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Description
And you thought George W Bush was a bad president...?

Lex Luthor

Luthor spent some of his youth in Metropolis's Suicide Slum area. His parents died in a car crash when he was 13, shortly after Lex had taken out an insurance policy on them (Unauthorized Biography). The design of a sub-orbital aircraft dubbed the LexWing made Luthor famous as an engineer. His success gained him defense department contracts for his new company LexCorp. Originally a simple aerospace firm, Lex diversified his holdings and grew in power, fame, and wealth, making Metropolis his center of operations. Despite frequent criminal allegations, he managed to keep himself 'clean' in the eyes of the law.
Luthor had been married eight times and was pursuing Lois Lane (unsuccessfully) when Superman debuted. After staging a test for Superman, Luthor hoped to persuade Superman to assist him, but instead the Mayor deputized Superman and had Luthor arrested for reckless endangerment. Being arrested, even on a minor charge, enraged Luthor, and so began his campaign to destroy Superman, he vowed one day to see Superman dead (Man of Steel miniseries #4).

Luthor's early efforts included creating Bizarro, and trying to learn Superman's identity. When his agents decided Superman must be Clark Kent, Luthor chose to believe the analysis wrong, rather than believe someone with such superpowers would adopt such an identity. Lex obtained Kryptonite from Metallo, and used a piece to make a ring, which he wore to protect himself from Superman. It kept Superman at bay, but eventually the Kryptonite affected him as well, and he first lost his hand, and then became terminally ill from lengthy exposure to the Kryptonite radiation.

In a desperate attempt to survive, Luthor faked his death by testing one of his own experimental jets. During that flight, the world mourned as Lex Luthor apparently died in a fiery plane crash. Unknown to everyone save his small circle of conspirators, Luthor had his brain placed in the body of a newly grown clone, created by Dabney Donovan. With the sudden loss of Luthor, his holding in Metropolis began to unravel and the economy was paralyzed further when LexCorp closed without an heir. Shortly thereafter, an "heir" to LexCorp was found, Lex Luthor II, the city welcomed him as a hero (ACT #671). Lex Luthor II appeared to be a young, redheaded Australian, anxious to live down his father's reputation, but in reality, he was Lex Luthor I in his conveniently cloned body.

Lex Jr. soon took over LexCorp in Metropolis and seemed quite respectable. Supergirl was taken by his resemblence to the Lex Luthor of her Pocket Universe and eventually fell in love with him for a short time (ACT #677). However, a disease started killing all the clones in Metropolis, and when Luthor found himself getting ill, he began getting desperate. Lois Lane uncovered evidence that Lex Luthor Jr. was really Lex Luthor I, causing his reputation to be ruined and his loss of control over LexCorp. As he was dying, he caused the destruction of much of downtown Metropolis (ACT #700). Luthor's body fell into a coma, and it was taken to a S.T.A.R. Labs facility. Slowly, he began to recover, but accepted the offer of instantly being healed in exchange for his soul by the demon Neron. Luthor scoffed at the concept of losing his soul, since he didn't feel that was such a big price to pay (MOT #1). Bald again, but healthy, Luthor joined forces with the Contessa and resumed plotting against Superman. He and the Contessa were secretly married (MOT #5), and they seemed to have a very volatile, albeit satisfying, relationship. However, after the birth of their daughter, Lena, Lex had the Contessa imprisoned. She escaped, and was biding her time, until Lex organised her ultimate death (President Luthor: Secret Files and Origins #1).

Luthor returned to public life during the Final Night crisis, trying to help save the sun. Arraigned for his many crimes, he managed to convince the court that his clone in fact committed all his crimes. All charges were dismissed as an enraged clone was brought into the courtroom as 'evidence' of his innocence (ACT #737). During the legal proceedings, Luthor convinced the court to analyze the Kryptonite that, he claimed, had caused his illness. Superman turned the ring over to the court, and during the analysis, Luthor's agents managed to exchange the ring for a fake (SUP #126).

Luthor jumped at the chance to put the Daily Planet out of business when it went up for sale. Luthor bought it, and closed it down, firing almost all the employees, including Clark Kent. Luthor created LexCom, a news conglomerate that was completely Internet based. Lois Lane was one of the few employees who was offered a job at LexCom. Luthor tried to control Lois, by keeping her under his control in the office, and by keeping her husband, Clark Kent, unemployed (MOT #12). Lex mysteriously sold back the Daily Planet, allowing Lois, Jimmy, Perry and Clark to again work together for the great metropolitan newspaper. The only catch and therefore the reason behind the sale was a shadow deal with Lois Lane. Under the terms of their agreement, Lois would bury one story of his choosing in the future (SUP #151). During the Brainiac 13 saga (Superman Y2K), Lex sacrificed is daughter Lena to ensure his continued control over Metropolis. Amazingly enough, the day after Metropolis was upgraded Luthor registered an enormous number of patents, over 500, on all of the B13 technology.

The desire to be more the center of attention than Superman ever was entered Luthor's mind soon after when he began to realize how much of America's attention was dedicated to the Man of Steel. After reading an article in the local paper about Superman's dedication to the most powerful office in America and the man that held that post, he felt there was only one thing to do... run for President.

To everyone's immense surprise, not only did Luthor pick former Senator Pete Ross to be his running mate, but he actually pulled off winning the entire election! While the ballots were being counted in Florida, the one Luthor conceded that Bush and Gore could fight amongst themselves for, Luthor ran away with the election. He was quick to make improvements in security after a pre-announcement visit by Batman, who demanded the Kryptonite ring back from Luthor for his own safekeeping. Luthor defied the caped crusader and threatened to use all of his newfound clout to hunt down and exterminate the 'Gotham Vigilante' if he persisted in this pursuit. (Batman confided in Superman that they would have to be ever watchful of Luthor and when the moment came, the would remove him from office.) Through his election Luthor has plans to share his good fortune with every American citizen through vast economic restructuring and major healthcare reform. He's promised that no child will go hungry and neither an innocent suffer under the watchful eye of his administration. He actually plans to bring more involvement into the government by earths many meta-humans, and has encouraged young people across the country to embrace their examples.

Privately, Luthor was overjoyed at the fact that he had outdone the 'alien' (as he refers to Superman). He made improvements in other areas concerning security too as he had the White House repainted... with lead paint. He felt that with the United States under his direct control the country would rise to heights not seen in the 211 years there have been Presidents in office.

After several seasons of waging a shadow war against Superman, Lex Luthor's true nature was exposed to the world. In a dramatic battle over Metropolis, Luthor was defeated by Superman, and his presidency was impeached. Using his vast fortune and presidential authority, Luthor attempted to finally destroy the Man of Steel in front of the world. A titanic meteor of kryptonite was imperiling the planet. Rather than use the metahumans to destroy it, Luthor concocted an elaborate scheme to blame Superman for the impending disaster.

As President of the United States of America, Luthor ordered Captain Atom to gather a group of super agents, and arrest Superman. With Batman's help, Superman avoided detention. He also managed to gain more incriminating evidence on President Luthor. A series of major events led to Superman finally confronting Lex Luthor in the sky over Metropolis. Injecting himself with a combination of the physical enhancer called venom, and kryptonite, Lex Luthor adorned a battlesuit and personally engaged Superman in combat.

While fighting the Action Ace, Luthor revealed to Superman his affiliation with the New God Darkseid. His delusional behavior was revealed to all. A final blow by Superman sent Luthor into LexCorp Towers, where Batman awaited. Noticing the building was empty and abandoned, the Dark Knight informed Luthor that Talia Head (who operated as interim C.E.O. of LexCorp) sold off the corporation's assets, and depleted Luthor of his personal fortune. A short battle followed, and led to Lex Luthor's escape. In dramatic symbolism, Luthor's own escaped led to the destruction of his own LexCorps Towers. With his presidential regime toppled in disgrace, and his personal wealth apparently gone, Luthor is now a penniless man. He's also wanted by international authorities.

Despite his seemingly desparate position, Lex Luthor is a super genius. He is one of the world's smartest men, and therefore remains as one of the world's deadliest supercriminals. Now, his war against Superman has turned the page to start a new chapter. No longer can Lex Luthor hide behind the law and his authority. Now, he must utilize his wits and technological knowledge, in order to match Superman's might.

(The fall of Lex Luthor was chronicled in Superman/Batman #1-6)

First Appearance: MOS #2 (July 1986)
First Appearance (Lex Luthor II): ACT #670 (Oct. 1991)
First Appearance (rejuvenated body): MOT #1 (Summer 1995)
First Appearance (President Luthor): Superman: Lex 2000 (January 2001)

Description
And you thought George W Bush was a bad president...?

Lex Luthor

Luthor spent some of his youth in Metropolis's Suicide Slum area. His parents died in a car crash when he was 13, shortly after Lex had taken out an insurance policy on them (Unauthorized Biography). The design of a sub-orbital aircraft dubbed the LexWing made Luthor famous as an engineer. His success gained him defense department contracts for his new company LexCorp. Originally a simple aerospace firm, Lex diversified his holdings and grew in power, fame, and wealth, making Metropolis his center of operations. Despite frequent criminal allegations, he managed to keep himself 'clean' in the eyes of the law.
Luthor had been married eight times and was pursuing Lois Lane (unsuccessfully) when Superman debuted. After staging a test for Superman, Luthor hoped to persuade Superman to assist him, but instead the Mayor deputized Superman and had Luthor arrested for reckless endangerment. Being arrested, even on a minor charge, enraged Luthor, and so began his campaign to destroy Superman, he vowed one day to see Superman dead (Man of Steel miniseries #4).

Luthor's early efforts included creating Bizarro, and trying to learn Superman's identity. When his agents decided Superman must be Clark Kent, Luthor chose to believe the analysis wrong, rather than believe someone with such superpowers would adopt such an identity. Lex obtained Kryptonite from Metallo, and used a piece to make a ring, which he wore to protect himself from Superman. It kept Superman at bay, but eventually the Kryptonite affected him as well, and he first lost his hand, and then became terminally ill from lengthy exposure to the Kryptonite radiation.

In a desperate attempt to survive, Luthor faked his death by testing one of his own experimental jets. During that flight, the world mourned as Lex Luthor apparently died in a fiery plane crash. Unknown to everyone save his small circle of conspirators, Luthor had his brain placed in the body of a newly grown clone, created by Dabney Donovan. With the sudden loss of Luthor, his holding in Metropolis began to unravel and the economy was paralyzed further when LexCorp closed without an heir. Shortly thereafter, an "heir" to LexCorp was found, Lex Luthor II, the city welcomed him as a hero (ACT #671). Lex Luthor II appeared to be a young, redheaded Australian, anxious to live down his father's reputation, but in reality, he was Lex Luthor I in his conveniently cloned body.

Lex Jr. soon took over LexCorp in Metropolis and seemed quite respectable. Supergirl was taken by his resemblence to the Lex Luthor of her Pocket Universe and eventually fell in love with him for a short time (ACT #677). However, a disease started killing all the clones in Metropolis, and when Luthor found himself getting ill, he began getting desperate. Lois Lane uncovered evidence that Lex Luthor Jr. was really Lex Luthor I, causing his reputation to be ruined and his loss of control over LexCorp. As he was dying, he caused the destruction of much of downtown Metropolis (ACT #700). Luthor's body fell into a coma, and it was taken to a S.T.A.R. Labs facility. Slowly, he began to recover, but accepted the offer of instantly being healed in exchange for his soul by the demon Neron. Luthor scoffed at the concept of losing his soul, since he didn't feel that was such a big price to pay (MOT #1). Bald again, but healthy, Luthor joined forces with the Contessa and resumed plotting against Superman. He and the Contessa were secretly married (MOT #5), and they seemed to have a very volatile, albeit satisfying, relationship. However, after the birth of their daughter, Lena, Lex had the Contessa imprisoned. She escaped, and was biding her time, until Lex organised her ultimate death (President Luthor: Secret Files and Origins #1).

Luthor returned to public life during the Final Night crisis, trying to help save the sun. Arraigned for his many crimes, he managed to convince the court that his clone in fact committed all his crimes. All charges were dismissed as an enraged clone was brought into the courtroom as 'evidence' of his innocence (ACT #737). During the legal proceedings, Luthor convinced the court to analyze the Kryptonite that, he claimed, had caused his illness. Superman turned the ring over to the court, and during the analysis, Luthor's agents managed to exchange the ring for a fake (SUP #126).

Luthor jumped at the chance to put the Daily Planet out of business when it went up for sale. Luthor bought it, and closed it down, firing almost all the employees, including Clark Kent. Luthor created LexCom, a news conglomerate that was completely Internet based. Lois Lane was one of the few employees who was offered a job at LexCom. Luthor tried to control Lois, by keeping her under his control in the office, and by keeping her husband, Clark Kent, unemployed (MOT #12). Lex mysteriously sold back the Daily Planet, allowing Lois, Jimmy, Perry and Clark to again work together for the great metropolitan newspaper. The only catch and therefore the reason behind the sale was a shadow deal with Lois Lane. Under the terms of their agreement, Lois would bury one story of his choosing in the future (SUP #151). During the Brainiac 13 saga (Superman Y2K), Lex sacrificed is daughter Lena to ensure his continued control over Metropolis. Amazingly enough, the day after Metropolis was upgraded Luthor registered an enormous number of patents, over 500, on all of the B13 technology.

The desire to be more the center of attention than Superman ever was entered Luthor's mind soon after when he began to realize how much of America's attention was dedicated to the Man of Steel. After reading an article in the local paper about Superman's dedication to the most powerful office in America and the man that held that post, he felt there was only one thing to do... run for President.

To everyone's immense surprise, not only did Luthor pick former Senator Pete Ross to be his running mate, but he actually pulled off winning the entire election! While the ballots were being counted in Florida, the one Luthor conceded that Bush and Gore could fight amongst themselves for, Luthor ran away with the election. He was quick to make improvements in security after a pre-announcement visit by Batman, who demanded the Kryptonite ring back from Luthor for his own safekeeping. Luthor defied the caped crusader and threatened to use all of his newfound clout to hunt down and exterminate the 'Gotham Vigilante' if he persisted in this pursuit. (Batman confided in Superman that they would have to be ever watchful of Luthor and when the moment came, the would remove him from office.) Through his election Luthor has plans to share his good fortune with every American citizen through vast economic restructuring and major healthcare reform. He's promised that no child will go hungry and neither an innocent suffer under the watchful eye of his administration. He actually plans to bring more involvement into the government by earths many meta-humans, and has encouraged young people across the country to embrace their examples.

Privately, Luthor was overjoyed at the fact that he had outdone the 'alien' (as he refers to Superman). He made improvements in other areas concerning security too as he had the White House repainted... with lead paint. He felt that with the United States under his direct control the country would rise to heights not seen in the 211 years there have been Presidents in office.

After several seasons of waging a shadow war against Superman, Lex Luthor's true nature was exposed to the world. In a dramatic battle over Metropolis, Luthor was defeated by Superman, and his presidency was impeached. Using his vast fortune and presidential authority, Luthor attempted to finally destroy the Man of Steel in front of the world. A titanic meteor of kryptonite was imperiling the planet. Rather than use the metahumans to destroy it, Luthor concocted an elaborate scheme to blame Superman for the impending disaster.

As President of the United States of America, Luthor ordered Captain Atom to gather a group of super agents, and arrest Superman. With Batman's help, Superman avoided detention. He also managed to gain more incriminating evidence on President Luthor. A series of major events led to Superman finally confronting Lex Luthor in the sky over Metropolis. Injecting himself with a combination of the physical enhancer called venom, and kryptonite, Lex Luthor adorned a battlesuit and personally engaged Superman in combat.

While fighting the Action Ace, Luthor revealed to Superman his affiliation with the New God Darkseid. His delusional behavior was revealed to all. A final blow by Superman sent Luthor into LexCorp Towers, where Batman awaited. Noticing the building was empty and abandoned, the Dark Knight informed Luthor that Talia Head (who operated as interim C.E.O. of LexCorp) sold off the corporation's assets, and depleted Luthor of his personal fortune. A short battle followed, and led to Lex Luthor's escape. In dramatic symbolism, Luthor's own escaped led to the destruction of his own LexCorps Towers. With his presidential regime toppled in disgrace, and his personal wealth apparently gone, Luthor is now a penniless man. He's also wanted by international authorities.

Despite his seemingly desparate position, Lex Luthor is a super genius. He is one of the world's smartest men, and therefore remains as one of the world's deadliest supercriminals. Now, his war against Superman has turned the page to start a new chapter. No longer can Lex Luthor hide behind the law and his authority. Now, he must utilize his wits and technological knowledge, in order to match Superman's might.

(The fall of Lex Luthor was chronicled in Superman/Batman #1-6)

First Appearance: MOS #2 (July 1986)
First Appearance (Lex Luthor II): ACT #670 (Oct. 1991)
First Appearance (rejuvenated body): MOT #1 (Summer 1995)
First Appearance (President Luthor): Superman: Lex 2000 (January 2001)