Underdog

Underdog is the mild-mannered Shoeshine Boy who transforms into a superhero dog whenever danger threatens, especially his beloved Sweet Polly Purebred. Originally a animated TV character, this canine champion appeared in Western Publishing comics beginning in 1972.

Bursting onto the Bronze Age comics scene in 1972's Life with Archie #127, this lovable canine hero was brought to life by creators Dick Malmgren and Harry Lucey for Western Publishing, and has since kept remarkably eclectic company — sharing pages with the likes of Spider-Man, the Hulk, and even Frankenstein alongside familiar faces like Shoeshine Boy and Sweet Polly Purebred. Underdog's comics journey stretches an impressive 47 years, from 1972 all the way to 2019, a testament to the enduring charm of this underdog who never quite stopped finding an audience. With appearances spread across multiple dedicated series as well as Mickey Mouse, this is a character who clearly knew how to make himself at home across publishers and eras. Twenty-eight catalog appearances may be a modest count, but for collectors with a soft spot for Bronze Age charm and cross-company curiosity, tracking down Underdog's comics footprint is a genuinely rewarding hunt.