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Lex Luthor
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Creation & Design

Lex Luthor was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster as Superman's arch-nemesis, representing the ultimate human intellect and ambition.

Early Years

Initially depicted as a mad scientist, Luthor's character evolved into a corporate mogul and a complex villain with a personal vendetta against Superman.

Character Development

Over the decades, Lex Luthor has evolved from a simple villain to a complex character with nuanced motivations, often portrayed as a tragic figure whose intelligence and ambition lead to his downfall.

Cultural Reception

Lex Luthor is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book villains of all time, praised for his depth and complexity.

Character Details

Real Name:
Alexander Joseph Luthor
First Appearance:
Action Comics #23
Aliases:
Luthor, Lex
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Injustice League, Legion of Doom, Justice League
Abilities:
Genius-level intellect, Master strategist, Expert in technology and engineering
Equipment:
Power armor, Various technological devices
Weight:
210lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
green
Hair Color:
bald

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Action Comics #23
DC ⋅ 1940
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Action Comics #23
 
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$35k

Key Facts

1st appearance of Lex Luthor, depicted with red hair

1st appearance of Black Pirate

First mention of The Daily Planet

[November 2023 - Nicholas Hoult has been cast as Lex Luthor in Superman Legacy]

Superman #4
DC ⋅ 1940
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Superman #4
 
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$750
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Key Facts

2nd appearance of Lex Luthor

Superman #5
DC ⋅ 1940
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Superman #5
 
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$610
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Key Facts

Lex Luthor appears with grey hair

Superman #10
DC ⋅ 1941
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Superman #10
 
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$700
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$7k

Key Facts

Lex Luthor appears as a bald-headed man for the first time in standard comic books

Superman #12
DC ⋅ 1941
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Superman #12
 
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Key Facts

Early Lex Luthor appearance

Action Comics #47
DC ⋅ 1942
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Action Comics #47
 
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Key Facts

1st cover appearance of Lex Luthor

Action Comics #151
DC ⋅ 1950
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Action Comics #151
 
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Key Facts

Early Golden Age super-villain team-up featuring Lex Luthor, the Prankster and Mr. Mxyztplk

Superman #68
DC ⋅ 1951
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Superman #68
 
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Key Facts

1st cover appearance of Lex Luthor in the Superman title

World's Finest Comics #88
DC ⋅ 1957
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World's Finest Comics #88
 
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$80
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$200
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$800

Key Facts

Team-up of Joker and Lex Luthor

Adventure Comics #271
DC ⋅ 1960
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Adventure Comics #271
 
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$35
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$380

Key Facts

Origin of Lex Luthor retold

Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #23
DC ⋅ 1961
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Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #23
 
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$12
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$35
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$190

Key Facts

1st appearance of Lena Luthor, Lex Luthor's sister

1st appearance of Jules Luthor, Lex's father

1st appearance of Arlene Luthor, Lex's mother

Adventure Comics #293
DC ⋅ 1962
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Adventure Comics #293
 
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$35
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$385

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1st team appearance of The Legion of Super-Pets: Beppo the Super-Monkey, Comet the Super-Horse (1st), Krypto the Super-Dog and Streaky the Super-Cat

2nd appearance of General Zod

1st appearance of Bizarro Lex Luthor

Action Comics #544
DC ⋅ 1983
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Action Comics #544
 
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$10

Key Facts

Introduction of Lex Luthor's Warsuit

Superman #131
DC ⋅ 1998
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Superman #131
 
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Birth of Lena Luthor

Action Comics #773
Non-Key
DC ⋅ 2001
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Action Comics #773
 
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$0

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Non-Key Issue. No additional information is available.

Action Comics #894
Variant ⋅ DC ⋅ 2010
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Action Comics #894
 
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$65

Key Facts

Variant cover art by P. Craig Russell

Justice League #33
DC ⋅ 2014
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Justice League #33
 
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Key Facts

Lex Luthor joins the Justice League

Justice League #35
DC ⋅ 2014
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Justice League #35
 
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Key Facts

Amazo Virus storyline begins and runs through issue #39

A bizarre disease has been unleashed, America has been quarantined and the whole world is at a stand still

Reintroduction of Lex Luthor's sister, Lena Luthor

Justice League #25
DC ⋅ 2019
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Justice League #25
 
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Key Facts

1st cameo appearance of Lex Luthor as an Apex Predator

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