Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite
Red Kryptonite is back. One of the main distinctions between pre- and post-Crisis Superman was the decision to limit Kryptonite to green Kryptonite, as opposed to the multiple color variations that were prevalent in the pre-Crisis era (Green, Red, Gold, Blue, etc.). The Red Kryptonite in this story differs from its pre-Crisis form that would unpredictably affect Superman differently every time he was exposed to it.
While visiting the grave of his son, Jerry White, Lex Luthor is visited by Mr. Mxyzptlk in the shape of a strange red rock. In their last meeting, Mxyzptlk had similarly turned a Kryptonite rock red, rendering it useless (Adventures of Superman #463). This time, he promises Lex the rock will make him and Superman equals, provided he obeys one simple rule and doesn't tell Superman who gave it to him. Luthor takes the rock back to his lab to analyze, but like the last one it's no longer radioactive. He asks Mxyzptlk to make the rock work, and suddenly Superman loses his powers. Inconveniently, Superman had just defeated Barrage and was flying him back to jail at that moment when they both fall into the harbor. Like a magic lamp, Luthor wishes for Mxyzptlk to bring the Man of Steel to him so he can see if it worked. Luthor bashes Superman with the rock, his fist, and even the stump of his missing hand before having the Strange Visitor thrown out onto the street by his security. A bruised and disheveled Clark Kent manages to get back to his apartment where a concerned Lois cares for him. As Clark recovers, Lois reveals the reason she came to visit was because her mother is dying. Earlier, Pete Ross dropped in at the Daily Planet to let Clark know that Lana is gone and doesn't want to be found right now, but also to ask if there's still anything between Lana and Clark. Something serious is being set up for the next issue.
Clark struggles without his superpowers, having to actually shave and leave on time for appointments. He meets Lois and her family at the hospital, where she explain how Luthor has been supplying her mother with a serum that's been keeping her alive for years, but it's no longer working (from back in the first issue, Adventures of Superman #424). Superman visits Professor Hamilton to see if he can help him regain his powers, but his tests only conclude that Superman is now an ordinary human being and there's nothing he can do to restore his powers. When the Titans villain Mammoth starts destroying the city, the professor lends Superman a force field belt to give him some protection in battle. The SCU fires their weapons at both of them, believing Superman can withstand the blasts. Fortunately, Superman is able to find cover in time and gives Mammoth the appearance of still being invulnerable. His bluff successfully tricks Mammoth into surrendering. Back at his apartment, Clark Kent makes a call to Starman at S.T.A.R. Labs.
Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite part 2/A
This is the 2nd and final time the Starman series will cross over with Superman. I'm not sure why this wasn't just part 3 since it's an essential chapter of the story.
Starman hurries to Metropolis, where Superman tells him how Lex Luthor stole his powers. Superman asks Starman if he can restore his power like he did after the Parasite stole them (Action Comics #645), but it isn't working this time. Out of nowhere, Professor Hamilton pulls out a Superman suit based on the Lexcorp armor that Gangbuster briefly wore. In the meantime, Starman changes the shape of his face and flies around Metropolis disguised as Superman to make people think the Man of Steel is still active. He goes to Lex's office and makes Luthor think Superman's powers are back, then he takes the Red Kryptonite back to the Professor to analyze. Meanwhile at Styker's Island, Professor Killgrave plots a takeover of the prison.
Starman continues to impersonate Superman in Metropolis, but Mxyzptlk reappears to Luthor to let him know it's only an imposter. Killgrave takes over Stryker's Island and holds the warden and the guards hostage, Starman tries to save them as Superman but fails, and the real Man of Steel comes to the rescue in a suit of armor. Nevertheless, Killgrave escapes and Superman is discouraged that it will be somebody else's job to catch him now.
Despite the story's regrettable acronym, the conclusion of Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite would be a point of no return in Superman history. Perhaps no story other than the Death of Superman would more define post-Crisis Superman.
Superman #49
Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite part 1
Adventures of Superman #472
Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite part 2
Starman #28
This is the 2nd and final time the Starman series will cross over with Superman. I'm not sure why this wasn't just part 3 since it's an essential chapter of the story.
Starman hurries to Metropolis, where Superman tells him how Lex Luthor stole his powers. Superman asks Starman if he can restore his power like he did after the Parasite stole them (Action Comics #645), but it isn't working this time. Out of nowhere, Professor Hamilton pulls out a Superman suit based on the Lexcorp armor that Gangbuster briefly wore. In the meantime, Starman changes the shape of his face and flies around Metropolis disguised as Superman to make people think the Man of Steel is still active. He goes to Lex's office and makes Luthor think Superman's powers are back, then he takes the Red Kryptonite back to the Professor to analyze. Meanwhile at Styker's Island, Professor Killgrave plots a takeover of the prison.
Action Comics #659
Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite part3
Despite the story's regrettable acronym, the conclusion of Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite would be a point of no return in Superman history. Perhaps no story other than the Death of Superman would more define post-Crisis Superman.
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