Superman: Lex Luthor Special #1
Scheduled to arrive in stores: January 29, 2025
Cover date: March 2025
“The Sound of Super”
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira
Cover: Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira & Adriano Lucas
Variant Cover: Gleb Melnikov
Reviewed by: Adam Dechanel
Lena gifts her father a piano. Her research has shown that music can help restore memory and Lex has been struggling with his memory loss. Not because of restoration, after all that happened with the House of Brainiac he is fearful of what he became and whether he wants to go back… especially as he has a burgeoning relationship with Mercy. He hasn’t told anyone but he has had some memory flashes recently and when urged to play the piano he feigns its failure.
Across Metropolis the Justice League are dealing with the aftermath of Darkseid’s recent actions (in DC All-In Special). A hidden world or piece of reality has been hidden from our universe and Mr. Terrific can’t find a way to access it. He asks Superman if, given his vast scientific knowledge, whether Lex Luthor could help unlock the mystery?
During a date with Mercy in Centennial Park, more flashes of memory come to Lex. His visions are filled with memories of Leticia and Lionel Luthor and how his incredible intelligence, even at a young age, was a source of darkness. The vision is cut short as civilian victims of his past misdeeds confront him questioning how he can be a free man. Despite his assurances that he’s no longer that Lex, they have a tough time believing him and it takes Superman’s arrival to make them step back.
Superman asks Lex about his memory and passes on Mr. Terrific’s plea for help. This triggers a memory, as a child he created a device that is exactly what the League needs. However, the good it could do was eclipsed by it causing the collapse of his family. As Lionel viewed his son as evil abhorrence. Lex remains silent and Superman leaves apologising for pressuring him.
Later that evening Luthor, seated at his piano, remembers activating his machine as a child and we are shown that it is tied to Superman’s beginnings.
As Superman and Superwoman are on a night patrol they get a thank you call from Mr. Terrific. Lex came through with the blueprints for the device and a terrified Superman realizes Lex Luthor’s memory has returned and fears what this means for the future.
The Be Continued…
Story – 5: I’m trusting the process, but I must admit I was enjoying the storyline of a good Lex, or even a morally ambiguous one. Although this is a very well told story, I feel like it’s too soon. It will be interesting to see if all the good in him is gone or whether revisiting his past and his recent experiences mean there are more developments to come.
It was really interesting to see the flashbacks. Leticia seemed kind, nurturing and positive. A far cry from her recent actions as the leader of the Superman Revenge Squad. I hope we’ll see more of what made her go down that path.
Equally, Lionel’s reactions to Lex seemed to be a massive deciding factor in Lex’s actions. We haven’t really seen much of Lionel before so this new aspect of the character gives even more expansion to Lex’s character.
A really good issue, with many revelations and promising stories to come from it.Art – 5: Eddy Barrows has always been a fan favorite on Superman, it was really interesting to see that art deal with an issue that was drama focused, but I think Barrows and Ferriera did an excellent job delivering the gravitas of the story.
Cover Art – 4: A taste of things yet to come? Classic Lex, Supercorp destroyed and Mercy back at her boss’ side. It’s a very dark glimpse into a possible future. I think perhaps Superman clashes a bit with the dark palette of Luthor’s silhouette.Variant Cover – 4: I really like the vibe of this cover. I don’t think it needs the red linework but Lex looks confidently menacing nonetheless. I like the uplit hue of green, it definitely adds to Lex’s threat.
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