Topo (DC Comics)

Topo is the name of several characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, notable as a loyal sidekick to Aquaman.

Topo
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Adventure Comics #229 (October 1956)
Created by	Ramona Fradon
In-story information
Species	Pre-Crisis Sentient octopus Post-Crisis Anthropomorphic squid New 52 Sea monster
Team affiliations	Atlantis
Partnerships	Aquaman

Publication history

Topo first appeared in Adventure Comics #229 (October 1956), and was created by Ramona Fradon.

As of current continuity, there have been three different versions of the character. The first version is an intelligent octopus who is usually seen babysitting Aquababy in the Pre-Crisis continuity. The second is an anthropomorphic octopus and an ally of the second Aquaman. The third is a monstrous octopus-crab hybrid who Aquaman can summon using a special conch.

Fictional character history

Sentient octopus version

The original Topo is born in or near the undersea continent of Atlantis and is a favored companion of Aquaman. He is highly intelligent and can wield a bow and arrow and play several instruments simultaneously.

Humanoid octopus version

The second incarnation of Topo appears in Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis, as part of One Year Later. This version is a humanoid octopus who aids Mera, Tempest, and Cal Durham in returning to Sub Diego. However, the group leaves after learning that Black Manta has taken over the city.

Sea monster version

In The New 52, Topo is reintroduced as a sea monster, resembling an octopus-crab hybrid, who Aquaman can summon and control using a special conch.^[1]

Other versions

• An alternate universe variant of Topo appears in Flashpoint Beyond. This version is a member of the Atlantean army whose family was killed by Wonder Woman.^[2]
• Topo appears in DC Super Friends, Tiny Titans, and the Scooby-Doo comics.

In other media

• Topo appears in Young Justice, voiced by James Arnold Taylor.^[3] This version is a friend of Aqualad and a student of the Conservatory of Sorcery who later becomes prime minister of the Atlantean city-state of Lemuria.
• Topo (Tactical Observation and Pursuit Operative) appears in the DC Extended Universe films Aquaman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. This version is genetically engineered to possess enhanced intelligence and is skilled in espionage.^[4][5][6]