696 – Kryptonite Suit

A panel from Superman #130, May 1959
A panel from Superman #130, May 1959

Superman #130 (May 1959) gives us a tale on how kryptonite has affected Superman throughout his life, as he lays dying next to a chunk of kryptonite he was not able to melt or crawl away from. It includes the first time we see Superman’s kryptonite-shielded suit, including how television played a role in helping Superman be protected from radiation. His suit includes lead coating and a television screen that acts as a visor.

Superman tries and fails to contact Supergirl using his super-shout, but it’s a good chance for DC to cross-promote Supergirl’s backup feature in Action Comics. Krypto eventually saves the day by using his super-breath to push the kryptonite chunk away from Superman. This is the first time Krypto as a companion to Kal-El as an adult.