Lex Luthor
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
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
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Lex Luthor, depicted with red hair
1st appearance of Black Pirate, an adventurer who later appeared as a ghost in present day stories
First mention of The Daily Planet
Key Facts
1st appearance of Lex Luthor, depicted with red hair
1st appearance of Black Pirate, an adventurer who later appeared as a ghost in present day stories
First mention of The Daily Planet
Superman #4
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Lex Luthor
Superman #5
DC
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Lex Luthor appears with grey hair
Debut of Superman's photographic memory
First mention of Superman's suit being indestructible
Key Facts
Lex Luthor appears with grey hair
Debut of Superman's photographic memory
First mention of Superman's suit being indestructible
Superman #10
DC
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Lex Luthor appears as a bald-headed man for the first time in standard comic books
Key Facts
Lex Luthor appears as a bald-headed man for the first time in standard comic books
Superman #12
DC
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
Non-Key
Action Comics #47
DC
•
1942
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st cover appearance of Lex Luthor
Action Comics #151
DC
•
1950
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Early Golden Age super-villain team-up featuring Lex Luthor, the Prankster and Mr. Mxyztplk
Key Facts
Early Golden Age super-villain team-up featuring Lex Luthor, the Prankster and Mr. Mxyztplk
Superman #68
DC
•
1951
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st cover appearance of Lex Luthor in the Superman title
Key Facts
1st cover appearance of Lex Luthor in the Superman title
World's Finest Comics #88
DC
•
1957
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Team-up of Joker and Lex Luthor
Adventure Comics #271
DC
•
1960
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Origin of Lex Luthor retold
Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #23
DC
•
1961
•
Vol. 1
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
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
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
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
Key Facts
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
Superman #167
DC
•
1964
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Vril Dox II, a clone of Braniac
1st appearance of Tharla, the future wife of Lex Luthor
Origin of Braniac
First team-up of Lex Luthor and Brainiac
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Vril Dox II, a clone of Braniac
1st appearance of Tharla, the future wife of Lex Luthor
Origin of Braniac
First team-up of Lex Luthor and Brainiac
Action Comics #544
DC
•
1983
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Introduction of Lex Luthor's Warsuit
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #1
DC
•
1995
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Contessa Erica Alexandra Del Portenza, an immortal and the mother of Lena Luthor
[September 2025 - trending after a sequel to the Superman movie was announced with the subtitle Man of Tomorrow]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Contessa Erica Alexandra Del Portenza, an immortal and the mother of Lena Luthor
[September 2025 - trending after a sequel to the Superman movie was announced with the subtitle Man of Tomorrow]
Superman #131
DC
•
1998
•
Vol. 2
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Lena Luthor, the daughter of Lex Luthor and Erica Alexandra del Portenza
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Lena Luthor, the daughter of Lex Luthor and Erica Alexandra del Portenza
Action Comics #773
DC
•
2001
•
Vol. 1
Non-Key
Key Facts
Variant cover art by P. Craig Russell
Justice League #33
DC
•
2014
•
Vol. 2
Key Facts
Lex Luthor joins the Justice League
Justice League #25
DC
•
2019
•
Vol. 4
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Lex Luthor as an Apex Predator
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