Four new Kryptonites have been discovered in deep space, and Superman needs to know just what, exactly, they do to him–lest the colorful rocks of his home planet fall into evil hands! With Batman at Superman’s side, this DC Black Label Superman event explores the consequences of each never-before-seen variety of Kryptonite. Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1 delivers a somewhat fun start evoking All-Star Superman as well as classic Superman stories that embraced the fantastical and sometimes silly.

Written by W. Maxwell Prince, Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1 introduces four new types of Kryptonite. For those who might know, there already exists different types of Kryptonite in Superman’s world with some weaking him, others making him angry, and others taking away his powers. But, what do these four types do? Superman recruits Batman to figure that out with an idea it’s best to know so they can prepare and the reality that Superman’s enemies might want get ahold of the new type of Kryptonite and use it against Superman. There’s a weird logic to Superman’s idea and reluctantly Batman goes along with the concept.

Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1 has a look and vibe of the sillier stories in Superman’s history, with the first Kryptonite messing with Superman’s perception of time. In what could be a vertigo inducing story, it’s dealt with in teases and hints as to what’s to come while also dipping into a little bit of humor.

The story and concept, so far, have a fun whimsical feel to it, not taking itself too seriously and having more fun wit the characters and concept of a story. Though the comic is DC Black Label, it so far doesn’t have the adult and more mature feel that one would expect from that imprint. Which, makes the reader ponder what might be coming that requires such a label.

Martin Morazzo handles the art with Chris O’Halloran on color and lettering by Good Old Neon. The art style reminds me again of All-Star Superman but with a bit of Howard Chaykin thrown in. The art style fits well for the story itself and in particular, Superman’s struggles are shown in his body language and facial expressions. As the initial issue he faces is difficult to really nail down, the art does a great job of showing off his issues.

Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1 is a fun start to the series. There’s something about it that clicks and feels like a fun classic feel while at the same time delivering a somewhat ominous tone for what’s to come. It’s a debut that you can sit back and enjoy and look forward to what wacky impact Kryptonite will have on Superman next.

Story: W. Maxwell Prince Art: Martin Morazzo
Color: Chris O’Halloran Letterer: Good Old Neon
Story: 8.4 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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