REVIEW: Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #3
‘Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #3, ‘Playdate of the Titans’ is the third of a five-issue DC Black Label limited series written by W. Maxwell Prince, with art by Martín Morazzo, colors by Chris O’Halloran, and letters by Good Old Neon. I look forward to this series every month, and its cliffhangers always leave me eager for more.
Morazzo and O’Halloran’s main cover delivers vintage charm with modern wit, capturing Superboy and Shazam on a playground swing set, swapping tragic origin stories like schoolyard confessions. The humor lands perfectly—turning cosmic trauma into a Saturday-morning cartoon setup that only The Kryptonite Spectrum could pull off. It’s playful, ironic, and deeply human—two gods trying to make sense of their broken childhoods through laughter.
Juan Ferreyra’s variant cover showcases a breathtaking cascade of Supermen across eras and identities, each tumbling through the sky toward a glowing green Kryptonite meteor. The sense of motion is staggering, with every version of the Man of Steel suspended between hope and annihilation. It’s a stunning visual metaphor for legacy and burden—the infinite ways one man carries the weight of being Superman.
Nimit Malavia’s variant cover is pure artistry—a child’s hand sketching Superman in colored pencil, embodying how imagination shapes our heroes. The detail is intimate and nostalgic, evoking the wonder of a world where drawing the “S” shield was every kid’s first act of hope. It’s tender, reflective, and meta in the best way—reminding us that Superman exists because we keep believing he does. After reading this issue, you’ll wish this had been the main cover.
I love how this series slowly introduces new characters and their relationships to Superman. As I’ve said in previous reviews, this story is a fantastic way to introduce newcomers to Superman and his world. The creative team has perfected the balance between telling the main story, enriching it with flashbacks, and giving readers meaningful context about each character’s connection to the Man of Steel.
As the series continues to explore the Kryptonite spectrum, we’ve seen Superman exposed to purple Kryptonite, which disoriented him by distorting his perception of reality, and cobalt Kryptonite, which turned him into a giant at the end of Book 1 and throughout Book 2. The conclusion of Book 2 revealed that a combined blast of speckled Kryptonite and the radioactive compounds of Chemo transformed Superman into Superboy. However, I’d argue that more than those two factors contributed to that shocking cliffhanger—especially since Superman was still under the effects of cobalt Kryptonite and a red Kryptonite missile blast, courtesy of Lex Luthor.
Morazzo and O’Halloran continue their tried-and-true teamwork in this latest issue, though there are moments where O’Halloran’s coloring falters—specifically the inconsistency of one particular item from panel to panel early in the book. It’s minor, but noticeable enough to momentarily pull me out of the story. Possibly a printing error, but still worth mentioning. Fortunately, they make up for that with a clever and delightful method of depicting flashbacks for both Superboy and Shazam. It’s a genius narrative device that perfectly complements Superman’s current state as Superboy. I love that he’s hanging out with Shazam—in his secret identity as Billy Batson—the one superhero who truly understands what Superman is experiencing as a child again.
Some readers have criticised the art, calling it an imitation of Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman style, but I’ve enjoyed it immensely. I think it fits this issue perfectly. It’s especially inviting for younger readers who may be discovering Superman for the first time after this summer’s hit movie. The style enhances the tone and subject matter beautifully.
Prince continues to weave a cohesive and connected narrative that flows seamlessly from panel to panel and page to page. Because this version of Superman maintains such an optimistic outlook, it’s sometimes unclear whether he’s fully childlike or an adult mind in a child’s body—a fascinating ambiguity. While Superman and Shazam are equals in strength and spirit, their philosophies are what truly connect them. Both understand the human condition—Superman through nurture, Shazam through experience. Even as a child, Billy Batson has endured hardships that would have broken many adults. Beyond Batman and Wonder Woman, Billy might just be Superman’s next best friend.
(10/10) Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #3 is another stellar entry—full of fun, character, action, and heartfelt storytelling. The flashbacks and the device used to present them are brilliant, especially given the characters’ youthful transformations in this issue. I only wish these issues were longer or that the series would continue beyond five parts. I love watching Superman interact with his fellow heroes, revealing both their similarities and their contrasts. Seeing them team up against powerful foes never gets old. Despite a small coloration inconsistency early on, the story and artwork shine. The inventive flashback mechanism, its explanation, and execution completely won me over. It worked perfectly, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next chapter to see where this incredible series takes Superman next.
