Lex Luthor: Man of Steel

 Issue #1

This is probably my favorite depiction of Lex because he's allowed to be genuine. I can get down with his hatred of Superman clearly being due to his insecurity, but him truly believing that Superman is a problem is just more compelling to me. And his ego is still present, immediately presenting his tower as a beacon that shines brighter over "his" Metropolis. Interesting to see the KGB members being referred to as bad men, but good guys. The good guys part is more focused on as a reason for their deaths. It's a strange view, but also similar to one that Lex has towards Superman. It's beautiful storytelling on how evil Superman can be depicted while doing nothing that is actually evil. Very great that he has no voice at all, Lex is quite literally speaking for Superman in their conversation. One issue and there's already so much detail given to his character.

Issue #2

"Better under the sleeve than on it." Summarizes a lot of who  Lex is and his decision making. Lex not giving Mona enough attention and directing that attention to a being of his own creation is just so self-serving. Seeing Lex share the same view (in more ways than one) as Superman but again putting words in his mouth by wondering if Superman just looks down on the city is such a great moment. Lex truly cannot wrap his head around Superman being able to relate to humanity.

Issue #3

Lex's obsession with humanity and wanting to raise humanity up is what I love about this Lex, because you can see how, in both abilities and nature, he could and should be a hero. But his perspective of humanity is also a limiting factor, where he refuses to give Superman any amount of grace. His reasoning here does make sense, though. Superman is so far above humanity in terms of ability and is unchecked just because of some blind belief in him. Even so, Lex has a blind disbelief in Superman, where he might question if Superman could see the same things a human does, but never holds those questions. Wow, I'm just really realizing the look in his computer's reflection before Bruce turns it on and goes into millionaire playboy mode. Cool visual storytelling. Also funny how Lex talks about Bruce's animal magnetism and wanting to fill his hole. Like, okay, man.

Issue #4

Love that Hope is doing the same lifting of a car as Superman did in issue 1, but it is framed completely differently, this time in a positive light. Having Lex be religious, which has been showcased throughout the book, is such a great choice for the character. It lines up with hope being his most important (direct) character trait and how much of a dreamer he is. Lex viewing himself as a hero selling out is also very telling, especially after he did what might be the most evil thing he's done in his history. Making sure to tie up some loose ends too. Him embracing Hope, who I would argue, is far removed from humanity is another point of contradiction within the character. Wanting what's best for humanity, but also killing tens of them. Rejecting the advances of a human woman to love "something more." I love that you can't take Lex's words or even his internal thoughts and true beliefs at face value. 

Issue #5

Lex's treatment of Mona is nothing short of brutal. It's brutal watching him take so much from the rest of humanity just for the potential of removing Superman. And it's brutal that I think you can honestly say that the evil actions Lex does here are, in a way, selfless. With his worldview, the turning of the people against society is worth more for the world than his individualistic love of people. It does have to be mentioned that even in the traditional sense, Lex has big moments of selfishly, with him kicking a kid out of school to put his janitor's kid there. I wish we got a little more time with Lex stewing with his decisions and truly feeling the weight of them, though I get that's a main part of having it be the ending. "I am a man. I hope." Perfect quote and perfect way to shut the book. Lex showcases the inherent quality humanity has to hope, but with the things he's done, he can only hope he's still human.