So Long, Superman
"True Superheroes are those who live even after their death."
A Biography of the Chemical Element Krypton
"Stronger than steel, faster than a speeding bullet..." or "It's a bird; it's a plane..." so as the famous dialogues go from he famous superhero-story entitled Superman. But, however strong and mighty he is, he has a weakness. Not even his super strength, or his flight, or his x-ray vision, or his optic lasers can thrash, evade, anticipate, and destroy the radiating power of a pinch of Kryptonite.
And here is our star, the Earthly cousin of Superman's only Achille's heel - Krypton. However, Krypton is not as bad and as villainy as you might have imagined.
Following the tradition, let us start the epic with our new star's birth. Actually how he came to Earth is a mysterious unknown. However, legend says that he was discovered by a man and a woman in a farm aboard a circular vessel (hmm... sounds familiar). The man was sir William Ramsay. The start of Kryopton's universal fame began on May 30, 1898. It sounds like a good start for a unique superhero, isn't it?
However, unlike his comical counterpart, he is white, powderish, and not radioactive (boring...). He may be boring sometimes, but not always. Let's take a look at his powers. Well, when angered especially when mocked with criticisms, he lights up (that's it?). Well, you just wait. When he lights up, he creates plasma - the fourth state of matter! In addition to its already marvelous abilities, he can also allow electric current to pass through him without hurting himself to make his light brighter and stronger. Beat that Superman!
In terms of nobility in the social ladder, which Superman almost failed to oversee its significance, our star, Krypton, did not underestimate it's importance. He is the "leader" of the noble class. Because of him, bright signs, like those in Las Vegas, exist. Together with his partner, Neon, the dark night brightens up. Because of them, fluorescent lamps are created. Without him and his business mate, pitch black should have cloaked our planet. This is why Krypton is the boss.
Like all superheroes, Krypton has rivals - most of them belong to the noble class where only Neon is loyal to him. Take for example Helium, the oldest noble. He is only one step behind Krypton. By the way he can fly, and can make things float in mid air, too. He is responsible for rockets, airplanes and air balloons. Another is Argon. He is the brawny type. He is the most popular of all nobles because of his convincing personality. Lastly, there is Xenon. She is the smart, strict and formal type. Of course, none of them could beat Krypton; he is the ultimate superhero in his generation.
Like all superheroes, Krypton has...you know, Louis Lane, Mary Jane, Batgirl, Betty Banner, Jean Grey. Our superhero's love interest is Fluorine. Maybe, it is because only she can adapt to the personality of Krypton. No other woman, metal or non-metal, can be paired effectively (and quite peacefully) with Krypton. She possesses Louis' intelligence, Batgirl's strength and Jean Grey's charm. Good for him, he found the woman of his life.
Krypton 's life was not that comfortable and peaceful as one might have thought. He experienced quarrels, arguments and even fights. His fellow businessmen were always on the look out for opportunities of promotion. Since they found none, they tried to stain his pure personality. Again, finding this feeble attempt futile, they hired Iron to do the dirty job. But, as lead superheroes always do, Krypton's ultra-luminous-plasmic-ray melted the iniquitous Iron. Some aspiring losers even took away Fluorine. One of them is Sodium. You could not imagine how angry Krypton was back then; the Earth was like one kilometer away from the Sun! Despite all the frail and pathetic attempts, Krypton still is the ultimate superhero of his time.
Take note, Krypton is a superhero, not a god. He has a weakness. This weakness makes him unforgettable. Yes, unforgettable. One day, the villains abducted his whole family and friends. Sir William Ramsay, Flourine, his child Krypton difluoride, even Neon. That time, the adversary was strong and advantageous in quantity. All they ask was for Krypton to try and save his family and friend. They wanted to witness "the Krypton" fail. And in the struggle, Krypton, sadly, failed. He tried to save Fluorine but the combined powers of Helium, Argon and Xenon hit him and his frail body fell to the ground. Fluorine watched the eyes of Krypton... light fading away.
As the kaleidoscopes shades twirl and swirl, sadness turned to joy. Krypton's body might be dead and gone, but his memories and contributions are warm and alive in the environment he left. Without him, fluorescent lamps, street signs and bright advertisement do not exist and shine amidst the night sky. That is a true superhero, someone who is alive and active even after his death - and no other superhero achieved that ultimate end.
