REVIEW: Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1

Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1 is the first of a five-issue DC Black Label comic book limited series, written by W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo and Chris O’Halloran.

This is a great book for any Superman fan or someone who is just beginning to get into Superman comics, especially for newer fans who just watched James Gunn’s Superman: The Superman within the pages of this first issue feels like he could easily be the Superman from that cinematic universe. He is definitely a Superman who cares for others and puts the well-being of all people ahead of his own. As the title suggests, the visionary team will be tackling a spectrum of kryptonite during this series.

The standard cover art, by Martín Morazzo and Chris O’Halloran, showcases the left half of Superman in one of his classic superhero poses as the left side of his body goes through a spectrum of colors, just like the title suggest the Man of Steel will be experiencing a spectrum of different colored Kryptonite, with different effects, throughout the series. 

Tula Lotay’s variant showcases a closeup shot of Superman holding a jagged shard of Red Kryptonite swirling with deep blues, haunting purples, and streaks of crimson. White and reddish circles of energy dance around Superman’s hand and the Kryptonite, suggesting that it’s effecting Superman as his eyes transition to red. 

In this haunting Juan Ferreyra’s variant cover, Superman’s very identity fractures under the toxic grip of green Kryptonite. Multiple faces — from hopeful youth to the hardened older superhero — twist and merge in a surreal cascade of emotion, each gaze glowing an unearthly green. With the Man of Steel clutching the very shard that could end him, and a blood-red backdrop swirling with danger, this image promises a story as intense as its art.

Wes Craig’s foil variant bursts with psychedelic energy, as rainbow waves radiate from a confident Superman, reflecting his discovery of strange new colored versions of Kryptonite. The retro linework and foil finish make this cover as bold and unpredictable as the story inside.

Last, but most assuredly not least, is Alex Eckman-Lawn’s variant cover, which blends surreal collage and cosmic imagery, with Superman’s silhouette layered over swirling colors, celestial clocks, and alien textures. The fractured visuals reflect the mystery and danger of encountering strange new Kryptonite variants.

Morazzo, serves as the main artist, while O’Halloran serves as the colorist for the book, and as I said before, this could easily be a continuation of Gunn’s Superman movie, in a parallel universe or alternate storyline. The art is done in a way that you feel you are in different locations with Superman and the supporting characters in this issue. The use of a specific color in this issue helps convey what Kryptonite Superman is dealing with and its effect on him in a very clever way. The art made the world feel lived in and the characters feel familiar and new. There is a ruggedness to their visages, great for the seriousness of the subject matter and the excitement throughout. While rugged, they are the Superman characters we all know and love.

Prince does a fantastic job of giving you all the information you need to know about Superman and Kryptonite, the only thing outside of magic and beings as strong or stronger than Superman that can hurt or kill him, to get settled in for this new adventure focus on the chunks of Superman’s destroyed birth home. The worlds are lettered perfectly by Good Old Neon. The story is told from Superman’s point of view and one of his greatest enemies as both race to find out what the new variants of Kryptonite, found on a meteoroid orbiting Earth, will do to Supes. Along the way, we are treated to familiar faces and special guest stars that will either help Superman or stand in his way.

Everything from the crisp lettering to the artwork to the story and framing of the panels works symmetrically together to bring together a great first issue of what looks to continue to be a fun, interesting and exciting voyage through the colorful new variants of Kryptonite we will be introduced to in future issues. This is the wholesome, kind-hearted, “punkrocker” Superman we met again this summer in Gunn’s film: vulnerable yet unyielding, capable of immense empathy but also willing to push himself to the limit in defense of his adopted world. His voice in this story feels authentic, his heart unshakable, and his moral compass unwavering — all while facing threats we’ve never seen before.

(10/10) Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1 is everything a first issue should be — bold in concept, stunning in execution, and filled with hooks that leave you impatient for the next chapter. The covers are worth collecting on their own, the art and colors pull you into every page, and the story promises a thrilling, emotional, and dangerous journey through Kryptonite’s rainbow of possibilities.