Superman examines kryptonite
Superman examines kryptonite

By Matthew Price
Published: May 25, 2007

Superman continues his first encounter with kryptonite in the pages of "Superman Confidential” — coincidentally, just as scientists discovered "kryptonite” in the real world.

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Superman's first encounter with kryptonite is recounted in "Superman Confidential.”

In a strange example of reality and fiction meeting, scientists recently announced the discovery. A team of geologists in Serbia found the new mineral that matched the chemical composition for kryptonite as suggested in "Superman Returns.”

"The universe is full of mysteries, and some have been foreshadowed by comics,” said Paul Levitz, DC Comics president and publisher. "We look forward to scientists figuring this one out.”

The white, brittle rock doesn't physically match the green, glowing material that plagues Superman. It will officially be named jadarite. It can't be called kryptonite by scientific naming conventions since it does not contain the element krypton.

The comic-book version of kryptonite continues to plague Superman. The first story line in the ongoing "Superman Confidential” series, from writer Darwyn Cooke ("New Frontier”) and artist Tim Sale (NBC's "Heroes”), explores a new take on Superman's first encounter with the mineral from his home planet.

"Darwyn had dug up the first kryptonite story from 1949 by Bill Finger and Al Plastino, and we took that as our jumping off point,” Sale told News arama.com. "Our version is very different in both style and plot, but there are structural things in the tale that are similar. ... Our story is set when Superman is young and just discovering the extent of his powers. It is also very early in his relationship with Lois.”

In "Superman Confidential,” a chunk of green rock is shown reaching Earth alongside the rocket that sent Superman to Earth as a baby. Years later, the kryptonite comes into the possession of gangster casino owner Tony Gallo, who places the giant chunk inside his casino. Issues 1-4 of "Superman Confidential” are available. Issue No. 5 is set for release June 20. The story concludes in issue No. 6, set for release July 11.

Action figure museum receives donation

More than 1,000 comics-related materials were recently donated to the Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley for the Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection.

Most of these materials were donated by Jon Suter, a former librarian at East Central University in Ada, and Oklahoma writer Michael Vance.

Born in Holdenville, Suter was among the earliest major collectors of comic books and strips in Oklahoma, and Vance is a Tulsa writer who has written for comic strips and books.

The Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection features the work of more than 50 Oklahoma cartoonists and their associates. The Toy and Action Figure Museum showcases more than 7,000 toys, 400 pieces of original comics art and a large selection of published comics written and drawn by Oklahomans.

New collections include the works of Oklahoma writer Kate Worley ("Wonder Woman”), John Romita ("Amazing Spider-Man”) and Al Capp ("Lil Abner”).

The Toy and Action Figure Museum is at 111 S Chickasaw in Pauls Valley.

For more information, go online to www.actionfigure museum.com.