The Man Who Hates Superman
Lex Luthor is Superman's arch-nemesis, a brilliant scientist and businessman who sees Superman as both a personal rival and a threat to humanity's potential. Unlike most of Superman's foes, Luthor fights with his intellect and resources rather than physical power.
Origins
Born in Metropolis's Suicide Slum, Alexander "Lex" Luthor rose from poverty to become the wealthiest and most powerful man in the city through his company LexCorp. His hatred for Superman stems from both personal jealousy and philosophical opposition to what he sees as humanity's dependence on an alien.
Key Battles
- First appearance in Action Comics #23 (1940)
- The Death of Superman (created Doomsday)
- Our Worlds at War storyline
- President Lex storyline
Resources and Abilities
Luthor possesses a genius-level intellect, particularly in fields of engineering, physics, and genetics. His vast wealth funds advanced weaponry, power armor, and scientific experiments. He's also a master manipulator, often turning public opinion against Superman or manipulating other villains to do his bidding.
Legacy
Lex Luthor represents the dark side of human potential - all of Superman's intelligence and ambition without his compassion or moral compass. Their conflict symbolizes the struggle between selfless heroism and selfish ambition. Luthor's greatest tragedy is that with his genius, he could be humanity's greatest benefactor if he weren't obsessed with destroying Superman.