Lex Luthor: Forever Grey

The name Lex Luthor has been synonymous with traditional characterizations of the rich, powerful, and evil men of the world. To fans of Superman in particular, Lex Luthor is the quintessential villain. The opposite of the Big Blue Boyscout in everyway, and ergo a villain to the core. However, since 2013, the minds at DC Comics have done what I can only call a masterful job at painting Lex Luthor with a broader brush than ever before. Lex Luthor may not be the hero that Superman is, but to call Lex Luthor a villain as of late is...surprisingly inaccurate.

Lex Luthor leads the charge to save Earth! Forever Evil #1

In 2013 The Crime Syndicate of Earth-3 invaded Prime Earth, defeated the Justice Leagues, and took control via their army of villains known as The Secret Society of Super Villains. In an unprecedented move, it was Lex Luthor who gathered a group of villains with their own agendas, alongside Batman and Catwoman, to challenge the Syndicate. Lex Luthor saved the world.

A man who, hours ago (or days? Time is weird in comics,) left Ted Kord to die and sacrificed one of his own security guards to test his Superman clone. A man who cried at the death of the aforementioned clone at the hands of Ultraman. Lex Luthor not only saved Earth, but personally saved the life of Superman and went on to join The Justice League--even giving the team a new HQ.

Justice League #30

Many laughed at the idea of Lex truly taking on the role of hero. Most saw this as Lex playing a long game, with some devious plan in mind to further his goals of world domination and global adulation. Yet, four years later and the only thing Luthor has changed is his armor, now wearing a design inspired by a man many consider his antithesis: Superman and claiming to be the newest inheritor of the mantle. However, even Super Lex is still Lex Luthor.

Despite his more heroic leanings, Lex is still a wheeler and dealer of the highest sorts. Recent run-ins with Kong Kenan, Amanda Waller, and Oliver Queen are indicative that Lex has his own view of right and wrong and isn't above stepping down into the muck when necessary. Even as a hero, his rivalry with Superman is quite evident and mutual and there may yet be valid reason for this. Especially considering Lex Luthor has twice been slated to replace Darkseid!

What does the future hold for Lex Luthor? Justice League #45 & #50

Whether as a new God or a staunch member of the Superman Family, the recent evolution of Lex Luthor has been enjoyable to see. For myself, I like this take on "Superman/Lex Luthor." Lex is reminiscent of post-Flashpoint Superman in his recklessness, but his outwardly good intentions and of course adds depth to his interactions with other characters, particularly other characters within the Superman mythos.

At this point it is difficult to say whether Lex will stay on the curved and narrow. His previous justifications for doing good have been motivated by his ego--a powerful motivator for a powerful man. However, maybe his time around heroes can have the lasting impact that keeps Luthor on the right side of the law.

Lex puts it perfectly. Green Arrow #28

I will continue reading, and look forward to seeing what journey Lex is truly on. Whether it be the Hero's Journey or the Villain's Quest. Regardless, I imagine the payoff will be more than worth it and whichever path creators choose to take Lex Luthor, he has already benefited greatly and will likely continue to do so for years to come. Creators now have much to work with on the ever expanding psyche of one of DCs' most iconic figures, and that is worth it's weight in gold to any fan.