Superman's New Armor Transforms Clark Kent into DC's Iron Man
Superman has gone full Iron Man mode as the Man of Steel debuts what is essentially DC Comics’ version of Tony Stark’s iconic Hulkbuster. Marvel fans know that the Hulkbuster armor is a heavy-duty Iron Man suit designed by Tony Stark, with assistance from Bruce Banner, whose main purpose is to withstand the Hulk during his rampages. So, which villain forced Superman to break out the big guns?
DC is currently in the midst of its Kingdom of Zod crisis event, which centers on Zod returning to Earth, taking over the Kryptonite Kingdom in El Caldero, and using the city’s immense Kryptonite stores to corrupt the Green K, spreading a Kryptonite infection across the world.
For those scratching their heads when it comes to this onslaught of new DC lore, specifically the new Kryptonite Kingdom, you’ll want to catch up on Dan Slott’s ongoing Superman Unlimited series. However, for those keeping up with the series, Slott, artist Rachael Stott, and colorist Giuliano Peratelli’s Superman Unlimited #16 is the latest installment and serves as the official Part 3 of the Kingdom of Zod crossover event.
As a quick recap, this story arc is also notable because it marks the return of Superman after he disappeared following his fight with King Omega Darkseid during DC’s K.O. crisis event. However, the Man of Steel is far from being in top form, as he, like the rest of the world, is infected by Zod’s corrupted Kryptonite, putting him at a severe disadvantage when it comes to battling Zod. Luckily, the Man of Steel has an ace up his sleeve.
Superman Gets His Own Kryptonian “Hulkbuster” Armor
Comic Page Comes from Dan Slott's Superman Unlimited #16 (2026) - Art by Rachael Stott & Giuliano Peratelli
Despite suffering from a Kryptonite infection, Superman pushes through the pain after learning that Zod has captured Lois and is holding her captive in the Kryptonite fortress. Muttering to himself that he needs help, Superman discovers that the fortress, despite being made of Kryptonite, remains a fortress and retains Jor-El's consciousness. In response to Superman’s request for help, it leads him to a collection of Kryptonian battle suits.
The scene revealing the Kryptonian battle suits to Clark cuts to Zod as he prepares to kill Lois, only to be stopped by Jon. However, mother and son soon find themselves at the villain's mercy, only for Superman to arrive just in time. This time, though, he’s wearing what is essentially DC’s version of Iron Man’s Hulkbuster. But rather than a Hulkbuster, this suit is more accurately described as a “Zodbuster.”
The Kryptonian battle armor strongly resembles Iron Man’s Hulkbuster in its general design, but rather than the Avenger’s signature red-and-gold color scheme, the Kryptonian battle armor is a combination of yellow and purple. However, even more important than its outward design are its capabilities, namely its ability to protect Superman from further Kryptonite poisoning. That said, it’s important to remember that Superman has a Kryptonite infection, so he is still suffering from its effects.
Therefore, the suit also serves to bolster Superman’s weakened abilities as he fights off the infection. We don’t get to see much of what the suit is capable of, given that the comic ended shortly after its debut. Still, it’s an epic introduction that gives Superman his own very Iron Man moment and leaves readers wanting to see much more of the Kryptonian battle armor.
Superman Unlimited #16 from DC Comics is now available to read!