The DC Animated Universe is a masterpiece in comic book adaptation material, as it looks into heavy themes not generally found in the genre. This includes shows like Superman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited, with Lex Luthor being one of the overarching villains.
Voiced by Clancy Brown, this version of Lex went on to become the leader of the Legion of Doom after earlier partnerships with The Joker and his own attempts to take down Superman and the Justice League. Arguably the best version of Luthor, his quotes are the best way to appreciate the villainy that Lex brought to the series for over a decade.
When Lex Mocks AMAZO’s Naivete
“When I See Your Fear, Your Uncertainty, I Just Pity You.”
Lex manipulated AMAZO after his creation to make him commit his evil deeds, and the latter later returned to Earth for revenge. Lex had a rare wholesome moment with AMAZO, however, when Lex managed to convince him to find his purpose rather than vengeance.
Lex’s villainy came out not long later, though, as he then turned around and threw AMAZO’s naivete right in his face, claiming his confusion was stupid and that he considered AMAZO to be pathetic. It went to show that Lex lost interest in anything that had a hint of good in it, as he found AMAZO to be weak when he developed some humanity.
When Lex Burns Goldface’s Face To Intimidate Others
“You Better Stop Me Now While You Still Have A Chance. But You’d Also Better Remember What Happened To Poor Goldface.”
Live-action fans nearly saw the Legion of Doom in Zack Snyder’s Justice League sequel’s planned story, but they can still catch them in Justice League Unlimited. This quote came about when the Legion of Doom was undergoing a mutiny against Luthor instigated by Goldface because he was running them astray.
Luthor anticipated this and viciously burned Goldface’s face through a hidden weakness he’d figured out. Luthor then boasted that he was much more intelligent than them all, ergo he was the most powerful. The entire room filled with villains had no choice but to pledge their loyalty or be violently disposed of, just like Goldface.
When Lex Chooses To Be Evil With His Power
“The People, This Is All Their Fault. And They’re Going To Burn For It. Burn!”
Fans are well aware of the rivalry between Lex Luthor and Superman, which went into overdrive during the Justice Lords arc in Justice League. In the alternate universe, Lex became the president and publicly executed The Flash, leading to a climactic confrontation with Superman.
Lex threatened to destroy the entire country through a switch he had in his position, where he maddeningly claimed that everything was the fault of the people themselves. At this point, Superman realized that Lex was beyond redemption and incinerated him. However, Lex had the last laugh from beyond the grave because this event turned Superman into a villain.
When Lex Plans To Destroy The Universe With Brainiac
“We’ll Remake The Universe!”
Lex learned that the source of his sudden strength was Brainiac, who had installed a chip inside of him and taken over. Lex ultimately came to welcome this, as he saw that he could live forever if he and Brainiac were truly one, which the latter complied with to become a new entity.
Lex then agreed with Brainiac’s plans to destroy the entire universe, claiming that it would complete their purpose. Lex then convinced Brainiac to beyond that, arguing that they could make a new universe from all the destruction, essentially becoming a new God to rule over everything.
When Lex Makes His Cronies Do His Bidding
“Would Anyone Else Care To Try Me?”
While live-action fans argue between their choice between Lex Luthor played by Jon Cryer or Jesse Eisenberg, the DCAU version also has a case to be considered the best. In Justice League Unlimited, Lex’s mind was briefly swapped with The Flash and the Legion of Doom didn’t believe him when he was returned to his body.
Lex wasted no time in getting them back under his thumb, as he used Dr. Polaris’ own powers against him, claiming he knew how to override each of the faction’s abilities. This quote was a rhetorical question since the main point was to threaten his underlings to fall in line without question.
When Lex Plans On Pretending To Be A Hero
“Imagine How Sweet It Will Be When I Save The World From The Menace Of The Justice League.”
Lex managed to turn the public opinion against Superman in Justice League Unlimited, pretending to be on the path to redemption. Batman finally found evidence to implicate Lex for his plans to cause mayhem and pin the blame on the Justice League, which is when Lex made his confession.
He claimed that the people already believed in him and he wasn’t phased by Batman’s interference. Lex gleefully considered the prospect of the Justice League being branded as a menace and an honor in his name for removing their supposed threat. All of it was for no reason other than his twisted pleasure at winning.
When Lex Plans On Dissecting Superman’s Body
“Superman, My Biotech People Will Spend Years Studying Your Carcass.”
Lex’s antagonism of the Man of Steel was present from the beginning of Superman: The Animated Series itself, where he managed to capture his foe on a few occasions. In this instance, Lex was convinced that he had Superman down for the count and revealed his intentions.
Lex told Superman that his endgame was to dissect Superman’s body to learn how his physiology worked, sadistically promising that his carcass would be in use for several years. Lex then quipped that the entire endeavor would be most profitable for him, sidestepping the fact that he was going to kill someone.
When Lex Betrays Superman’s Kindness
“The Basic Rule Of Business: Turn Every Weakness Into A Strength.”
Superman is the ultimate nice guy, in that he will overlook all that’s been done wrong to him even if it’s Lex in question. In Justice League, Lex learned he had developed cancer from the Kryptonite he constantly used against Superman, then went on to blame Superman, despite it all being his own fault.
Lex then threw Superman’s kindness in his face, turning on Superman when he offered his help to attack him alongside the Injustice Gang. Lex gloated that he’d used this as a way to one-up Superman, meaning even developing cancer didn’t change his villainy.
When Lex Sarcastically Claims He Won’t Get His Hands Dirty
“Mercy Is Going To Kill You. I Abhor Violence.”
Although they weren’t romantic, fans like to think of Lex and Mercy Graves as one of DCAU’s best relationships. He made use of her as his bodyguard against The Joker and Harley Quinn when the two failed him time and again.
Always one to quip through his dry wit, Lex promised he wasn’t going to kill the pair because he abhorred violence, but Mercy had no such qualms. The fact that this unsettled people as deranged as The Joker and Harley showed that Lex’s villainous edge was a class of its own.
When Lex’s Pursuit Of Power Is Uncontrollable
“Do You Know How Much Power I’d Have To Give Up To Be President?”
The Question deduced Lex’s intentions during his presidential run in Justice League Unlimited and attempted to assassinate him to prevent a Justice Lords scenario in this universe. Luthor, who had developed powers through Brainiac, scoffed at The Question and battered him, revealing what was really going on.
Lex gloated that his entire campaign was a farce and he only did it to annoy Superman. Lex had no plans on actually becoming president because he had even bigger aspirations to seize power. The words were chilling in the context that Lex’s evil plans now included going beyond the world.
