When the Absolute Universe first kicked off, readers were surprised that Lex Luthor did not immediately appear in Absolute Superman. Indeed, the series set Ra’s Al Ghul up as the archenemy of the Man of Steel. The Absolute Lex Luthor finally made his grand debut in the Absolute Evil special. However, his appearance and attitude are nothing like that of his variant in the main universe.
Written by Al Ewing, with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Absolute Evil centers around the formation of the Absolute Justice League. Far from being a benevolent organization, this league is made up of rich villains who fear the rise of superpowered heroes will upset the status quo and their financial bottom lines. However, this league is already being manipulated from within by Brainiac, an alien cyborg seemingly under the control of Ra’s Al Ghul.
In the comic’s coda, Brainiac discusses his plan and the nature of reflections with Mirror Master. The comic concludes with the first appearance of Lex Luthor, who has a full head of hair and beard. This runs in defiance of his trademark clean-shaven head and face.
(Image Source: DC / Giuseppe Camuncoli)
What is known about Absolute Universe Lex Luthor?
We know very little about the Absolute Universe Lex Luthor based on his first scene. We do know that he is happily married to a woman named Dora and has children. He apparently lives on a farm somewhere, based on what little we see of his home. He also describes himself as having been “an angry young man” and “envious of others.” This sounds like a fair description of most versions of Lex Luthor, but implies that this Luthor has moved beyond his petty jealousy of others. Indeed, he answers the phone by asking a question more appropriate to Superman – “How can I be of help?”
The most interesting aspect of this Lex Luthor is why Brainiac wished to recruit him to the Absolute Justice League. In speaking with Mirror Master, Brainiac describes how they can negate the team’s effectiveness by balancing the various powers with it against each other. Ra’s Al Ghul’s zealot nature, for instance, can be utterly negated by the bored apathy of Hector Hammond. To that end, Brainiac recruits the Absolute Universe Lex Luthor as a counter to the Joker.
We know almost as little about the Absolute Joker as we do Absolute Lex Luthor. His name is ironic, for he is famed for his hatred of humor. He is also a corrupt billionaire with fingers in many immoral enterprises, such as the Ark M prison. It is possible Brainiac recruited Lex, thinking a benevolent billionaire could blunt the amoral Joker. In any case, the idea of an emotionally well-adjusted Lex Luthor is an intriguing one.
Absolute Evil #1 is now available in comic shops everywhere.