Image: Conscious Kryptonian AI | Source: ChatGPT
Well, this has been a long-awaited topic matter to tackle; and now seems to be the perfect time to cast this AI angled story into the light.
It's time to dig a little deep into Kryptonian AI, and search to see the relating factors between two unearthly beings -Superman and Supergirl!
But, Kal-El (or Clark Kent), nor Lara-Zor-El (Kara Danvers) would be able to understand Earth's society; that's if they weren't taught first by artifical intelligence on how to do so..
So, it's quite interesting how that is.
Because most individuals will automatically think...
"Well, they both have superhuman capabilities, so that's no big fluff!"
"Oh, really now?"
It doesn't matter how stronger someone may be.
And extraterrestrials like Clark Kent and Kara Danvers had a particular limitation just like humans do starting from birth.
They need someone to teach them. which is a rule that never can be broken!
LOL.
And so, that's the focus for today, yeah we're diving into the complexities of how Kryptonians learn, experience, and adapt to the teachings of AI!
Key Takeaways
- Origins of Trust: Two Kryptonians Encounter AI Tech.
- Superman’s Ethical Dilemmas with AI.
- Kryptonian Technology: How Its Legacy & Memory Is Maintained by the Fortress' AI.
- When AI Goes Rogue: Kryptonian Lessons Learned After Battling Super Robots.
Origins of Trust: Two Kryptonians Encounter AI Tech
Kal-El's AI Encounters & Teachings:
So, where do we start here?
Well... How about with Baby Kal-El, who gets loaded into a slick rocket, and he's sent by his parents cruising through space.
He's destination...
It's heading straight for a world called Earth.
Now, Kal-El isn't alone (in a sense) because Jor-El made sure to send along with him educational AI audible playback files to teach him about Earth and its inhabitants [Clark's Journey to Earth].
As their son ages within the rocket ship transporting him to Earth, he's being taught a variety of audible teachings voice dubbed by Jor-El.
When he arrives on Earth, he's now a five year-old that possesses information near that of a College level student.
Later, as Clark Kent turns 18 years old, he's taken away by his AI father Jor-El for a 12-year AI course on earthly affairs [Clark Embarks on 12 year AI Course].
Clark then reaches age 30, and his entire AI college education has been completed!
WOAH!!
.So, in the ship, he pretty much already had K-12 years of schooling, probably all of High School teaching, and borderline up to the College level; for a 5 year-old to already know that when arriving on Earth is INSANE!
Although, one has to wonder about his aging factor, because he supposedly ages WAY, WAY slower than an average human being [Scifi Stack Exchange].
While there's not pinpoint details on how long he can live, Superman gets to see how it is to live a ridiculously long time after meeting an unfortunate villain.
GIF Imagery: Superman Meets the Immortal Vandal Savage in an extremely distant future timeline!
SIDE NOTE: There's was an Justice League episode where he meets an immortal villain Vandal Savage who is 35,000 plus years old [Superman Meets Vandal Savage].
This was the result after the enemy Toyman zaps Superman into the far distant future were he meets Savage, who confesses to killing the Justice League—Superman's colleagues Savage killed after Superman's departure [Savage Gives Superman a Grand History Tour].
That's a spin on "time mechanics," and Savage tells Superman he wishes to be him, for he knows Superman would die eventually—but Savage knew he couldn't!
That's quite ironic, even though Superman plays a part indirectly that helps Savage find the salvation he longed for (death was his ultimate gift and final release from ongoing immorality).
Nevertheless, Jor-EL's teachings instilled in Kal-EL helps him understand the aspects of—wisdom, culture, and he even continues future lectures.
Jeff East (who played teen Clark Kent in the 70's version) also realized that green crystal he finds in the barn holds massive knowledge and it powers the fortress and its AI-systems.
So, those holograms of his parents you'll see in the Reeve Superman version are powered by sophisticated artificial intelligence.
Jor-El built a thinking, feeling type of AI, which possesses a synthetic consciousness with his own personality embedded within.
Lara-Lor-Van also appears to him (particularly in Superman 2), after Clark at one point, decides he wanted to give up his powers for Lois Lane.
Her AI hologram like Jor-El's is programmed to feel ("thought-wise") and understand the weight of the consequences Clark would face becoming completely human.
Which he does, but after General Zod shows up with his crew (Ursa and Non), Clark then journeys back to the fortress to retrieve his abilities "via" the infuse chamber [Clark Retrieving His Powers].
And all of this is managed by Jor-El's AI-system (in case Clark was to do something utterly stupid like giving up his abilities!)
All-in-all, his parents wanted him to have continual access to the Fortress AI, as it serves as a key reminder of their legacy and his Kryptonian roots.
“Hey, I’m not going to be around, but I'm leaving you a piece of me...”
Yeah, that's basically what his father was telling him.
So, the AI is a lifeline, It’s a "fill in," a "Vicar," that stands in as his father; that helps him learn more about Krypton.
It's also helps him learn from his experiences while on Earth, as he tries to figure out how to be the best superhero possible on Earth!
Kara-Zor-El's AI Encounters & Teachings:
Kara's journey was a bit different than her cousin Clark.
For one, she's older than him in biological years, but his age succeed her's at one point within her origin story.
One thing that remain consistent, and that's the Kryptonian rocket ride that transports her to Earth.
However again, she a bit older (probably a teen when she is on her way to Earth.
Kara Zor-El’s relationship with AI is rich with emotional nuance and thematic depth.
Unlike Kal-El, who was raised on Earth from infancy, Kara arrived as a teenager—already shaped by Kryptonian culture and its advanced technologies.
Her interactions with AI, especially the holographic consciousness of her mother Alura and other Kryptonian AIs, is her lifeline.
These AI constructs help Kara navigate grief, identity, and adaptation in a world that feels alien to her.
Where Kal-El learns from AI, Kara often learns through it—using AI as a conduit to reconnect with her past, understand her heritage, and reconcile the trauma of losing her family and her home world.
The AI she engages with isn’t just informational; it’s deeply personal, often echoing the voices of loved ones.
This creates a layered dynamic: Kara must decide how much trust to place in synthetic memory versus a lived human type experience.
Superman’s Ethical Dilemmas with AI
Surely, many Superman fans thought where he got all of those unearthly powers from, right?
The obvious is how he's faster than a speeding bullet, and how he can even hear a whisper from across the planet!
However, he has grappled with things that even he needed clarification on from time to time and he would find himself in search for answers that only can be given by an kryptonian AI entity:
Oh wow, that's like an automatic homerun knocking a ball straight out of the ball park stadium—when hearing Superman needs help figuring something out!
Most people assume he has all of the answers, although, that's not always the case...
Nevertheless, the Fortress' AI is fully loaded with all of that Kryptonian tech—its alien tech far beyond anything available here on Earth!
But here's the kicker; Jor-El was the one that created the sentient AI, so it's able to relate to the way human beings make earthly decisions.
That includes big ones, life-and-death ones, and so you have to stop and say...
"Wait a minute here."
"Is he talking things over with a conscious AI entity back at the fortress?"
He could very well be, after all, there's a previous article written about AI in such context (definitely makes for a good read) [The Hidden Mind: Can AI Decode Human Emotions?].
If Superman is getting ideas from an AI entity, well that would bring up concerning questions from someone like an overly curious Lois Lane.
She always looking for the latest story to break back at the Daily Planet!
LOL.
But, she does see him talking to his AI mother (Lara-Lor-Van) in part 2, asking him whether or not he really wanted to give up his powers for a human.
Yeah, a bit of prejudice lore there, but Kal-El surely understood that he wasn't meant to mingle "relationship-wise" with a woman on planet Earth.
The same goes for showing any deep emotional affections for a mere mortal; that's something his mother's AI picked up on!
He could very well be, after all, there's a previous article written about AI in such context (definitely makes for a good read) [The Hidden Mind: Can AI Decode Human Emotions?].
If Superman is getting ideas from and AI entity, well that would bring up concerning questions from someone like an overly curious Lois Lane.
She always looking for the latest story to break back at the Daily Planet!
LOL.
Doing some further searching, a comment outlet over at Comic Vine lent by #10 @LoganRogue24 says it best...
"Clark and Lois wanted a "hybrid" for a long time, but Clark's explain her it's physically impossible as Kryptonian genes are not compatible."
"Kryptonians just looks like humans, they’re very different at the cellular and molecular level, apparently."
No doubt the Kryptonian AI would likely remind him of the potential genetic defects and dangers that may persist with kryptonians trying to have a kid with a human being (from a realistic viewpoint).
Things would get complicated from there, because the unthinkable would come to mind.
The only option would be his cousin Kara-Zor-El, but again, that just goes far off the deep end if it goes toward that direction—"genetic-wise."
And that didn't even account for the fact that Brainiac 5's ancestor "the original Brainiac," always wanted a relationship with Supergirl back in the 20th century.
Yeah, things would really be out of whack if she started dating an AI—even if it's Brainiac 5 (which she develops feelings for in the future timeline).
That could still throw serious monkey wrenches in the Krypton/Earth planet saving mission somewhere down the line!
Kryptonian Technology: How Its Legacy & Memory Is Maintained by the Fortress' AI
GIF Imagery: Lara-Lor-Van Explains to Kal-El the Consequences of Giving Up His Powers for Lois Lane.
Now, for anyone who's really observative would wonder what type of Kryptonian tech does Superman have set up at his Fortress of Solitude?
Well... For one, it's not just fancy gadgets and glowing crystals.
Nope, it goes far deeper than that...
That AI is like a living scrapbook (sort of speak).
It literally preserving the entire Kryptonian culture, its history, and even the personalities of individuals long gone; all for Kal-El to learn about [The Kryptonian Experience].
It's like talking to ghosts, but with far better manners.
Now, this AI doesn't just spit out facts; it mentors him.
It teaches him about his roots, his people, and what they stood for.
It's like having your father's voice in your ear, reminding you who you are and why you matter.
But here's the kicker...
It also reflects back at him!
It shows him what Krypton was, what it could have been, and perhaps what he needs to be!
See, Superman isn't just flying around saving cats from trees—he's carrying a profound legacy.
And that Kryptonian AI?
Well that comes in the form of a super computer, which Superman uses time to time when in search for very deep detailed information.
There's also an element of automation where Sups sometimes employ his"Superman Robots," to handle issues if he's unable to respond accordingly.
When AI Goes Rogue: Kryptonian Lessons Learned After Battling Super Robots
Superman has certainly faced his share of formidable mechanical adversaries.
I'm talking about threats like Brainiac and Amazo here which is a HUGE matter posing as clear threats of the entire planet.
Alongside them, were other super robots that make an average vending machine look like a little undersized cereal box windup prize toy...
Brainiac (a.k.a "VrilDox,") for instance, is far more than just a walking encyclopedia with a superiority complex [Brainiac (Vril Dox) DC Fandom].
He's obsessed with controlling knowledge, bottling entire cities, and meticulously wiping out cultures truly cold as ice!
GIF Imagery: Supergirl & Brainiac's Robotic Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Grandson Brainiac 5, meet in the 31st Century; And It's A VERY Cold Reception!
Then there's Amazo, who is just insanely powerful, way beyond Brainiac's superior standards which is 3rd rate in comparison!
There was a Justice League episode where Lex Luthor unleashes his creation Amazo on the crime fighting faction.
And he came within inches of taking them all out permanently including Superman who was fighting along with them!
In fact, they had to let him leave planet Earth, as Amazo came to the conclusion that he was on a complete three-tier level up at"God-like" status!
What starts with a touch to copy their powers, evolves his consciousness to the point where he could simply look at them and copycat their powers at will!
Plus, his photographic memory could contain their generated capabilities indefinitely (so, he's WAY worse than X-Men's Rogue).[Amazo Autonomous Robot DCAU].
GIF Imagery: Rogue's Crazy Abilities Are Just Too Much To Handle!
SIDE NOTE: Rogue's absorption power can only copy someone's ability temporarily (except when she held on too long with Captain Marvel).
As an end result, she nearly killed Marvel (she was in a coma for a long while) Rogue, however, was then "molecularly fused" with the mass amount of Marvel's abilities within her physical and psychological properties permanently[Rogue Marvel Fandom].
None of them could handle the ten-foot-tall autonomous terror known as Amazo!
The battle the Justice League engaged in with him, ended with Amazo choosing to simply leave them and planet Earth.
He did so because he knew they couldn't hope to defeat him...
They still had their superpowers, but you see, he can copy and duplicate their powers within himself (as well as cancel out all of their weakness from within him!)
So yeah, they had to let him go because not even Superman could handle him for Pete's Sake!
Nevertheless, that battle really rattled him and the justice league.
There's also no doubt some of that keen Kryptonian idealism played apart in Amazo's creation at the hands of Professor Ivo; while under Lex Luther's suggestions.
Amazo's prime power revolves around cellular absorption technology, which allows him not only to copy powers—but he's a shapeshifter as he can form the shape of weapons, or even replicate Hawkgirl's wings so he can fly!
That however, depend son the type of cellular composition it absorbs...
And the kicker when Amazo grabbed on to the"Martian Manhunter," he copied his powerful conscious; at that point making him too powerful!
Yeah, these are key experiences that Superman has over time, and he learned about the complexities of artificial intelligence.
Without conscience is a dangerously potent combination.
Grant artificial intelligence too much autonomy, and soon enough, it begins to rewrite the rules!
Consequently, he's developed a cautious approach—respectful of the technology, yet never blind to its inherent risks. It's quite ironic, isn't it?
Even the Man of Steel must remain vigilant!
You know, they call him "The Man of Tomorrow," that of course aligns with the iconic "S," not to mention the term "Hope" for what it's known for.
He's not just out there catching meteors and stopping runaway trains.
He also has that incredible world view, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence.
If Superman were guiding AI development, I imagine he'd insist on a couple of key principles. First, transparency: absolutely no secrets, no backdoors.
He'd want AI systems to be fully accountable, much like a good cop taking the stand.
Second, empathy. Beyond mere cold logic, he'd push for machines that truly understand people and protect their dignity—not just their data.
Surveillance?
Well now, that's a tricky one you see...
Superman has surely seen and experienced far more than the average human, but even he can't see everything that happens.
He'd probably say...
"Use technology to protect, not to control."
And when it comes to global cooperation, I'd bet he'd be the first to advocate for AI uniting us, rather than dividing us.
No borders in cyberspace, right?
Ultimately, Superman has the blueprint for the world of tomorrow already mapped out.
Afterall, he would be thinking the obvious tagline that made his character well-renounced over the decades (except this time it's given a bit of a twist...)
"For truth, justice, in the Kryptonian AI way!"
"Ok, ok, a bit corny, but it still holds up quite well... LOL."
Thank you for your readership! 😄
Primary Keyword:
#Ai
Semantic Keywords:
#KryptonianAi
#ArtificialIntelligence
#FortressAi
#AiEntity
References:
- Man of Steel "Stalin" > Stalin's last name in Russian (although, written in Russian it's spelled vastly differently.
- Clark's Journey to Earth > Superman (1978)
- Clark Embarks on 12 year AI Course > Jor-El educates Kal-El about humanity and planet Earth and more.
- Clark Retrieving His Powers > Jor-El gives him one last chance to become one with him in order to be restored as an Kryptonian.
- Scifi Stack Exchange > What is Superman's "normal" lifespan under the effects of a yellow sun?
- Superman Meets Vandal Savage > Superman meets Vandal Savage after getting zapped by a time-teleportation beam.
- Savage Gives Superman a Grand History Tour > Savage Rebuilds a Metropolis Museum and takes Superman on a Walkthrough tour.
- The Hidden Mind: Can AI Decode Human Emotions > That story sort of touches slightly on the ideas in this article.
- Comic Vine lent by #10 Calvin | @LoganRogue24 > Calvin publishes @LoganRouge24 comment.
- Amazo Autonomous Bot DCAU > Amazo the Unstoppable Autonomous Robot
- Brainiac (Vril Dox) DC Fandom > Vril Dox I (New Earth)
- Rogue Marvel Fandom > Rogue Marvel Fandom Page
- The Kryptonian Experience > Viewing Kryptonian Legacy
