Did Any Baby Ships Besides Kal-El’s Survive in the DC Comics Universe?

When discussing the origins of Superman and the people of Krypton, one often talks about Kal-El, the last surviving son of Jor-El, who was sent to Earth in a spacecraft. However, in the vast universe of DC Comics, other Kryptonian survivors play important roles. Did any other baby ships besides Kal-El's survive?

Before the Crisis on Infinite Earths, the DC universe took a different path, with multiple continuities featuring various Kryptonian survivors. While Kal-El remains the most famous of these survivors, the broader narrative includes several other individuals who also left Krypton, each with their own unique journeys.

Krypton Survivors in Post-Crisis Continuities

In the post-Crisis era, several other Kryptonians were introduced with interesting backstories. Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, is Kal-El's cousin and was sent to Earth shortly after him. However, her ship was delayed, leading to her arrival much later. Krypto the Superdog, a canine from Krypton, was also sent to Earth in a similar manner. These characters, though not babies, contributed to the rich history of Kryptonian survivors.

Moreover, various Kryptonian criminals and anomalies were also introduced in storylines such as Superman: The Animated Series and Superman: Birthright. These characters often served as antagonists, enriching the plot with their specific investigative and narrative functions.

Other Kryptonian Survivors

Despite the connection to Kal-El, a significant number of Kryptonian survivors included individuals who were not necessarily babies. In the New 52 and Rebirth continuities, the focus on Kryptonian survivors varied, but the idea of Kal-El being one of the last survivors remained a central theme.

Baby Ship Controversies

While Kal-El is the most notable survivor, the concept of baby ships being launched from Krypton has been explored in certain arcs and continuities. In particular, the 1950s-era comics introduced the concept of "baby ships," though they were somewhat unconventional. One such example involves Krypto the Superdog. His story showed Krypto initially as a puppy or "baby" when he was used to test a prototype of Jor-El's rocket ship. This could potentially count as a "baby ship" in a loose interpretation of the term.

Another individual who might count as a "baby ship" is Kara Zor-El (Supergirl). In some storylines, it is mentioned that she left the Kryptonian city of Argo, which survived Krypton's demise, but faced a slow death as kryptonite radiation permeated its shields. Technically, while Kara is not a baby, her Youth-Ell (her "baby twin" clone) was sent to Earth to survive, leading to some debates around the classification of "baby ships."

Conclusion

While Kal-El stands as the most notable survivor from Krypton, the concept of baby ships being launched extends beyond just Kal-El's spacecraft. Throughout the DC Comics universe, some comics and storylines have indeed explored the idea of baby ships, showcasing Krypton's efforts to preserve life through unconventional means. The universe of Krypton continues to be a rich and complex tapestry, with various survivors contributing to its ever-evolving narrative.