5 Powerful New Kryptonites and Their Strange Effects on the Superman Family

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Most Superman fans know kryptonite is incredibly dangerous to him and other Kryptonians. However, longtime fans also know that kryptonite isn’t just one thing – it comes in different colors, each with a different effect. For example, red kryptonite can make a Kryptonian uncontrollably angry, while gold kryptonite can strip them of their powers. Though the effects are usually temporary, these variations are still a serious threat. Recently, the DC Universe has introduced even more new types of kryptonite, each with unique and surprising abilities.

Recently, several new types of kryptonite have appeared in Superman and Supergirl comics. These variations, each with unique and potentially harmful effects on Kryptonians, have emerged as Clark Kent experiments with toxic minerals. Now, with a growing number of these dangerous substances, it’s time to review them all. Keep reading to learn about the four new kryptonites and understand the threats they pose to Superman and his family.

5. Rainbow Kryptonite

Let’s start with a so-called “kryptonite” that wasn’t actually kryptonite at all. In the Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum comic, a beautiful, rainbow-colored variant was introduced. However, it turned out to be a distress signal from Mr. Mxyzptlk, designed to lure Superman into the Fifth Dimension. While it did successfully attract Superman’s attention, it wasn’t intended to harm him. Because there was only one piece of this rainbow substance, and it wasn’t malicious in nature, it’s difficult to consider it a serious threat.

4. Turquoise Kryptonite

Recently introduced in Supergirl #7, turquoise kryptonite is a bit different from other kryptonite. It wasn’t actually formed on Krypton; a sea witch created it. Despite being magical in origin, it’s just as harmful to Kryptonians. When exposed to turquoise kryptonite, Kryptonians temporarily transform into mermaids, developing gills and needing to stay hydrated. Luckily, the transformation only lasts for under 24 hours, and they retain all their powers. While it caused Supergirl some trouble, it’s not considered highly dangerous.

3. Speckled Kryptonite

Speckled kryptonite is noteworthy because it’s similar to cobalt kryptonite, another recently discovered type. It proved effective against a giant-sized Superman – one who had grown as large as a monster and was causing widespread destruction – successfully shrinking him back to normal. However, when combined with the villain Chemo’s special chemicals, it unexpectedly turned Superman into a child. While still very dangerous, speckled kryptonite is considered somewhat easier to handle than other types because it requires a lot of complex manipulation to achieve its full effects.

2. Cobalt Kryptonite

Cobalt and speckled kryptonite have opposite effects: speckled shrinks Superman, while cobalt can grow a Kryptonian to enormous size. However, being gigantic doesn’t make him any safer – Lex Luthor proved this by using red kryptonite to enrage Superman while he was huge, causing widespread destruction. As demonstrated in Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum, size isn’t an advantage, and cobalt kryptonite ultimately caused significant problems for Superman and the Justice League.

1. Purple Kryptonite

The most impactful new form of kryptonite emerged in 2025: purple kryptonite. It immediately caused problems for Superman in his recent miniseries, specifically by disrupting his memory and sense of time. He’d switch erratically between saving people from threats like Solomon Grundy and being unexpectedly struck by the villain. While Superman could regain control by intensely focusing, even a brief disruption to his perception of time was extremely dangerous, potentially putting him and the entire DC Universe at risk.

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2025-11-19 00:48