The following article contains spoilers for Superman #4, on sale now from DC Comics.
Superman's archenemy has always maintained he was Metropolis' protector, but in the new issue of Superman, Lex Luthor reveals he really was -- before the Man of Steel even established himself there.
According to Lex, he covertly fought crime in Metropolis while Clark Kent was still in high school. The revelation comes courtesy of a flashback sequence in Superman #4. The issue is written by Joshua Williamson, illustrated by Jamal Campbell and Nick Dragotta, colored by Campbell and Frank Martin, and lettered by Ariana Maher. Lex also reveals he made a couple of formidable enemies along the way.
Lex Luthor - Yesterday's Protector of Metropolis
Lex even adorns himself in a previously unseen costume featuring his trademark purple and green. The future business tycoon's first battle is against twisted scientist Dr. Pharm, and his brother/assistant Mr. Graft. Pharm and Graft have been abducting homeless persons off the streets of Metropolis to conduct their genetic experimentation. Lex comes across the pair while investigating the pattern of disappearances.
Lex also reveals he's faced Pharm and Graft many times, armed with his scientifically engineered weapons. The duo later went into hiding, but their multiple underground laboratories remained. Lex only reveals this chapter of his life upon Superman's insistence. While Lex sits in jail, Superman now finds he's the only one who can stop the enemies of his own former enemy -- and he needs all Lex's intel to do so.
Recently and reluctantly, Superman allied with Lex Luthor. Lex in turn gave the Man of Steel access to Lexcorp's -- now Supercorp's -- resources in the name of their newfound partnership. With Lex imprisoned, Superman agreed to the alliance in part to stop Pharm and Graft's latest move on Metropolis. Superman #4 also shows the villainous scientists have now experimented on Silver Banshee. The sonic-powered villain is now even deadlier. The pair had recently also exponentially expanded the powers of Parasite, who Superman narrowly defeated.
Superman's longtime foe has long fancied himself as the true hero of Metropolis. Most recently, Lex proclaimed himself as Superman, in fact, in 2016's Action Comics #957 by Dan Jurgens and Patrick Zircher. The mantle was short-lived, however. The true Superman sparred with Lex and later reminded Metropolis, and the world, who truly held the name.
Lex's rivalry with the Man of Steel has long been rooted in jealousy. Superman #4 potentially compounds that dynamic with the new revelation of Lex's past heroic activities. Superman, after all, has long been seen as the city's iconic hero, not Lex.
Superman #4 is on sale now from DC.
Source: DC