The Untold Stories of Krypton’s Survivors: From Kandor to Warworld
Krypton, the distant planet from which Superman originates, has a rich history filled with many survivors of its destruction. These survivors come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, each with their own unique tale. This article delves into the stories of Kandor, Argo, Kryptonian criminals, and most recently, the Phaelosians from Mongul’s Warworld. Discover the myriad ways Kryptonians survived the catastrophic event that made Krypton a memory of the past.
Kandorians: Resettled and Reborn
The citizens of Kandor, a miniature city encased in a bottle by the nefarious Brainiac, constitute a significant group of survivors. In the Earth One continuity, Kandor was eventually freed from its captivity and resettled on a new planet named Rokyn, a name derived from 'Rao’s Gift'. Rao, the sun god in Kryptonian mythology, symbolizes hope and renewal. The Kandorians worked diligently to rebuild their civilization, crafting a new and vibrant society.
However, in a more recent storyline, Brainiac's actions led to the destruction of Rokyn. The bodies of the Kandorians were later recovered and brought to Earth. General Zod, a Kryptonian outcast, revived them using a Lazarus Pit, a mystical technology that grants the user the power to restore life. The fate of the Kandorians after this revival is yet to be fully explored, but their story remains a poignant testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of life.
Argonians: A Mysterious Survival
The city of Argo, another survivor of Krypton's destruction, managed to maintain existence with a specialized survival technique. In the Earth One continuity, Argo was saved by a protective bubble of air that shielded the city from the planet's destruction. The ground, however, had transformed into Anti-Kryptonite, harmful only to depowered Kryptonians. To counteract this threat, the city was covered in lead, offering a temporary sanctuary.
Tragically, a meteor shower eventually breached the lead shield, exposing the city to Anti-Kryptonite radiation. Superman’s uncle Zor-El and aunt Allura, seeking to protect their niece Kara, orchestrated a daring escape. Kara, known as Supergirl, was sent to Earth via a rocket. The rest of Argo’s inhabitants, aside from Kara, were later discovered in the Survival Zone, a dimension where they had been transformed by the Anti-Kryptonite radiation. Albeit being a part of the canon in older stories, the survival of Argo as a city has since been overshadowed by other events.
Kryptonian Criminals: A Derivative Life
Before Krypton’s destruction, the planet had a controversial method for dealing with criminals. Judge Dug-Les, after considering the death penalty, declared its abolition. Instead, criminals were sentenced to suspended animation in rockets, orbiting Krypton until their sentences expired. This practice eventually ceased when the Phantom Zone was discovered. When Krypton perished, a few prisoners in suspended animation survived, as did all criminals in the Phantom Zone, including General Zod. This period of suspended animation allowed these individuals to endure the cataclysm and emerge as potential influences on the new world.
Recent Developments: The Phaelosians of Warworld
Superman has recently uncovered evidence of other survivors, notably the Phaelosians, a colony on Mongul's Warworld. This group reportedly evacuated Krypton several thousand years ago, suggesting a history that predates the major Kryptonian exoduses. Their survival and current state are shrouded in mystery, making them a fascinating subject for further exploration.
The Phaelosians, much like Kandorians and Argoans, offer a unique perspective on the resilience of Kryptonian life. Their story highlights the unfortunate reality that some have found refuge in places far from the home planet, navigating new worlds and challenges with the skills and determination passed down from their Kryptonian heritage.
The survivors of Krypton represent not only a testament to survival but also a reminder of the planet’s enduring legacy. As Superman continues his journey, the stories of these survivors enrich his understanding of his home and the vast universe beyond it.