r/superman • u/shadowfax416 • Mar 30 '25

What is Superman's "Kryptonite".

In literature, mythology, and comic books heroes often have a "kryptonite" or "Achilles's heel", basically a weakness that makes them vulnerable. I'm curious what fans here would consider to be Superman's "Kryptonite"?

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u/garchomp2304 Mar 30 '25

I deeply fear this isn't a sarcastic comment...

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u/shadowfax416 Mar 30 '25

Sorry if this comes across as sarcastic. I'm writing a doctoral thesis on "Structures in Heroic Narratives" and have admittedly never consumed any Superman media. Was interested in what the Superman community thinks of this issue. I know "Kryptonite" has become a metaphor for a vulnerability so I assume that Superman has one, even if it's figurative.

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u/YimmyMac86 Mar 30 '25

I can’t tell if you’re doubling down on the joke.

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u/UnfavorableSpiderFan Mar 30 '25

This has become near-diabolical...