They may be lifelong enemies, but even Superman knows that Lex Luthor has a much better thematic opposite in another hero. Before departing the Earth, the Man of Steel told one ally why they’d make the perfect nemesis for Clark’s most notable rogue.
For nearly the entire history of Superman, Lex Luthor has been there to torment the hero. Despite being one of the DC Universe’s most brilliant scientists, Lex has focused his mind like a laser on Superman in the name of defeating him. Lex’s intense obsession with Clark Kent’s alter ego has helped make him Superman’s nemesis and while Luthor would have the world believe he’s trying to keep the world safe, the truth is far from it. Ultimately, Lex’s beef is a personal one, and whether its rooted in fear or feelings of inferiority doesn’t matter. The villain continuously challenges Superman because something at Lex’s core is just bothered by Superman.
But that doesn’t mean that there’s not a better and more fulfilling antagonist out there for Lex; one that’s more suited to his particular skillset. In Superman #686 by James Robinson and Renato Guedes, the Man of Steel has officially departed Earth to live on New Krypton with his people. As the people of Metropolis get used to the new status quo of an absent Superman, a new hero has taken his place: Daxamite and future Legion of Super-Heroes member, Mon-El. With Mon-El still learning the ropes, flashbacks show the people Clark entrusted to guide the young hero. Clark speaks to his old friend John Henry Irons, and convinces him to return to his Steel persona while Superman is off-Earth. But Clark does mention that John serves well as a scientific benefactor for Metropolis, going so far as to call him the “anti-Luthor.”
As Steel, John Henry Irons proved he was more than capable of keeping Metropolis safe in Superman’s absence. But Clark raises a good point about Irons’ scientific achievements. Unlike Lex Luthor, John has used his mind and inventions for the betterment of Metropolis, both as a hero and a member of the community. Calling Steel the “anti-Luthor” isn’t just a compliment, it makes the case that Lex has a much better diametric opposite in John than Clark.
Luthor may have a history with Superman, but there’s very little that he shares with his nemesis. Steel, on the other hand, is the perfect ‘reverse’ Lex Luthor. Both men are geniuses based in Metropolis and they each have fashioned their own suits of armor to fight power enemies. But what makes them truly great opposites is how they’ve used their gifts. Despite Luthor saying his brilliance could save the world, his preoccupation with destroying Superman prevents him from doing so. Meanwhile, Steel works side-by-side with Superman and recognizes the value the hero has. Irons’ more optimistic outlook allows him to do the good Luthor simply isn’t capable of.
Lex Luthor may be Superman’s de facto archenemy, but he’d be better served as an antagonist for Steel.
