Characters who are empowered by Kryptonian heritage are gifted with the ability to absorb light from spectral class F, G, and K stars and convert it into cellular energy that gifts them with immense powers including but not limited to flight, disproportionate strength, near-invulnerability, the ability to see through physical matter, speed equivalent to lesser manifestations of the Speed Force, and projection of rays of intense heat from the pupils.

While it is uncertain at this time, similarities and compatibilities between Kryptonians (as well as their sister species such as Daxamites and Argoans) suggest a potential truth to the Atlantean theory of ancient Earth astronauts colonizing other worlds during the Earth's Middle Paleolithic period. Kryptonian researchers of the bottle city of Kandor hotly debate this theory, with a fringe faction asserting that it means that Kandor's present location on Earth is rightful. This position is widely reviled by Kandorian society at large.