Lex Luthor: Man of Steel

This exploration of Superman’s arch–foe offers a perspective that readers might not easily square with the criminal mastermind familiar to them. The Luthor to whom readers are introduced early in the issue is a billionaire businessman who, nonetheless, tries to connect personally with a janitor—even taking action to get the employee’s son into an exclusive school (though with Luthor it’s always wise to presume an ulterior motive). By the end of the issue, however, there emerges a more familiar portrait of Luthor, as he contemplates his longtime adversary, whom he sees as a threat to human achievement. Writer Brian Azzarello also contributes an intriguing supporting character in Luthor’s aide de camp, Mona.

Lee Bermejo’s textured rendering—ably enhanced by Dave Stewart’s colors—solidly complements Azzarello’s story, powerfully visualizing Luthor’s perspective, in particular presenting imagery of Superman that reflects his arch–foe’s point of view. However, the “red eyes” visual on The Man of Steel tends to be overused, and it isn’t a likely tactic for Superman (who, in general, tries to instill trust) to use on Luthor, who wouldn’t be intimidated by it, anyway.

— George Nelson

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#1

May 2005

Cover: $2.99

W: Brian Azzarello · A: Lee Bermejo

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#2

Jun 2005

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W: Brian Azzarello · A: Lee Bermejo

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#3

Jul 2005

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W: Brian Azzarello · A: Lee Bermejo

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#4

Aug 2005

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W: Brian Azzarello · A: Lee Bermejo

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#5

Sep 2005

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W: Brian Azzarello · A: Lee Bermejo

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Book #1

Includes 5-page cover gallery

Jan 2006

Cover: $12.99

W: Brian Azzarello · A: Lee Bermejo

Reprints Lex Luthor: Man of Steel #1-5; Indicia reads title as Lex Luthor: Man of Steel

2 copies from $3.75