In Season 5 of Harley Quinn, the setting shifts from Gotham City to Metropolis, allowing the show to maintain its humorous satire by poking fun at some of Superman’s most peculiar historical elements. The opening episode sees Ivy (voiced by Lake Bell) and Harley (voiced by Kaley Cuoco) causing chaos at a gala held in the Metropolis Museum, where exhibits celebrate Superman’s legacy. Among these displays are replicas of various types of Kryptonite, each labeled with unique effects on Superman. While Green Kryptonite is well-known for sapping Superman’s power, Harley Quinn takes a closer look at the DC universe’s history to lampoon less common artifacts, such as pink and red Kryptonite.
Since 1943, when it was first mentioned in a Superman radio show, Kryptonite has played a significant role in Superman’s storyline. Originating from his home planet, Krypton, it is symbolically fitting that pieces of his destroyed world turned out to be his greatest vulnerability. Although Green Kryptonite is the most famous type, DC Comics and related media have created multiple color variations over the years, each with unique or even strange effects on Superman.
As time passed, the kinds of Kryptonite multiplied significantly, reaching more than 30 distinct versions. However, many of these were seen only once or twice before fading into obscurity. Harley Quinn‘s museum exhibition focused on six hues to delve into the heritage of Kryptonite: green, red, gold, blue, white, and pink. Some are clearly meant for humor, while others hint at potential future plotlines.
Every Harley Quinn Kryptonite, Explained
At the Metropolis Museum, visitors come across a variety of Kryptonite samples, with the infamous Green type referred to as “Deadly.” This mineral’s radiation disrupts Kryptonian cellular structures, causing it to replace stored solar energy with harmful emissions that overpower their natural healing abilities. An initial encounter results in severe body pain and nausea, coupled with a rapid loss of powers. Within minutes, victims experience muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, and increased susceptibility to physical harm. Prolonged contact can lead to radiation poisoning, organ failure, and eventually death. Even brief exposure can weaken Kryptonians for hours as their bodies work to expel the radioactive substances and restore solar energy absorption. It’s no surprise that this type remains the most dreaded substance in Superman’s rogues’ gallery, used by everyone from common street criminals to cunning adversaries like Lex Luthor.
At the exhibition, you’ll find the intriguing exhibit of Red Kryptonite, labeled as inducing “Random Changes.” This artifact from DC Comics lore is renowned for its unpredictable nature. First introduced in Superman #61 back in 1949, it was born when ordinary Kryptonite passed through a cosmic red mist, drastically modifying its radiation pattern. Red Kryptonite is particularly unsettling because the effects vary with each encounter, persisting for 24 to 72 hours. In certain instances, it splits Superman into two beings with contrasting personalities; in others, it triggers aging or transforms him into diverse creatures like a dragon-like Drang. The museum’s cryptic notice acknowledges its tumultuous past while suggesting the infinite possibilities each new encounter might unveil.
Originating in the 1958 TV series “The Adventures of Superman,” the Gold Kryptonite artifact carries the ominous warning “No Powers.” This seemingly straightforward description belies its intricate danger. In Superman’s initial encounters with this form, its radiation irreversibly stripped a Kryptonian of their ability to harness yellow sunlight, rendering them powerless forever. Subsequent continuity changes modified its properties, making the power loss temporary but no less hazardous. In contemporary adaptations like the “Injustice” timeline, Gold K reverted to its permanent effects, with Batman employing it as a potent weapon against a dictatorial Superman.
The message on the Blue Kryptonite exhibit indicates one of the useful aspects of Kryptonite radiation: it counteracts the effects of Red Kryptonite. Originally designed as a weapon against Bizarro beings, similar to how Green Kryptonite affects Kryptonians, the properties of Blue Kryptonite have changed dramatically since its debut in Superman #140 (1960s). In certain cases, it functions as a healing agent for non-Kryptonians and weakens Superman’s superpowers. For instance, in Smallville, it left Kryptonians powerless but protected them from Green Kryptonite’s radiation. However, its most constant modern application is as an antidote to Red Kryptonite’s disruptive transformations.
The part called “Kill Plants” within the White Kryptonite segment may seem less menacing compared to others, but it’s definitely hazardous. This version of Kryptonite is produced when regular Kryptonite experiences cosmic radiation, and it emits a specific frequency that destroys plant cells. Although it might not seem related to Superman’s usual villains, the existence of this dangerous substance in the museum suggests potential trouble for Poison Ivy. A small amount could wipe out entire ecosystems in Metropolis, or more importantly, be fatal for metahumans who draw their powers from plants.
In summary, the Pink Kryptonite exhibit, known for its “Transform Gender” property, signifies a substantial update on one of DC’s debated artifacts that originated in 2003’s Supergirl Vol. 4 #79. Originally, Pink K was used to change Superman’s sexual orientation, relying on outdated stereotypes for humor. This narrative depicted Superman showing an unexpected interest in Jimmy Olsen while making stereotypical gay remarks, a depiction that faced criticism for belittling LGBTQ+ identities. The character of Harley Quinn has been reimagined to function as a gender-swapping agent instead, distancing itself from the original’s insensitive humor. This new interpretation aligns with the Justice League Action animated series, which also revised Pink K’s effects to induce physical transformations rather than altering sexual orientations.
New episodes of Harley Quinn Season 5 premiere on Max every Thursday.
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2025-01-16 11:39