Superman enters the world of “existential superhero fantasy/horror” as Ice Cream Man creators expose him to The Kryptonite Spectrum

It’s widely recognized among enthusiasts that Superman’s most significant vulnerability is Kryptonite, the mineral remnants from his obliterated home planet, Krypton. However, there exists a diverse array of Kryptonite colors, each possessing unique effects on Superman’s biology. Now, W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo, and Chris O’Halloran, the minds behind the acclaimed horror comic Ice Cream Man, are developing a Superman narrative that will subject the Man of Steel to various forms of Kryptonite.

Appropriately named Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum, this limited series from the DC Black Label will span five issues, with each installment revealing the impact of a different Kryptonite type as Superman navigates what DC refers to as an “existential superhero fantasy/horror” tale, which will introduce multiple novel forms of this perilous element.

Here’s a selection of interior pages from the fresh series, alongside a collection of variant covers illustrated by Tula Lotay, Juan Ferreyra, a foil-cover variant by Wes Craig, and another variant by Alex Eckman-Lawn:

“Four new Kryptonites have been detected in the depths of space, and Superman must comprehend their effects on him—before these vibrant stones fall into malicious hands!” states DC’s official announcement. “With Batman at his side, this DC Black Label Superman five-issue saga delves into the repercussions of each unseen Kryptonite variety—all crafted in the innovative and boundary-defying style for which Prince, Morazzo, and O’Halloran are heralded.”

“We’ve built a reputation for unorthodox experimentation in comic storytelling,” says writer Maxwell Prince in a statement. “This is essentially what we’re showcasing across the five issues of Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum: using our distinct narrative approach to weave a Supes tale that is both bizarre and timeless—eccentric yet firmly rooted. While you’re familiar with what Green, Red, and Black Kryptonite does to Superman, what about Purple? Or Cobalt? Or Speckled?”

Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1 hits the shelves on August 13.

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I have been Newsarama’s resident Marvel Comics expert and comic book historian since 2011. I’ve also served as the on-site reporter at several major comic conventions, including Comic-Con International: San Diego, New York Comic Con, and C2E2. Outside of comic journalism, I am t