WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1 (2025)!
DC has been teasing the arrival of four new Kryptonite colors for months, and this expansion ofSupermanlore has finally arrived. Readers get their first look at these uniquely colored pieces of radioactive rock, and also learn the effects of two of them. The remaining two variations of Kryptonite keep their effects a mystery, but are set to be revealed in future issues.
W. Maxwell Prince, Martin Morazzo, and Chris O’Halloran’s new Black Label seriesSuperman: The Kryptonite Spectrumhas finally arrived with its debut issue, where, with the help of his Fortress of Solitude bots, Superman intercepts an asteroid ridden with various colors of Kryptonite.
Among the green, red, gold, and black Kryptonite,he also discovers four new colors of the radioactive rock: purple, cobalt, speckled, and rainbow.While purple Kryptonite has appeared in previous DC Comics, this Black Label continuity treats it as a new variation.
Superman Goes Full Lab Rat, Testing Out the New Colors of Kryptonite
Main Cover by Martin Morazzo & Chris O’Halloran forSuperman: The Kryptonite Spectrum#1 (2025)
Upon discovering the new variations, Superman calls Batman, asking for his help in handling and identifying the effects of thefour new colors of Kryptonite. When Clark reveals his plan to test them on himself, Batman immediately objects, saying it’s too risky. However, Clark makes a strong counterargument, insisting it’s necessary to understand the risks before the new Kryptonite can be weaponized against him.
Superman explains that not knowing the effects poses a greater danger, especially if these variations are used as weapons. Batman reluctantly agrees to help his longtime friend, and the two decide to start with Purple K. They deliver a concentrated dose directly to Clark’s chest, setting the stage for their first test of this dangerous new Kryptonite.
At first, the effects aren’t obvious. However, as the two interact, it becomes clearthat the Purple Kryptoniteis impairing Superman’s cognitive abilities, making it difficult for him to process reality, particularly regarding sight and hearing. It also distorts his sense of linear time, giving him disjointed glimpses into the future while throwing his perception of the present into chaos.
DC’s New Kryptonite Colors Could Easily Integrate Into Mainstream Continuity
Cover D Wes Craig Foil Variant forSuperman: The Kryptonite Spectrum#1 (2025)
The issue ends with Superman recovering fromthe effects of the purple Kryptonitebut quickly diving into the effects of cobalt Kryptonite. Clark transforms into“Supes-zilla,”a kaiju-sized version of himself. The story cuts off here, teasing fans about where issue #2 will pick up. It will be interesting to see if cobalt’s effects extend beyond just a massive growth spurt.
Though this story takes place outside mainstream continuity as part of DC’s Black Label line, there’s a chance future mainstream writers could incorporate the new Kryptonite lore. Fans might one day see purple, rainbow, cobalt, and speckled Kryptonite in main continuitySupermanstories, expanding the mythos in exciting new directions.
