Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1 Review

• Written by: W. Maxwell Prince

• Art by: Martin Morazzo

• Colors by: Chris O'Halloran

• Letters by: Good Old Neon

• Cover art by: Martin Morazzo, Chris O'Halloran (cover A)

• Cover price: $5.99

• Release date: August 13, 2025

Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1, by DC Comics on 8/13/25, dives deep into the dangerous mystery of new Kryptonite variation as Superman and Batman confront the lethal legacy of Krypton.

First Impressions

This comic is a weird one. It immediately grabs you with its intriguing premise, hooking you right from the start. However, the visuals are a bit jarring.

Plot Analysis

Superman recounts his origin, from Krypton's destruction to his arrival on Earth and the development of his powers. He details the effects of known Kryptonite colors: green hurts, red makes him angry, black splits his brain, and gold robs his powers. He then discovers new forms.

In the Arctic, Superman monitors a new "vestigial Krypton" cluster found by his bots. Lex Luthor, frustrated by his satellites' delay, learns that Superman's sentries beat him to the discovery of these new Kryptonite varietals. Luthor dismisses Dr. Hamilton and vows to discover how these new rocks can kill Superman.

Superman interrupts Batman's battle with Professor Pyg's Dollotrons, needing help at the Fortress of Solitude. The two heroes converge to examine the newly fissioned Kryptonite pieces. Superman brings four unique Kryptonite pieces to Batman.

The new Kryptonite variations are identified as Purple, Cobalt, Speckled, and Rainbow. Batman and Superman debate destroying them, with Batman arguing for immediate incineration due to their danger. Superman, however, hesitates, seeing them as pieces of his home.

Superman decides the best option is to test each color on himself to catalog their affects, preparing themselves in case a villain finds the same colors in the future. First up? Purple. A form of Kryptonite that scrambles Superman's brains with respect to perceiving time.

Detailed Review

Writing

W. Maxwell Prince crafts a compelling narrative that is both informative and engaging. The story skillfully introduces new elements, such as the various types of Kryptonite and their effects, while weaving in classic Superman lore. The dialog between Superman and Batman is sharp, witty, and perfectly captures their dynamic. For example, Batman's comment about Superman's "Asterisk" and Superman's retort about Batman carrying a "sample" to kill him are particularly well done. The pacing keeps the reader invested, building tension effectively, especially during the reveal of Lex Luthor's machinations.

Art

Martín Morazzo's art, unfortunately, falls short. The line work often appears rushed and lacks the detail expected from a major comic. Character faces can be inconsistent, sometimes appearing distorted or overly simplistic. While the colors by Chris O'Halloran attempt to add vibrancy, they cannot compensate for the fundamental issues in the line art. The action sequences, such as Batman fighting Professor Pyg's Dollotrons, feel stiff and lack dynamism, making it hard to follow the flow of combat. The overall visual style detracts from the strength of the writing.

Characters

Superman is portrayed as powerful yet vulnerable, especially when confronted with the remnants of his home planet. His internal conflict over destroying the Kryptonite is a highlight. Batman remains the pragmatic, calculating strategist, providing a grounded counterpoint to Superman's idealism. Lex Luthor is menacing and utterly ruthless, fully embodying his role as a relentless adversary. The supporting bots, particularly Bot 35, add a touch of humor and personality.

Positives

The standout aspect of this comic is undoubtedly the narrative. The story is well structured, introducing a fresh threat while maintaining core characterizations. The dialogue between Superman and Batman is a particular strength, offering clever banter and deepening their established relationship. Lex Luthor's single-minded pursuit of Superman's demise is chilling and effective, setting a clear stakes for future issues.

Negatives

The primary drawback of this issue is its art. The visual execution fails to match the quality of the writing, leading to a disconnect for the reader. Character anatomy often appears distorted, and expressions lack nuance, making emotional scenes less impactful. The general lack of polish in the artwork is a constant distraction, undermining the otherwise strong storytelling.

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About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Final Thoughts

While the story presents an exciting new chapter for the Man of Steel, the inconsistent art holds it back significantly. This issue lays solid groundwork for future hijinks involving new forms of Kryptonite, so it’s worth a read for the plot alone.

6/10

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