54 Down

NYT Daily • August 31, 2025

___-El (Superman’s birth name)

Answer:

KAL

Hint:

Not available

Explanation:

This clue asks for Superman’s original Kryptonian name, which is "Kal-El." The blank represents the first part, "Kal," while "El" is the common suffix in Kryptonian names (like Jor-El, his father). Since the answer fits the three-letter space, you just need the first half—hence "KAL." It’s a straightforward reference to the superhero’s iconic backstory.

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