📺 Krypton (2018)
Based on comic
Krypton is a 2018 Syfy television series that serves as a prequel to the Superman mythos, set approximately 200 years before the birth of the iconic superhero. The show focuses on Seg-El, the grandfather of Kal-El (Superman), and explores the political and social dynamics of the planet Krypton before its destruction. Developed by David S. Goyer, the series imagines Krypton as a complex, stratified society where the House of El has fallen from grace. Seg-El must navigate familial disgrace, political intrigue, and threats from both within and outside the planet to restore his family's honor and secure the future of his grandson. The series draws heavily from DC Comics lore, incorporating elements such as the Kryptonian caste system, the villainous Brainiac, and the mystical origins of Superman's powers.
While the show is original in its narrative, it expands on the comic book backstory established in the Superman comics, particularly the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths version of Krypton's history. Krypton received two seasons, airing from March 2018 to August 2019, and was praised for its world-building and performances, though it struggled with ratings and was eventually canceled. The series marked one of the few live-action explorations of Kryptonian society beyond short flashbacks, offering a unique perspective on the source material by focusing on characters who were previously only background figures in the Superman saga. Notable changes from the comics include the more prominent role of the villain Brainiac and the inclusion of time-travel elements that weave the series into the larger DC television universe.
Superman is a superhero who first appeared in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, debuting in Action Comics #1 in June 1938. Superman is widely considered one of the most iconic and recognizable fictional characters, often credited with establishing the superhero genre. The character's origin story involves Kal-El, the last son of the planet Krypton, who is sent to Earth as a baby and raised as Clark Kent in the small town of Smallville, Kansas. Possessing superhuman strength, speed, flight, and other abilities under Earth's yellow sun, he uses his powers to protect humanity, often adopting the secret identity of a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet newspaper. Superman's mythology has expanded over decades, introducing key elements such as the planet Krypton, the villain Lex Luthor, his love interest Lois Lane, and the Justice League. The comic book series has run continuously, with numerous reboots and reinterpretations, making Superman a cornerstone of popular culture.