If you ever find yourself in a debate about the most formidable comic book characters, Superman would undoubtedly be on the Mount Rushmore of power. For almost a century, the Man of Steel has stood as the epitome of strength in the DC Universe. With his superhuman abilities, such as incredible strength, blazing speed, heat vision, freezing breath, and the power of flight, he has become the ultimate nemesis of evildoers throughout his legendary comic book series.
Naturally, invincibility can dampen the excitement for readers since there’s seemingly no challenge if the hero is unbeatable. However, writers cleverly introduced Kryptonite, a residue from Superman’s annihilated planet, which has the power to weaken him to the point of fatality. Surprisingly, science reveals that a real-life element inspire this fictional mineral, and the effects it has on Superman mirror the symptoms of radiation poisoning experienced by humans. While the exposure to Kryptonite is devastating for the Man of Steel, this plot device gave rise to his most formidable adversary.
A cunning and malevolent villain, Lex Luthor faces a significant disadvantage when pitted against the mighty Man of Steel. However, the introduction of kryptonite levels the playing field. By subjecting Superman to the effects of radiation poisoning, Luthor is able to engage in a more equalized battle, where it becomes a clash of human versus human. Luthor’s prolonged exposure to Kryptonite also serves as evidence supporting the notion that its impact on Superman resembles the effects of radiation on real-life individuals, as it led the villain to develop cancer.
Kryptonite is rooted in real-life science
Whenever Lex Luthor brandishes Kryptonite or a villain like Metallo, whose heart is made of Kryptonite, Superman experiences an almost immediate weakening effect, leaving him vulnerable to defeat. While this serves as a compelling plot device that instills fear in readers for the life of their beloved hero, there is a scientific explanation behind it. In the comics, Superman derives his strength from the yellow sun, which causes his cells to absorb radiation in a unique way compared to us. However, the presence of Kryptonite disrupts this process, compromising his powers.
According to Scientific American, radioactive materials emit radiation in the form of particles and energy, ranging from helium nuclei to gamma rays. If Kryptonite were to emit gamma rays, it could ionize Superman’s cells, causing disruption and havoc by altering the normal function of his cells in absorbing sunlight. The article also highlights the interesting connection between the character and scientific fact, as creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster named Superman’s home planet after a real-life gas discovered in 1898.
Superman, being a fictional character, possesses superhuman abilities that surpass the limits of science. However, his greatest foe, Lex Luthor, cleverly exploits a scientific vulnerability to level the playing field. Radiation is a universal threat to all humans, and it is logical that an intelligent villain like Luthor would consider this when plotting to defeat the powerful Kryptonian.
Green isn’t the only color
Green Kryptonite is infamous for its lethal effects on Superman and Supergirl, but it’s not the only variant of this mineral. Various colors of Kryptonite exist, each with distinct and devastating consequences for Kryptonians. While some can be perilous and deadly, others have peculiar effects that border on the absurd and may even provoke laughter.
The range of effects that different colors of Kryptonite can have on Kryptonians is quite fascinating. The red variant, for instance, amplifies mood swings and can even induce mutations. However, the blue Kryptonite has the power to counteract these effects, which is why they are often stored together. On the other hand, gold kryptonite has the ability to strip Kryptonians of their powers, rendering them essentially human. Silver kryptonite, similar to Scarecrow’s fear toxin, causes Superman to experience intense hunger and delusions, confronting his deepest fears. Black Kryptonite has the peculiar ability to split a being into two, resulting in the creation of a counterpart opposite to Superman, much like Bizzaro. White Kryptonite, on the other hand, has a lethal impact on plants. At the same time, Periwinkle kryptonite unleashes the Kryptonians’ inhibitions, leading to a state akin to being intoxicated after a long day’s work.
In addition to the colored variants, there are kryptonite types that aren’t named after their colors. X-Kryptonite has the ability to grant powers to animals, adding an extra twist to its effects. On the other hand, Anti-Kryptonite is the most alarming for regular humans, as it has the same detrimental impact on us as green Kryptonite does on Superman. Scientific American suggests that Anti-Kryptonite could be akin to a nuclear core, emitting radiation and posing a significant threat. It is indeed surprising that we haven’t seen more of these dangerous rocks in live-action adaptations. Perhaps James Gunn’s “Superman: Legacy” will bring about a change in that regard.
