It is axiomatic among nerds that the least heroic of the comic superheroes is Superman. In that he is virtually indestructible, is capable of flying through outer space, and has unlimited strength, Superman's apprehension of any but the most innovative of villains does not really require a great deal of courage or effort on his part. The introduction to the mythos of kryptonite, a substance which can render Superman helpless, aids in making his conquests a little less boringly one-sided and introduces the possibility of personal risk to him into the story lines.
However, the origins of kryptonite are far more prosaic. Bud Collyer portrayed Superman on the radio program of that name in the 1940s. His voice was extremely versatile, and he could switch with ease from a booming bass for the caped hero to a wispy high squeak for Clark Kent. In either role, however, his voice remained unique and quite recognizable. As the programs were recorded all year long, Collyer was doomed never to go on a vacation or work on other projects, as no one could take his place. Kryptonite was thus introduced to create a series of shows where Superman was reduced to a weakened, whispering husk--a husk whose voice could be provided by an actor other than Collyer, who would then achieve his freedom for a couple of weeks.
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