🟥 8. Batman (e.g. The Dark Knight Returns, Tower of Babel)

In Dark Knight Returns, yes Batman uses kryptonite at one point — but the fight isn’t won because of it.

In Tower of Babel, Batman defeats Superman indirectly, using red solar radiation and other tactics.

The takeaway: Batman wins through planning, not kryptonite deus ex machina.

🟥 9. Imperiex (Our Worlds at War)

Cosmic-level entity who destroys entire galaxies.

Superman teams up with villains and still nearly dies fighting him.

No kryptonite used — just overwhelming scale and stakes.

🟥 10. Rogol Zaar (The Man of Steel, 2018)

Brand new villain introduced by Brian Michael Bendis.

Beat Superman within inches of his life.

Again: no kryptonite. Just brutal, myth-building combat.

🔥 BONUS: Red Sun Radiation

Frequently used to depower Superman (e.g., Superman: Red Son, Action Comics, Supergirl).

Not kryptonite.

Just a clever use of Kryptonian biology and scientific principles that don’t feel like cheap get-out-of-power cards.

🧼 So Let’s Be Clear:

The “kryptonite is the only way to create tension” crowd exposes one thing:

They’ve never read a single damn Superman story past Saturday morning cartoons or surface-level pop culture.

"Naturally, these comments are only one of many ways James Gunn's Superman movie is being judged pre-release."

Yeah, including by you who is "convinced" before the movie comes out what James Gunn interpretation of Superman is.

"That's why he's a hero now instead of a selfish villain or an awkward visitor who doesn't understand the Earth and tries to "fix" it or something."

Bro the key part of the trailer is Superman "stopping a war" on his own. How is that not someone who doesn't understand Earth and tries to "fix it or something" (very articulate)