The Definitive Lex Luthor Speech

[espanolbot]

Although there have been numerous versions of Lex, from the entertaining Anti-Reed Richards from Paul Cornell's Action Comics storyline to John Byrne's shady 80s corporate suit, I think that Brian Azzarello's version of Lex from his story Lex Luthor: Man of Steel is probably one of the best, in comicbook form at least.

Few seem to get the balance of blind egomania and self-righteousness right, and this speech (from the end of the story after Lex's scheme to discredit Superman appears to have at least partially succeeded) seems to show it.






The funny thing is, that if this is in the same universe as Superman: Birthright, Superman isn't being metaphorical, in that universe he CAN actually see what can be considered to be souls... or at least bioelectrical fields that can be construde as the same things.

Comments

[captainbellman]

To me, the definitive Luthor/Superman confrontation will always be a toss-up between the finale of that classic series arc where he briefly went good, teamed up with Superman and married a beautiful compassionate bald woman, or his cry during the tumultuous battle of All-Star Superman #12: "IF I DIE -- YOU DIE -- FIRST!!!"

[grazzt]

Superman: TAS had a similar exchange:

(Lex Luthor sees Superman hovering outside his bay window, silently staring at him.)

Lex Luthor: I'm afraid we already have a window washer....Oh, the silent treatment, eh? Well, I don't know what you thought you heard out there, but I know what you can prove, and it's nothing. You see, uh... Super-man... I own Metropolis. My technology built it, my will keeps it going, and nearly two-thirds of its people work for me whether they know it or not. Even you have to admit, it's a model of efficiency. And yet, I've often thought... why limit myself to just one city? A being with your abilities could be very useful to me on a, shall we say, global scale? Why don't you float on in and we'll discuss it?....SAY SOMETHING!

I like that one better. There's less self-righteousness, just the simple notion that everyone has a price, and Luthor's rage at finally encountering someone who can't be bought.

[big_daddy_d]

ex Luthor: I'm afraid we already have a window washer....Oh, the silent treatment, eh? Well, I don't know what you thought you heard out there, but I know what you can prove, and it's nothing. You see, uh... Super-man... I own Metropolis. My technology built it, my will keeps it going, and nearly two-thirds of its people work for me whether they know it or not. Even you have to admit, it's a model of efficiency. And yet, I've often thought... why limit myself to just one city? A being with your abilities could be very useful to me on a, shall we say, global scale? Why don't you float on in and we'll discuss it?....SAY SOMETHING!

I LOOOOOOOVE this moment! One of my favorites. It is honestly something I want to see recreated in the Man of Steel sequel.

[thatnickguy]

Wow, Luthor's power of hope completely removed Superman's lower half in that last page.

[zapbiffpow]

Yeah, his pelvis and groin's probably still at the LexCorp tower, thrusting itself at Luthor.

Uh, thrusting itself at Luthor reproachfully.

[shadowpsykie]

oh god.... i had a HORRIBLE idea for a slash fic.....

[doodleboy]

Probably not the definitive Lex and Superman moment but I always liked his confrontation during Cornell's Action Comics run.

Peace and eternal happiness throughout the universe and all Luthor has to do is not attack Superman.

And Luthor fails.

Phantom Zone Empowered Luthor

[blue_bolt]

As far as I'm concerned, PZ Luthor is still canon. He fell into a hole in reality after all, maybe he ended up falling into the nu52.

[starwolf_oakley]

If I understand this story correctly, Lex blew up a day care center and framed the Toyman for it, had Hope (his sexbot) drop Toyman from a great height, Superman saves the Toyman, and Hope blows up in an explosion.

Meaning Lex murdered a bunch of children to make Superman look bad saving Toyman and got away with it. Uh-huh.

[jaybee3]

Well remember Lex basically straight up caused the death of several of the would-be superheros in the Everyman project (many of whom were teens) back in 52 by removing their powers. With no lasting consequence to himself. Par for the course for him.

[althechi]

What? People talking about best Luthor portrayals and nobody brought up Superman: Red Son? I am disappoint.

Especially since it's one story where he puts his money where his mouth is and makes the world a utopia...and still considers sending Superman to his death as his greatest triumph.

[scelestus]

I always loved this image of Superman, seen from Lex's point of view. Talk about menacing!

[starwolf_oakley]

There's something to this. I vaguely remember that writers wanted "regular" people to be nervous around Superman; not because they were afraid of *him* but that they knew some disaster or super-villain might be nearby.