The REAL Origin of Kryptonite! || Comic Misconceptions || NerdSync

We all know that Kryptonite is Superman's most iconic weakness, but what is it and where did it come from? I'm not just talking about the green rock's history and origin inside of the DC Comics universe as fragments of Superman's home world of Krypton. Actually, the behind the scenes origin of how and why Kryptonite was first introduced is far more interesting. Most people believe that it traces its roots back to the Adventures of Superman radio program, but it actually goes back a little bit further in the past to a secret unpublished comic known as "The K-Metal from Krypton" that was dubbed the the most important Superman story ever written! All that and much more on today's show about the REAL origin of Kryptonite!

Every Wednesday, Comic Misconceptions explores the fun trivia, interesting ideas, and mind-blowing theories regarding comic books and the rich history and culture that surrounds them!

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SOURCES:
Superman #61
Action Comics #161
Adventures of Superman - "The Meteor from Krypton"
Comic Book Legends Revealed #414
Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #76
The K-METALfrom KRYPTON! (Read the comic here)
The Most Important Superman Story Ever Written!
The Creation of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's "The K-METAL from KRYPTON!"
Alter Ego #26
Alter Ego #37
All Kryptonite (Superman) - Know Your Universe
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[TGNXAR]

I read the story, and the big thing I liked was that it really humanized the Man of Steel. While he was powerless, he questioned whether or not he should continue helping people or simply stay in his Clark Kent persona. While not the crushing angst that other writers have produced, this is a pivotal point for Superman. That he chooses to continue to help, despite the fact that he believes his powers are gone for good, is an important part of the character of Superman.

[RowanJColeman]

I really like the idea that Kryptonite gives normal people powers. I always wondered that considering most of Superman's powers are thanks to Earth's yellow sun, is there a planet with a type of sun which would result in humans having Superpowers?

[BingeWatchers]

I agree that publishing that comic would change the whole Superman dynamic...Maybe they should have published it later on when Supes was more established. I don't like the idea of Kryptonite giving humans powers because it falls under the same category as the rest of the "Oh yeah, it does this as well for no reason" stuff (like memory wiping kisses).

[LoversAnonymousMusic]

Great video! Don't ever doubt yourself on doing to many superman videos no such thing...I love the idea of kryptonite giving normal humans powers and I actually wish dc would use it more in giving Lex Luthor body and less of his iron man type suit or maybe in giving lex Luthor a villain sidekick

[AmeenHersheys]

In the begin I really didn't care much of your channel since you posted so much less then the rest of the comic book channels but now I'm starting to realize how much better each of your videos are! Quantity over Quality My friend!!!

[unclesporkums]

I've actually commissioned an artist to finish the last two "uncolored" pages needed for the comic to be considered "complete". The owner of the site featuring the webcomic said they just need them to be refined a little before he could accept them.

[theturninglights]

Hey! You should do an episode on comic book characters who have actually stayed dead. That would be awesome

[kevintodd]

yeah. Lois knowing for that long... Their relationship would be way different today. In fact, I presume that our whole concept of secret identities would be slightly different if not for Superman hiding his from Lois Lane for so long.

[quiettornado]

I can relate to him being an immigrant.

[FMUgirl]

Well, I don't have much to add to the conversation but I did learn a lot so thanks for that. Also I'm a new subscriber and I've spent the past couple of days watching your videos. They are great! Looking forward to more.

[ramirogalletti]

so kriptonite giving power to people, why dois it sound like something bane would use to piledrive superman?

[andrebetita]

Fredric Brown's comment on Superman being overpowered, way back then, is interesting to me. It seems, to me, to show how misguided the complaint is back then and even today.

Back then he thought Superman was the "ultimate", but clearly Superman eventually becoming even MORE powerful proves him wrong. His perception of the "best" was lacking, as is ours, as it will always be. There's ALWAYS room to be stronger, faster, smarter, and a better being overall, no matter how far we progress. And that's what Superman is all about: pushing the envelope of limitations, breaking new ground we could not conceive of before, making the impossible possible, then finding the next impossible thing to try and live up to. To complain that the limit has been reached is to define and set the limit for oneself and for others.

[Kayclau]

I like the idea of Kryponite giving powers to humans but I also love the idea of the consequences of get overexposed.

[AskShea]

I am surprised you didn't mention the golden age Lex Luthor's power stone. Its ability to grant humans powers and its green glow were very likely the inspiration for k metal, and there for kryptonite and meteor freaks.

[AHeroAlmost]

I was one of the people that guessed it was created for the radio show wrong as always though haha...thanks for the link for the free comic! Great video man..

[iCanHasRandomness]

women...
- Lois, I am Superman
- wow! This is awesome! ... but you lied to me! How could you?
- Lois, pls

[jeb]

Please do more about that story! I'm so interested!

[bakubladers]

I like how K-metal
also happens to give "super powers" to humans the same way being on earth instead of Kripton made hims Super human.

It would be interesting to see a Superman villain who has his powers while super man doesn't.

[Cubansoul]

I have to say Scott, I subscribe to a lot of comic book channels, and currently you are providing top quality information/entertainment with out the corny overacting trying to be funny, but failing miserably videos to date. I'm a 42 year old ex-comic book collector of the 90's..I had and still have some decent comics like x-factor 1-12, Spawn 1-23, and many other titles. My guilty pleasure was top cow's Pitt comics..I collected them and told my friends. Watch! This is gonna blow up and I'm going to be the only one with every single comic and it's variant cover..lol. But any way keep up the good work!

[maxscribner]

I've listened to so many of the old Superman radio shows, thats my guess for first debut of anything related to Superman. Finally, some validation!