Lockjaw

Lockjaw is one of Marvel's most beloved and visually iconic characters — a massive, antenna-crowned teleporting bulldog who serves as the loyal companion and royal transport of the Inhuman royal family. Making his debut in Fantastic Four #45 (December 1965), created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Lockjaw has been a fixture of the Marvel Universe for decades. That first appearance is a genuine Silver Age gem, part of the landmark Kirby-designed Inhuman introduction arc that collectors prize heavily, and demand for those early Fantastic Four issues remains consistently strong on the back issue market.

Despite his canine appearance, Lockjaw is far more than a pet — he possesses staggering physical power, near-invulnerability, the ability to teleport himself and others across vast distances and even between dimensions, and a supernatural sense of smell capable of tracking targets across the cosmos. His size alone makes him a force of nature in combat, and his loyalty to the Inhuman royal family, particularly Crystal and Medusa, has placed him at the center of some of the most important Inhuman storylines in Marvel history. He played a crucial role throughout the original Inhumans stories in the pages of Fantastic Four, Thor, and later the landmark Inhumans limited series by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee — one of the most visually stunning and critically acclaimed Marvel books of the 1990s that any serious collector should own.

Lockjaw had a career-defining solo spotlight during the Pet Avengers limited series (Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers, 2009), where he assembled a team of Marvel's most powerful animal companions — including Frog Thor, Redwing, Ms. Lion, Zabu, Hairball, and Lockheed — to collect the Infinity Gems before they could fall into dangerous hands. This charming, fan-favorite series became a surprise hit and spawned sequels, cementing Lockjaw's status as a lead character capable of carrying his own stories. His later appearances with the Guardians of the Galaxy further expanded his profile across the Marvel cosmos.

For collectors, Lockjaw represents incredible value across multiple eras. Fantastic Four #45 is the essential cornerstone key — a true Silver Age first appearance with Kirby pedigree. The Jenkins/Jae Lee Inhumans maxiseries, the Pet Avengers run, and his appearances throughout the Inhumans NOW! era all offer accessible and rewarding collecting targets. Whether you're chasing Silver Age keys or hunting down quirky modern runs, Lockjaw's long history and unique charm make his appearances some of the most fun and rewarding books to track down.