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DC Comics character From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ace the Bat-Hound is a superhero dog appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is commonly featured as the canine crime-fighting partner of Batman and as an ally of other animal superheroes, such as Krypto, Streaky, and the Legion of Super-Pets.
| Ace the Bat-Hound | |
|---|---|
Ace the Bat-Hound as depicted in Batman: Urban Legends #15 (May 2022), art by Karl Mostert and Trish Mulvihill. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Batman #92 (June 1955) |
| Created by |
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| In-story information | |
| Species | Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) |
| Place of origin | Earth |
| Team affiliations | Justice League Legion of Super-Pets Space Canine Patrol Agents |
| Supporting character of | |
| Abilities |
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The character made his cinematic debut in the animated film DC League of Super-Pets, which was released in the United States on July 29, 2022.[1]
Ace debuted in Batman #92 (June 1955) and was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Sheldon Moldoff.[2] Ace's introduction followed on Krypto the Superdog's debut in Adventure Comics #210 (March 1955),[3] and by German Shepherd Dogs from detective films and serials, such as Rin Tin Tin and Ace the Wonder Dog.
Ace, along with Batwoman, Bat-Girl, and Bat-Mite, was retired from the comic in 1964, when editor Julius Schwartz instituted a "New Look" Batman that shed some of the sillier elements in the series.[4]
Ace was a German Shepherd Dog originally owned by an engraver named John Wilker. He was found by Batman and Robin after his master was kidnapped by a gang of counterfeiters.[5] Batman used Ace to try to locate Wilker. Because he had already placed a large number of "lost dog" announcements for Ace in his civilian identity of Bruce Wayne, he was concerned that anyone recognizing Ace might make the connection between Bruce Wayne and Batman. To forestall that problem, he improvised a hood-like mask for the dog that incorporated the bat-emblem as a dog tag.[6] Ace was subsequently christened the Bat-Hound by a criminal that the dog helped Batman to apprehend.[7]
Wilker later took a new job that made it difficult for him to take care of Ace, so he left the dog to Bruce Wayne.[8] Wilker was never aware that Bruce Wayne was Batman.
An early case involved Ace tracking down a mentally unhinged ancient weapons expert.[9] At one point, Ace acquired superpowers thanks to Bat-Mite, but this was short-lived.[10] He did have his own training. For example; his specialized radio collar, when activated, told him to don his own mask (via a hands-free device) and track down Batman and Robin.[11] Ace was used less and less over time, and for various reasons. When Bruce was overcome with night terrors, Robin suggested that Ace sleep beside him.[12]
Ace disappeared from the Batman comics after Julius Schwartz took over as editor in 1964. His last appearance was a cameo in a story where Batman had lost his fighting spirit.[13]
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The original Ace appears as a resident of Limbo in Animal Man and Final Crisis, while a new dog character based on him is introduced. He is a former guide dog who Batman adopts following the death of his owner Black Wolf.[14][15]
In The New 52 continuity reboot, Damian Wayne adopts a Great Dane named Titus.[16] Writer Peter Tomasi considered naming the character Ace, but decided against it.[17]
A new version of Ace is introduced following DC Rebirth, where it is depicted as a former guard dog of the Joker.[18]
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