DC reveals how different the effect of the Absolute Universe’s version of Kryptonite is onSuperman, and it’s terrifying. Green Kryptonite typically risks killing Superman with prolonged exposure.Other rare types of Kryptonite have different effectson Kryptonian physiology, which range from uncontrolled rage to a wide variety of strange transformations.
InAbsolute Superman #9, written by Jason Aaron, Superman fights for his life after Peacemaker Smith shot him with Kryptonite bullets provided by Brainiac.As the Omega Men attempt to save Superman’s life, the Man of Steel apparently begins to hallucinate. This only makes the process more complicated.
The Absolute Universe’s version of Kryptonite seems to be just as harmful as regular Kryptonite, or slightly more effective at breaking down Superman’s body. However, its psychological side effects make it a full-blown torture for Kal El.
Kryptonite is Torture For Superman In DC’s New Absolute Universe
Absolute Superman#9; Written by Jason Aaron; Art by Rafa Sandoval, Fico Ossio, and Ulises Arreola
Part of Superman’s anguish inAbsolute Superman #9comes from the impact of the bullets on his body and his exertion from fighting Peacemaker Smith after being shot. Still,Earth-0’s Superman’s health has rarely decayed as rapidly as Absolute Superman’s when exposed to regular Green Kryptonite.Such is the impact thatonly a Mother Box can save Superman.Superman is on the verge of death and begins to see visions of Krypton and his loved ones.
Whereas traditional Green Kryptonite weakens Kryptonians' bodies, Absolute Kryptonite seems to take their body to the limit. InAbsolute Superman #9, Kal El complains,“Veins pumping lava. Mouth full of ash. Screams from inside my own innards. Billions upon billions. Krypton is dying all over again. In me.“In this universe,Krypton’sAbsolutedestructionand Superman’s brush with death both come directly from Brainiac, making Superman’s pain even worse.
Kryptonite’s Psychological Side Effects Make It Twice As Dangerous In The Absolute Universe
Kryptonite May Be Able To Neutralize Kryptonians In Record Time
Unlike its traditional counterpart in DC’s mainline continuity,theAbsolute Universe’s version of Kryptonite appears to induce severe psychological distress in the form of vivid hallucinations like Superman reliving the destruction of Krypton. Such visions are paralyzing, compounded with the delicate physical symptoms of regular Green K. If a small exposure can destabilize Superman’s mental state, it becomes a much more efficient weapon in the hands of even minor enemies.
Absolute Superman must now navigate battles with far more caution. In this continuity,unstable foes like Peacemaker Smithcould become exponentially more threatening with just a shard of Kryptonite in hand. More calculating adversaries like Ra’s al Ghul and Brainiac may have found the perfect tool to neutralize Superman before he can even fight back. In theAbsolute Universe,Superman’s invincibility is more fragile than ever.
