Comic of the Week: “Superman: Lex Luthor Special”

Welcome back to G33k-HQ’s Comic of the Week, where each week (give or take) we take a look at one standout comic that you can find in stores today. This week, we’re looking at “Superman: Lex Luthor Special,” written by Joshua Williamson, illustrated by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira, and colored by Adriano Lucas.

Lex Luthor, Superman’s iconic archenemy, hasn’t exactly been himself lately. By that, I mean he lost his memories and is realizing that the person he once was, someone he has no recollection of ever being, was something of an awful person.

So what happens when the Justice League needs his mind?

That’s the question Joshua Williamson asks in this special issue, which explores Lex’s past, his current state, and whether any good could come from the old Lex returning.

Story-wise, the plot of “Superman: Lex Luthor Special” is pretty straightforward… as far as comic stories go. Lena (Lex’s daughter) and Mercy have been trying to find ways to restore Lex Luthor’s memory, but he’s not sure if he even wants to remember, given everything he heard about his past self. But when Mr. Terrific encounters a problem that requires a mind that’s as dark and genius as Lex Luthor, Lex and Superman have to decide if any good can come from bringing the old Lex back.

What makes the comic work well narratively comes in two parts. First, there’s the ethical question around Lex himself – is it right to restore his memories given the harm Lex Luthor has done? Is it better for Lex to continue on as he is now, freed of his past self, or does the world need Lex Luthor?

Secondly, there’s the flashbacks that intersperse the story, giving us glimpses Lex’s childhood under his abusive drunk of a father, Lionel Luthor. It shows us that he was still brilliant as a child, and even had a love for music, but his intelligence just made his father hate him more. It’s a humanizing element for the character.

Music itself plays an important role in the comic, being used in the present to try and stir his memories, as a driving force in the flashbacks, and as another element connecting the history of Lex Luthor and Superman. In the end, it’s music that tells us (and Superman) how things have worked out for Lex.

Then we have the artwork, featuring illustrations by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira, along with colors by Adriano Lucas. The ar is excellent throughout the comic, whether we’re getting the detailed, heroic action scenes of the Justice League at work or the black and white shades of the flashbacks.

In the scenes in the present, the artwork brings the characters to life with strong expressions and designs that make good use of shading to add depth and volume to the characters. It’s especially strong when we see Superman enter the scene, whether the panel has us looking up at him illuminated by the sun as he flies down over a crowd or shows us him in action with the Justice League, flying through a two-page spread as he tosses villains about.

But this is a Lex Luthor comic, and Lex himself gets plenty of focus from the artwork, including a full page showing highlights of his criminal and political career (I say acknowledging that those two terms are pretty much synonymous at this point). When we contrast that with the current Lex – his beard grown out and the creases of his face making his emotions clear, it shows us just how different these two versions are.

The flashback scenes also make excellent use of the black and white style, creating a major contrast between the shadows and light. The illustrations capture young Lex’s pain and sorrow, as well as the utter contempt on Lionel’s face, and create detailed scenes of the Smallville night that wonderfully capture the emotion of the moment.

It’s rare for changes to stick in comics, especially for iconic characters. While Lex’s amnesia was never going to be permanent, “Superman: Lex Luthor Special” gives us a look into Lex’s life and current self (a visually stunning look at that) before moving on to the next chapter in the “Superman” comics.