Krypton was the home world of the DC comics superhero Superman. Superman was created in 1933 by Jerry Siegel (writer) and Joe Shuster (artist). The team sold the character to Detective Comics (now DC Comics) in 1938. In the years since the character has also appeared in multiple radio serials, television programs, newspaper pages, movies, and video games. I never really got into comic books and was introduced to the character as part of the 1970s Saturday morning cartoon – The Superfriends. If pressed I’d also admit that my new bride and I watched the New Adventures of Lois & Clark.
Over the years the Superman character has undergone numerous changes. After an initial establishment period there was the Golden Age, the Silver Age, the multiverse with a second Superman, the end of multiverse, the death of Superman, his resurrection, loss of powers, new powers, etc. No doubt I’ve left out more than I’ve included, but you get the picture.
Superman was born on Kal-El on the scientifically advanced planet Krypton. Shortly after he’s born his parents, Lara and Jor-El, place their son in a rocket to escape the pending destruction of Krytpon. Kal-El lands in a Kansas farm and is raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent as their son Clark. The specifics of his childhood vary depending on which version of Superman you’re dealing with, but initially he didn’t know about his true home Krypton until he was older.
That changes in the Sliver Age, which ran from approximately 1956 to 1970. During this period Superman is aware of his true nature at an earlier age. He knows something of his culture, and even travels back in time to visit Krypton. While there he meets his future parents and falls in love with Lyla Lerrol. Despite his knowing Krypton is doomed he’s unable to save it and through a series of highly unlikely events (it is a comic book series) he escapes Krypton and loses those he loves, again.
Those trips back offer the first detailed views of Superman’s home world. This version of Krypton features a technologically advanced society with computers, robots, domed cities, and anti-gravity. The government is led by members of the Science Council.
Today’s Map
Courtesy of lookout.wikia.com the map provides some additional insights into the first incarnation of Superman’s home world.
What’s your favorite attraction in this 1950s-ish science fiction interpretation of Krypton?
As always thanks for reading.
Armen