Summary
- Superman villain Metallo once got the best of Batman by used an artificially engineered version of Kryptonite, designed to target human physiology rather than Kryptonian.
- Metallo's "Slow Kryptonite" exposed Batman's vulnerability, and opened up the possibility of any hero being affected by Kryptonite.
- Batman's usual well-preparedness in the face of any situation was challenged when he was taken by surprise by Metallo's engineered Kryptonite variant.
Batman is famous for having a plan for every conceivable situation; he's one comics' greatest heroes in large part due of how well-prepared he is. One of the things Batman is known for is always having a stash of Kryptonite on hand in order to deal with any rogue Kryptonians, which is likely why he was taken by surprise so easily when one iconic Superman villain turned Kryptonite against Batman.
The Brave and The Bold #175 – by Paul Kupperberg, Jim Aparo, and Carl Gafford – finds iconic Superman villain Metallo appearing in Gotham City to challenge the Caped Crusader. Batman at first seems to have the upper hand; that is, until Metallo opens his chest and exposes his Kryptonite heart.
Batman tries to laugh it off at first, thinking Metallo must be confused. However, it is no longer funny when Batman is overcome with intense pain, falling to the floor as Metallo laughs. While Batman is prepared for almost everything, this exposure to Kryptonite nearly proved his undoing.
Metallo's Kryptonite Is Unlike Anything Batman Encountered Before
The Brave and the Bold (Vol. 1) #175 was released in June, 1981.
Kryptonite is the irradiated remains of the planet Krypton, a substance which uniquely affects Kryptonians and causes them great pain. Batman is very familiar with Kryptonite, as it's one of the few ways of taking down a Kryptonian. Batman has likely used Kryptonite more than any other character in the DC Universe, usually against Superman. This means Bruce is intimately aware of how Kryptonite works and what it can be used for. It makes sense Batman would be so comfortable with the stuff, but one thing he never expected was to be affected by Kryptonite in the same way Superman is, which is exactly what Metallo discovered how to do.
Kryptonite was first introduced as a threat to Superman in 1943, in the Adventures of Superman radio play. The dangerous substance made its first comic book appearance in 1949's Superman #61.
Once Batman is defeated and captured, Metallo explains what he did to engineer Kryptonite that could affect Batman. As it turns out, Kryptonite gives off radiation that moves so fast that only especially dense beings, like Kryptonians, are affected by it. For humans, the radiation simply es right through them, so by slowing the radiation particles down, Metallo created a Kryptonite variant that can't hurt Kryptonians, but can damage humans. This fact, understandably, completely caught Batman by surprise, giving Metallo the rare chance to defeat and capture Batman. Thankfully, due to Lois Lane, Batman was able to escape, and eventually defeat Metallo.
Metallo's Groundbreaking Invention: "Slow Kryptonite"
"Slow Kryptonite" is a fascinating reconceptualization of DC Comics' most iconic substance; by reversing the primary target of Kryptonite's effects, The Brave and The Bold #175 opened up the door for any hero to be impacted by Kryptonite – a door more creators should walk through, as they look to use Kryptonite in fresh, exciting ways outside of Superman stories, making it a perennial threat to the wider DC Universe. The issue was also notable for depicting Batman as vulnerable, as just a man, able to be taken by surprise just anyone else can be. Metallo proved this, which almost led to Batman being killed by a weakness he never thought he'd have: Kryptonite.
