Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor

DC has the most iconic superheroes, because nobody has greater symbolic resonance than Superman—not even Batman. Yet, DC’s super-villains are even more iconic than Marvel's. Two people won Oscars for portraying the Joker, Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix. Frankly, it should have been three—Jack Nicholson was robbed. Lex Luthor is up there too. Generally speaking, Gene Hackman was not a science fiction or comic book kind of guy, but all his obits prominently mentioned his portrayal of Luthor. Alas, all good super-villainy must come to an end, apparently even for Luthor. His death appears imminent unless his virtuous nemesis finds a way to save him in Mark Waid’s Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor, illustrated by Bryan Hitch, which is now on-sale.

This Superman story is probably better than the new movie and it is certainly more daring. Yet, it addresses some of the same themes. The bald baddie’s latest mecha-suited afront to decency was really just a ruse. His true purpose was to extort Superman’s assistance in seeking a cure for his terminal condition—naturally the result of his latest round of reckless Kryptonite experiments.

Superman believes if he refuses any request for help, even from pond-scum like Luthor, he will slowly lose Earth’s trust—not immediately, but over time. At this point, only Lois Lane gets that. Regardless, off Superman goes, whisking Luthor to the Fortress of Solitude, Atlantis, Paradise Island, and the Legion of Superheroes in the 31^st Century, in search of a cure for the rare disease eating away at his sworn enemy. Of course, he still suspects this is all just a trap, which it is—but its not Luthor’s.

Last Days is a refreshingly smart and different Superman story that would make a terrific noncanonical DC Animated film, much in the tradition of All-Star Superman. Frankly, it is unclear why it was published by DC’s Black Label imprint, which generally handles more “mature” stories. There is nothing R-rated, or even PG-13, about Waid’s story. Perhaps some of the ironic plot turns might overwhelm young readers. However, longtime fans will find Last Days richly satisfying. Arguably, it could potentially represent the perfect “end” to several of the characters’ stories.

Hitch’s art is also cleanly executed, colorful, and energetic. It is particularly well-served by the over-sized trim, which again feels very un-Black Label-like (not that it really matters). In some ways, older fans will feel like kids again reading it, but they will also appreciate the wistful, humanist vibe. Enthusiastically recommended as one of the true highlights of the “Summer of Superman,” Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor is now on-sale at book and comic retailers.