Topzle Topzle

Lex Luthor

Updated: 12/11/2025, 10:27:07 AM Wikipedia source

Alexander Joseph "Lex" Luthor () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, the character first appeared in Action Comics #23 (April 1940). He has since endured as the archenemy of Superman. While Superman embodies hope and selflessness, Luthor symbolizes unrestrained ambition and humanity’s belief in the superiority of intellect over superhuman power. Unlike many supervillains, Luthor is an ordinary human with no superpowers or secret identity. His true strength lies in his unparalleled intelligence, vast wealth, and influence over politics, science, and technology. A genius with an extraordinary aptitude for business and manipulation, he is also proud, calculating, pragmatic, and vengeful—driven by an insatiable thirst for control and devoid of ethical principles. Luthor does not envy superheroes for their abilities but rather for the adoration they receive. He believes that the admiration society bestows upon them is recognition that rightfully belongs to him. Convinced that he alone possesses the intellect and capability to lead humanity, he justifies his ambition with the belief that only he is fit to guide the world. Luthor sees Superman as a threat, seeking to eliminate him not only out of personal rivalry but also because he believes the existence of an all-powerful being fosters dependence, preventing humanity from achieving its full potential. Though his main obsession is Superman, given his high-profile status as a supervillain, Luthor has also come into conflict with Batman and other heroes in the DC Universe. He frequently leads teams of villains, such as the Legion of Doom. While he prefers intelligence and strategy as his primary weapons, he occasionally dons his mechanized "warsuit", an advanced armored exoskeleton that grants him enhanced strength, flight capabilities, high-tech weaponry, and other tactical advantages in direct combat. Throughout different comic eras, Luthor has embodied various forms of villainy. In his early appearances, he was depicted as a narcissistic and selfish mad scientist. Since the mid-1980s, however, he has more commonly been portrayed as a ruthless corporate tycoon, obsessed with power and controlling LexCorp (or LuthorCorp). In 2009, IGN ranked him #4 on its list of the 100 Greatest Comic Book Villains of All Time, surpassed only by the Joker, Magneto, and Doctor Doom. Wizard magazine also placed him at #8 in its ranking of the 100 Greatest Villains of All Time. The character has been adapted into various other forms of media, including television, film, animation, and video games. In film, Luthor has been played by Lyle Talbot in Atom Man vs. Superman (1950), Gene Hackman in the 1978–1987 Superman film series, Kevin Spacey in Superman Returns (2006), Jesse Eisenberg in the DC Extended Universe (2016–2017), and Nicholas Hoult in the DC Universe (2025–present).

Infobox

Publisher
DC Comics
First appearance
Action Comics (April 1940)
Created by
Jerry SiegelJoe Shuster
Full name
Alexander Joseph "Lex" Luthor
Place of origin
Metropolis
Team affiliations
Legion of DoomInjustice LeagueInjustice GangJustice LeagueSecret SixSuperman Revenge SquadSecret Society of Super VillainsIntergangLexCorpHuman Defense Corps
Notable aliases
MockingbirdKryptonite ManAtom ManApex LexDevletbek
Abilities
Genius-level intellect Proficient engineer and scientist Criminal mastermind High-tech warsuit grants: Superhuman strength and durability Energy projection Flight Advanced weaponry (often incorporating kryptonite)

Tables

· Fictional character biography › Post-<i>Crisis</i> › President of the United States › Presidential appointees
Amanda Waller
2001
2001–2003
Amanda Waller
Office
United States Secretary of Metahuman Affairs
Name
Amanda Waller
Term
2001–2003
Cat Grant
2001
2001–2003
Cat Grant
Office
White House Press Secretary
Name
Cat Grant
Term
2001–2003
Office
Name
Term
United States Secretary of Metahuman Affairs
Amanda Waller
2001–2003
White House Press Secretary
Cat Grant
2001–2003

References

  1. dccomics.com
    http://www.dccomics.com/characters/lex-luthor
  2. "Lex Luthor"
    http://www.dccomics.com/characters/lex-luthor
  3. QuickStopEntertainment.com
    https://web.archive.org/web/20080201173938/http://www.quickstopentertainment.com/2007/02/24/comics-in-context-166-megahero-vs-megavillain/
  4. Siegel, Jerry (w), Sikela, John (a), Ellsworth, Whitney (ed). "The Skeletons in Armor" Action Comics, no. 47, p. 1 (Apri
  5. "Lex Luthor is Number 4"
    http://www.ign.com/top/comic-book-villains/4.html
  6. McCallum, Pat (July 2006). "100 Greatest Villains Ever". Wizard (177)
  7. The Original Encyclopedia of Comic Book Heroes Volume Three - Featuring Superman
  8. Siegel, Jerry (w), Nowak, Leo (p, i). Superman #10 (1941), DC Comics.
  9. Cronin, Brian (November 26, 2006) Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed #79. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
    http://www.cbr.com/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-79/
  10. Superman Family #214; Letters Page
  11. Superheroes! Capes, cowls and the creation of comic book culture
  12. Restricted Data: The History of Nuclear Secrecy in the United States
  13. Adventure Comics #271 (April 1960). DC Comics.
  14. Comic Book Resources
    http://www.comicbookresources.com/?id=17934&page=article
  15. DC Comics Presents Annual #1 (1982). DC Comics.
  16. "Who created the "new" Lex Luthor for MAN OF STEEL?"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20130126025406/http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=2&T1=Questions%2Babout%2BComic%2BBook%2BProjects
  17. Freiman, Barry (15 November 2005). Interview with Marv Wolfman. Superman Homepage. Retrieved 2007-7-7. Archived June 14,
    http://www.supermanhomepage.com/comics/interviews/interviews-intro.php?topic=c-interview_wolfman1
  18. CBR.com
    https://www.cbr.com/superman-lex-luthor-donald-trump/
  19. Byrne, John (w, p), Giordano, Dick (i). The Man of Steel #4 (1986), DC Comics
  20. Neil Gaiman Interview (December 1994) Hero Illustrated #18
  21. The Adventures of Superman #424 (January 1987)
  22. Byrne, John (w), Giordano, Dick (i). The Man of Steel #2 (1986), DC Comics
  23. Comic Book Resources
    http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=3256
  24. Waid, Mark (w), Yu, Leinil Francis (p, i). Superman: Birthright #8 (2004), DC Comics
  25. Scifipedia – Lex Luthor. Retrieved July 18, 2007. Archived February 13, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
    http://scifipedia.scifi.com/index.php/Lex_Luthor
  26. Waid, Mark (w), Yu, Leinil Francis (p, i). Superman: Birthright #6 (2004), DC Comics
  27. Waid, Mark (2005). Superman: Birthright – The Origin of the Man of Steel. DC Comics. ISBN 1-4012-0252-7
  28. Singh, Arune. (March 11, 2004) Super-Stars (Part 1): Mark Waid's "Birthright," The Official Origin. Comic Book Resources
    http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=3256
  29. Kistler, Alan. (October 30, 2005). Mark Waid Talks "Superman Returns" and "Birthright". Superman Homepage. Retrieved Oct
    http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news/2005-news/2005-news-comic.php?topic=2005-news-comic/1030i
  30. Blackest Night #7 (February 2010), DC Comics
  31. Infinite Crisis #7
  32. Superman #653
  33. Action Comics #890-900.
  34. JLA #11-15 (1997).
  35. American Comic Book Chronicles: 1960-64
  36. Siegel, Jerry (w), Plastino, Al (p). "How Luthor Met Superboy!" Adventure Comics #271 (1960), DC Comics
  37. Action Comics #294 (1962)
  38. Daniels (1998), p. 109
  39. Siegel, Jerry (w), Swan, Curt (p), Moldoff, Sheldon (i), Wray, Bill (col), Weisinger, Mort (ed). "The Death of Superman"
  40. Superman #164
  41. The Essential Superman Encyclopedia
  42. Action Comics #544 and Superman #385–386 (June–August 1983): "Luthor Unleashed", "Luthor Rises Again" and "Luthor Lashes
  43. Back Issue!
  44. CBR.com
    https://www.cbr.com/history-lex-luthor-iconic-armor/
  45. Superman Homepage – Who's Who In the Superman Comics: Lex Luthor. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
    http://www.supermanhomepage.com/comics/who-classic/who-classic-intro.php?topic=luthor-lex
  46. Superman (vol. 2) # (February 2, 1987)
  47. Action Comics #600
  48. Byrne, John (w), Byrne, John (p), Beatty, John (i). "The Power That Failed!" Superman, vol. 2, no. 19, p. 12 (July 1988)
  49. Superman (vol. 2) #44
  50. The Adventures of Superman #467
  51. Action Comics #654
  52. Action Comics #656
  53. Superman (vol. 2) #48
  54. Action Comics #660
  55. Action Comics #670
  56. Action Comics #677
  57. The Adventures of Superman
  58. Superboy
  59. Superman (vol. 2) #77
  60. Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #3
  61. Underworld Unleashed #3
  62. Action Comics #737
  63. Lex Luthor 2000 #1
  64. 52: Week 3
  65. 52: Week 21
  66. 52: Week 35
  67. 52: Week 39
  68. 52: Week 40
  69. Action Comics #839, DC Comics
  70. Action Comics #840, DC Comics
  71. Final Crisis #6
  72. Final Crisis #7
  73. Action Comics #871 (January 2009)
  74. Action Comics #873 (March 2009)
  75. Adventure Comics #0
  76. Adventure Comics #5–6
  77. Supergirl (vol. 5) #52 (June 2010)
  78. Robinson, James and Gates, Sterling (w). Superman: War of the Supermen, no. 1 (May 2010). DC Comics.
  79. Robinson, James and Gates, Sterling (w). Superman: War of the Supermen, no. 3 (May 2010). DC Comics.
  80. Blackest Night #4 (November 2009). DC Comics
  81. Blackest Night #6 (February 2010)
  82. Blackest Night #8 (March 2010), DC Comics
  83. Green Lantern (vol. 4) #53 (April 2010), DC Comics
  84. Superman: Secret Origin #1-6
  85. "Paul Cornell on Action Comics #890 and Beyond @ DC's The Source"
    http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/06/22/paul-cornell-on-action-comics-890-and-beyond/
  86. Cornell, Paul (w). Action Comics, no. 890 (June 2010). DC Comics.
  87. Action Comics No. 900
  88. Flashpoint
  89. Action Comics (vol. 2) #1-3
  90. Action Comics (vol. 2) #8
  91. Action Comics (vol. 2) Annual #1. DC Comics.
  92. Superman: Unchained #1-9 (2013-2014)
  93. Forever Evil #7. DC Comics.
  94. Justice League (vol. 2) #31
  95. Justice League (vol. 2) #30
  96. Justice League (vol. 2) #24. DC Comics.
  97. ComiConverse
    https://comiconverse.com/review-action-comics-48-7290
  98. Superman (vol. 4) #18, Action Comics #975, Superman (vol. 4) #19 and Action Comics #976.
  99. Doomsday Clock #2, DC Comics
  100. Doomsday Clock #5, DC Comics.
  101. Doomsday Clock #7–9, DC Comics.
  102. Justice League (vol. 4) #17
  103. Year of the Villain #1 (2018). DC Comics.
  104. Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen #1-3
  105. bleedingcool.com
    https://bleedingcool.com/comics/apex-lex-batman-who-laughs-dc-year-of-the-villain-hell-arisen/
  106. CBR
    https://www.cbr.com/lex-luthors-worst-mistake-may-doom-multiverse/
  107. bleedingcool.com
    https://bleedingcool.com/comics/no-justice-league-two-possible-dark-crisis-3-replacements-spoilers/
  108. GamesRadar+
    https://www.gamesradar.com/surprise-dark-crisiss-real-title-is-dark-crisis-on-infinite-earths/
  109. CBR
    https://www.cbr.com/lex-luthor-arrested-murder-manchester-black/
  110. bleedingcool.com
    https://bleedingcool.com/comics/why-lex-luthor-made-the-world-forget-clark-kent-is-superman-spoilers/
  111. ScreenRant
    https://screenrant.com/superman-secret-identity-reversed-clark-kent-forget-dc/
  112. ScreenRant
    https://screenrant.com/superman-lex-luthor-supercorp-gift-business-control-metropolis/
  113. CBR
    https://www.cbr.com/superman-lex-luthor-team-up-dc/
  114. ScreenRant
    https://screenrant.com/superman-house-brainiac-crossover-dc-story/
  115. ScreenRant
    https://screenrant.com/superman-lex-luthor-absolute-universe-alliance-theory/
  116. Action Comics #317 (October 1964)
  117. Adventure Comics #387 (December 1969)
  118. Revealed in Superman Family #211 (October 1981)
  119. Superman Family #212–214 (November 1981 – January 1982)
  120. Adventure Comics #397 (September 1970)
  121. Adventure Comics (vol. 2) #5 (December 2009). DC Comics.
  122. Adventure Comics (vol. 2) #6 (January 2009). DC Comics.
  123. The World of Metropolis #1. DC Comics.
  124. Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #5. DC Comics.
  125. Superman (vol. 2) #119. DC Comics.
  126. Superman: The Man of Steel #77. DC Comics.
  127. President Luthor: Secret Files & Origins #1. DC Comics.
  128. Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography (1989)
  129. Superman (vol. 2) #131. DC Comics.
  130. "Who's Who in the Superman Comics"
    http://www.supermanhomepage.com/comics/who/who-intro.php?topic=griggs-casey
  131. Superman (vol. 2) #49. DC Comics.
  132. Action Comics #837. DC Comics.
  133. Adventure Comics Vol. 2 #1. DC Comics.
  134. Teen Titans (vol. 3) #17–19 (2005)
  135. Teen Titans (vol. 3) #51 (2007). DC Comics.
  136. Superman: The Black Ring Vol. 1 2012
  137. Crisis on Infinite Earths #1. DC Comics.
  138. Johns, Geoff (w), Finch, David (p), Friend, Richard (i), Oback, Sonia (col), Leigh, Rob (let). "Forever Evil Chapter Six
  139. Crime Syndicate #1-6. DC Comics.
  140. JLA: Earth-2
  141. (November 2001-July 2002)
  142. Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew! #14-15 (April–May 1983). DC Comics.
  143. Superman (vol. 2) #16
  144. Superman: Earth One Volume 2 (October 2012)
  145. Superman: Earth One Volume 3 (February 2015). DC Comics.
  146. Superman/Batman #60-61 (DC Comics, 2009).
  147. Superman: Red Son: New York: DC Comics: 2004. DC Comics.
  148. Action Comics #700 (June 1994)
Image
Source: —
Tip: Wheel or +/− to zoom, drag to pan, Esc to close.