Lex Luthor: Man of Steel 1

A humanitarian and philanthropist, or a cold blooded maniac with designs on human cleansing? That is the question I found myself asking about Luthor in this new book, even though I obviously already know the answer. The story by Azzarello is enthralling. It develops in just a few pages a Lex Luthor who is so complex that the reader is unable to determine whether his intentions, personality, and practices are present due to good, evil, or indifference; but (this must be in the same sentence) it could also be a perverted combination of good intentions and the willingness to do evil, or bad intentions aimed at Supes with genuine non-evil intent towards mankind, or indifference toward mankind combined with a polluted since of destiny which involves the destruction of the world’s savior for an imagined benefit for all of humanity. I personally believe that it is a combination of the latter and indifference.

It must be said that Luthor is not an uncaring person, but much to the contrary. He is a man that values hard work and honesty. Honesty may not be his strong suit, yet he prizes men and women who exhibit this character.

The point upon which this whole book seems to hinge is the idea that Superman is a Superalien. He is not a man, and yet he is prized as the highest of men by the people of the planet. While the common man sees him as the greatest among them, a hero and even the ultimate example of morality, sacrifice, and goodness, to Luthor he is a threat. Why? Because he represents what man can never become. Luthor sees Superman as the embodiment of perfection which, by its very existence, kills the American dream of rising to the top – no one can rise to the heights of Superman, and therefore (in Luthor’s mind) this spells out the destruction of the foundation of the individual American’s aspirations, dreams, and ambition.

Because of these feelings, it seems that Luthor is once again out to destroy mankind. Written by Azzarello, and drawn in painter style excellence by Lee Bermejo, this book is an excellent tribute to one of DC’s most complex villains. I recommend this book to all lovers of Supes, but especially to those who love Azzarello’s writing. Hopefully this book will maintain a since of structure, which I personally find lacking in Az’s current stint on Superman. If not, it is still sure to be fun, but more than entertaining, I feel it is going to cause massive interest as our author delves into the vastly complex mind, heart and soul of Lex Luthor.