A Tucson comic book shop is turning fandom into philanthropy next week, teaming up with Pima Animal Care Center to raise money and awareness for shelter dogs, all in honor of Superman’s beloved sidekick, Krypto.

Heroes and Villains, 4533 E Broadway Blvd., is partnering with PACC from June 18 to 24  for a celebration of Krypto’s first appearance in issue #210 of "Adventure Comics" and its newly released facsimile edition. For each edition purchased, $3 will go to PACC’s nonprofit partner, Friends of PACC.

The original issue marked the introduction of Krypto, who has become a beloved companion to the young Clark Kent’s Superboy. The appearance is considered a key moment in comic book history.

The partnership and comic book collaboration is timed in conjunction with the July 11 release of the latest “Superman” movie.

“For the new ‘Superman’ movie that so prominently features Kyrpto, (DC Studios is) going to put two golden tickets (shaped like biscuits) in this issue,” said Heroes and Villains Manager Lawerence Marrow.

The two people who find the golden tickets will win a trip to Los Angeles to attend the movie’s world premiere with DC Studios CEO and “Superman” writer, director and producer James Gunn, who decided to cut the comic book’s price so more people have a chance to participate and potentially win a ticket. 

“Immediately when I saw that, I thought this a very good opportunity to do something good with it,” Marrow said, pointing to several flyers around the store advertising the upcoming “Krypto Cares” promotion.

After learning about the re-release and giveaway, Heroes and Villains ordered hundreds of copies of the comic and reached out to PACC to ask about a collaboration.

“We thought it was a cute, fun idea and are happy to partner with them on it,” said PACC spokeswoman Kayleigh Murdock. “In addition to raising money to help us care for the pets and run our life-saving programs, we're hopeful that this partnership will help us increase awareness of the pets in need as well as the programs here at PACC.”

At the beginning of June, PACC had 529 dogs, 79 more than the shelter can comfortably accommodate.

“We are very, very, full and in crucial need of adopters and fosters, especially for large dogs,” Murdock said. “Partnering with other community organizations and businesses here in Pima County is hugely important for us in spreading the word.”

Heroes and Villains is also hosting a donation box during the week for food and supplies, which will be returned to PACC, and offering adoption coupons to customers who shop in-store.

For fans hoping to indulge in more Krypto than just the single issue, the brand-new series “Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton” is hitting shelves on July 18.

For Heroes and Villains’ Morrow, the fundraiser is personal, since he adopted his Shi Tzu from PACC.

“It’s great to be able to connect and give back to local organizations,” he said. “It’s important that you show that you’re a part of the community.”

Macy Hernandez is a journalism and business administration major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at macyhernandez@arizona.edu.

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