Summary
- In 1998’s Superman: Distant Fires, Superman names his deadly mutated cat “Kryptonite”, drawing a parallel between the hazardous substance that threatens him and the dangerous feline that becomes his only companion in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Fans humorously note the pattern in Superman’s naming convention, with a dog named Krypto and a cat named Kryptonite, sparking speculation about his affinity for “Krypto-” names.
- Integrating Superman’s pets, including Krypto and Kryptonite, into more storylines could enrich his narrative and offer a further dimension to the burgeoning Super-Family.
As time passes, Superman’s family has expanded significantly, defying his status as Krypton’s last son. In a stunning tribute, he has granted a startling codename to his most lethal family member. While the initial shock of the moniker may raise eyebrows, it gains a deeper meaning upon revisiting Kal-El’s first encounter with this mysterious figure.
Within the pages of Superman: Distant Fires #1 – written by Howard Chaykin, with art by Gil Kane –an Elseworlds masterpiece unfolds in the harrowing aftermath of a nuclear holocaust, obliterating Earth’s human population.
In this desolate post-apocalyptic landscape, Clark encounters a deadly mutated cat forming an unlikely bond with it, eventually bestows a surprising and fitting name upon the giant feline.
Superman Names His Giant Man-Eating Cat After The One Thing That Can Kill Him
After the nuclear destruction in Superman: Distant Fires, the survivors, including remnants of Earth’s superhero league, are left powerless in the aftermath, surrounded by lethal, mutated creatures. Following his turbulent first meeting with the giant, feral feline, Superman and his new companion solidify a unique and poignant connection in this grim and desolate world. After a day spent grappling with the giant cat, Superman finally asserts control, and names the cat ‘Kryptonite.’ The decision to name his companion after the substance that threatens him might seem puzzling. However, a closer look at their initial encounter sheds light on Superman’s reasoning.
Superman’s most famous pet, his dog Krypto, made his first appearance in Adventure Comics #210.
The cat’s relentless resistance to Superman echos the perilous nature of Kryptonite. In his own words, Superman admits to naming the cat after the radioactive material due to its troublesome behavior, stating, ‘And because you’re such a damn menace… I’ll call you Kryptonite.’ In this context, Superman’s choice to name the formidable feline after the hazardous substance becomes clearer to the astute reader. While the choice of ‘Kryptonite’ as a name for Superman’s formidable feline appears fitting in the context of their turbulent encounter, some fans humorously suggest that Superman might benefit from diversifying his naming approach, giving his other famous pet.
Superman Needs More Page-Time With Krypto and Kryptonite
Comparing the cat Kryptonite to the dog named Krypto, fans notice a distinct pattern in Superman’s naming convention. Admittedly, Krypto’s name originates from a more heartwarming story, as it’s derived from Clark’s home planet, Krypton, rather than being linked to a perilous radioactive element. Despite this wholesome origin, enthusiasts can’t help but note Superman’s consistent affinity for names commencing with the ‘Krypto-‘ prefix, sparking lighthearted speculation regarding his inclination toward this naming trend. Overall, DC could greatly enrich Superman’s narrative by integrating his array of pets into more storylines, especially considering the growth of his family over the past several years.
The potential return of Krypto would undoubtedly captivate fans, as would the introduction of Kryptonite, offering an intriguing dimension to Clark’s tales. The cat’s lethal nature, distinct from her master’s, promises an especially compelling dynamic in Superman’s storyline, making her one of the most distinct elements of Superman: Distant Fires. Furthermore, imagining the Justice League’s reactions upon encountering a massive mutated cat named Kryptonite is a tempting prospect. With DC revisiting its Elseworlds storyline, there’s a glimmer of hope for Kryptonite and Superman to reunite within the DC Universe, promising fresh and captivating narratives for fans and offering new dimensions to Superman’s adventures.
Superman: Distant Fires #1 from DC is now available to read.
