytelling may enjoy. It’s a real change in narrative for DC and with some beautiful artwork, animal fans will certainly be intrigued by this.

4 The Pet Avengers

There is a real variety of Avengers teams in the Marvel universe, although maybe none are quite as bizarre as the Pet Avengers. They are part of the main 616 continuity and the team is made up of some of Earth’s heroes’ mightiest animals.

From Lockjaw the dog and Lockheed the dragon to Falcon’s Redwing, this surprising team has been on a great number of adventures. Each time they have managed to save the day despite the almost unbelievable odds.

3 Krypto The Superdog

Krypto the Superdog is Superman’s pet and has a few different origins. In some versions, he actually heralds from Krypton; in others, Krypto is actually a science experiment. Either way, this canine is incredibly reliable.

With a comic book run that has lasted some time, thanks to his on and off appearances in other comics, the Superdog has consistently managed to save the day. Krypto even has his own team-up series!

2 Legion Of Super-Pets

There is the Justice League and the Legion of Superheroes. The Marvel Universe has the Avengers and the Pet Avengers. Therefore, it only makes sense for there to be a Legion of Super-Pets, which of course includes Krypto.

Asides from the Superdog, the Bat-hound is also a member of the team, as is Detective Chimp. With a wide range of other animals and even Supergirl’s own magical horse in the past, this series is a lot of fun to check out.

1 Garfield

Garfield is usually described as everyone’s favorite comic book cat. The fact remains, he is probably the most famous cat in all of comics, if not one of the most popular animals to be created with ink and pen.

While many of his stories were originally in cartoon strips, Garfield has an ongoing comic book series written by Jim Davis. The franchise has even inspired live-action and animated adaptations, so it is safe to assume that Garfield will be around for at least the next decade.

Originally published at CBR