Why Lockjaw Appeared as a Dog in Fantastic Four but Not in the Inhumans TV Show

This week, we dive into a question from an avid fan of Marvel's cosmic comics: why was Lockjaw, the beloved extraterrestrial hound of the Fantastic Four, portrayed as a dog in the original comics but as a large gray dog-like creature in the Inhumans TV show?

The Marvel Universe: A Place of Unrivaled Creativity and Consistency

The Marvel Universe, with its expansive array of characters and storylines, often leaves fans questioning the divergence between different iterations of beloved characters. Lockjaw is one such character whose visual representation across various media has fascinated fans.

A Common Character: Lockjaw

Lockjaw, officially known as "Master of Expectoration," is a giant, dog-like creature of the metahuman military Kree people. He first appeared in Fantastic Four #11 (1962) and has been a loyal companion to the team ever since. In the comics, his design is consistent, with his appearance being primarily that of a dog albeit of enormous size.

Fantastic Four: The Original Home of Lockjaw

When Lockjaw first appeared in the Fantastic Four comics, his portrayal as a dog was part of the rich tapestry of character design by Jack Kirby. In the comics, Lockjaw's design consistently reflects a giant, dog-like creature. This representation has remained largely unchanged, reflecting the unwavering consistency of Marvel's storytelling.

The Inhumans TV Series: A New Perspective

However, when it comes to the 2019–2020 Inhumans TV series, the portrayal of Lockjaw takes on a distinctly new form. In the show, Lockjaw maintains his enormous size but is depicted as a large, gray dog-like creature. This contrast with his previous portrayal as a dog in the comics raises an interesting question for fans.

Considering the Differences in Medium and Creative Vision

The difference in Lockjaw's portrayal can be attributed to several factors. First, the visual constraints of a TV series versus a comic book are different. Comics often rely on detailed character designs that can be easily altered by panel by panel storytelling. In contrast, a TV series has to adhere to a more consistent visual style for practical reasons.

The Visual Enhancement of Lockjaw in Inhumans

The TV show version of Lockjaw benefits from the additional resources available in a visual medium. Special effects, costumes, and makeup can all contribute to a more dynamic and nuanced portrayal. The choice to depict Lockjaw as a large, gray dog-like creature in the TV series might have been a creative decision aimed at enhancing the sense of scale and the majestic nature of the Kree.

Conclusion: A Diverse Marvel Universe

In conclusion, the difference in Lockjaw's portrayal between the Fantastic Four comics and the Inhumans TV series reflects the unique characteristics of each medium. While the comics adhere to a consistent vision of Lockjaw as a dog, the TV series offers a fresh, visually enhanced perspective that complements the show's style.

The Marvel Universe thrives on these differences, providing fans with a range of experiences and, ultimately, a richer understanding of these beloved characters.

In the world of superhero media, every iteration of a character is a blank canvas for creative vision. Whether Lockjaw is a dog or a large dog-like creature, his role as a loyal and formidable companion remains at the heart of the Marvel experience.