Any fan of Superman knows that his greatest weakness in DC lore is kryptonite, a material that weakens his powers. What some don’t know, however, is that there are different types of kryptonite – and Superman discovered the most horrific type of all. Superman’s kryptonite weakness takes a nightmarish turn when a lesser-known form of kryptonite gives him a body horror redesign that makes regular green kryptonite look like a joke.
In The brave and the bold #7 by Mark Waid, George Pérez, Bob Wiacek, Tom Smith, and Rob Leigh, Dr. Alchemy possesses Power Girl so he can get close to Superman and execute a sinister plan to kill him in his Fortress of Solitude. Disguised as Superman’s iconic family member, Dr. Alchemy unleashes his secret chemical weapon on Superman when he least expects it. Turns out it’s kryptonite, but not just regular green kryptonite. Instead of, Superman is surrounded by red kryptonite crystals, which mutilate his body beyond recognition.
The side effects of red kryptonite on Superman are hard to swallow as Dr. Alchemy carries out his murderous plot. Superman’s horrific new form proves that this Kryptonite variant is easily a worse threat to the Man of Steel than any other type in the DC Universe.
Superman’s Nightmare Fuel Transformation Reveals His Most Terrifying Weakness
Red Kryptonite Is Officially the Scariest Kryptonite in DC Lore
Each form of kryptonite has a unique effect on the physiology of Kryptonians like Superman, and red kryptonite has perhaps the greatest versatility in its nature. Essentially, Red Kryptonite can cause transformations through mere thought, allowing a Kryptonian to assume any form they can imagine. While this can have practical applications when used at will, it can also become a twisted weapon if it falls into the wrong hands. The redesign of Superman’s nightmare fuel demonstrates the damage that can occur as thousands of pieces of red kryptonite attempt to mold it in different ways and turn it into a bloody amalgam.
As Superman’s body is transformed by red kryptonite, Dr. Alchemy explains why exactly red kryptonite is worse than other variants of kryptonite. He tells Superman, “Green K will kill you. Red won’t do you that favor. Not for days. You’ll just wish you were.” With these chilling words, it becomes clear that the true horror of red kryptonite is its longevity. Green Kryptonite weakens Kryptonians and can kill them in a short time, while red Kryptonite can continue to torment them by continually changing their form. This isn’t the first time Superman has been on the wrong side of red kryptonite, although it might be the scariest.
Superman’s Story With Red Kryptonite Proves Its Horrifying Potential
Red Kryptonite Wasn’t Always This Scary, But The Signs Were There
The graphic side effects of red kryptonite are now on full display, but previous appearances of the material have avoided its true horror potential. During its early appearances in the Silver Age of comics, red kryptonite takes on a sillier role as it contributes to light-hearted antics such as giving Superman an ant’s head so he can communicate with an ant-like alien species. In addition to these light-hearted antics, it has even become a substance used recreationally to induce transformations. For example, Supergirl took red kryptonite pills to gain specific powers. Over the years, however, red kryptonite has been used in darker ways.
What makes red kryptonite so scary is the fact that no two crystals have the same effect as each other. For example, one piece of red kryptonite might allow Superman to wear an ant’s head – as mentioned before – but another might make his skin transparent. This is where its most disturbing qualities come into play, as the groundwork is laid for red kryptonite to be used as a torture method. Red Kryptonite can create constructs, such as a cage to imprison Superman, or it can physically alter him, such as when Dr. Alchemy uses it against him. Red Kryptonite’s infinite possibilities cement its fear factor.
Superman’s weakness to green kryptonite is no longer his biggest problem
Red Kryptonite poses a much darker threat than other types of Kryptonite
Red Kryptonite is one of the many forms of Kryptonite that Superman must be careful with when he is fighting the good fight. Green Kryptonite, of course, has always been his classic weakness. If any of his villains want to break up a fight with him, all they have to do is bring out this standard form of kryptonite, and he’ll be on the ground in seconds. There are other types of kryptonite as well, such as golden kryptonite, which can completely eliminate a Kryptonian’s powers. This strikes fear into Superman, for good reason, but red kryptonite is officially more dangerous than both.
While each version of Kryptonite poses a threat to Superman in some way, red Kryptonite’s unpredictability gives it a horrific potential unlike any other.
While each version of Kryptonite poses a threat to Superman in some way, red Kryptonite’s unpredictability gives it a horrific potential unlike any other. Superman at least has the benefit of understanding what most types of kryptonite can do to him. With red kryptonite, it’s a gamble every time he comes into contact with it. The effects can be harmless or harmful, and when a villain like Dr. Alchemy manages to control it, there’s a chance it could have deadly consequences. SupermanRed Kryptonite’s terrifying transformation rewrites its lore, making Kryptonite the most menacing to ever exist.