Steel Dog Spreads Joy, Touts Milk in Steel City

When author Carol Lynn Vicini unveiled her new comic book, The Adventures of Steel Dog, at Pittsburgh’s Comicon event in March, she had already forged big plans for her favorite canine superhero.

What began with the tales of Steel Man and his white boxer sidekick has spawned a comic-book series devoted to Steel Dog’s own adventures, as well as an illustrated picture book, a coloring book and a calendar packed with personal appearances. The ultimate goal for Vicini and her comic creation?: a feature film for families to enjoy.

“I dedicated the book to my late parents, William Albino Vicini and Veronica Faith Vicini,” the author explained, adding that it was important to her to remember and honor Pittsburgh’s steel-making roots. Steel Man, after all, is a third-generation steelworker whose suit is modeled after authentic uniforms worn in Pittsburgh’s steel mills.

A native of Vandergrift Borough, Vicini has combined her love of children and animals with her passion for writing to create the Steel Dog series. The comic book was illustrated by Matt Ketchum, a graduate of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and was edited by Steel Man, who, like any compelling superhero, refuses to reveal his real name.

Unlike Steel Man, a “Post-Industrial Superhero” with a dark side, Steel Dog is G-rated family fare. She, too, sports an official superhero costume (created by Iron Grandma, Steel Man’s own family matriarch), which consists of a fitted yellow coat emblazoned with the Steel Man emblem. She even has her own sidekick to share in her Adventures—the aptly named Steel Puppy.

Steel Dog, however, isn’t a crime-fighter. Her mission is to spread joy. And her motto for children is “Drink Your Milk.” So, while most of her canine cohorts enjoy kibble or a juicy bone, Steel Dog prefers her homemade biscuits with a milk chaser.

Fresh from their appearance at the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, the superheroes are looking forward to their next gig at Enon Valley Community Days, where they will greet fans and craft balloon animals and hats. A natural goodwill ambassador, the lovable boxer is always a hit with kids and enjoys hearing from “friends” through her Facebook page at “Pittsburgh SteelDog.”

Now 49 in dog years, Steel Dog has honed her hospitality skills with school and hospital visits, festivals and sporting events. One of her favorite venues is the City of Pittsburgh Mascot Skate held each January at Schenley Park’s ice rink. Steel Dog was honored to serve as the event’s official meet-and-greet mascot earlier this year.

Steel Man and Steel Dog make personal appearances at private parties, as well. Booking information for the dogged duo is available at their website—www.pittsburghsteelman.com, the online hot spot for ordering The Adventures of Steel Dog. The comic book is also available at five locations of New Dimension Comics & Games, which include Century III Mall, Ellwood City, Butler, and Pittsburgh Mills Mall.