In the earliest comic book adventures, Lex Luthor was still a brilliant scientist, but he wasn't as memorable with hair.
Lex as he appeared in the 1941 Sunday newspaper comic strips.
Lyle Talbot as Lex Luthor, Superman's arch nemesis, in ATOM MAN VS. SUPERMAN (1950). Here Clark and Lois interview a freshly released from prison Luthor who is going straight. Sure he is...
Lyle Talbot as Lex Luthor, Superman's arch nemesis, in ATOM MAN VS. SUPERMAN (1950).
In this 1954 comic story, Lex teamed up with two other Superman baddies, The Prankster and Toyman to do battle with the Man of Steel.
Lex Luthor in a 1957 comic book story. This is the Luthor look we most remember.
As the comic stories continued, young Superman's Superboy stories were told and his background with Lex was revealed as a teen friendship. Even as a child Lex was a brilliant scientist. When Luthor's lab was burning down with Lex inside, Superboy gave it a burst of superbreath to blow it out. Chemicals burnt Lex's scalp and made him permantely bald. From here on out the two became enemies. Here are two stories from 1960 and 1962.
This has always been one of my favorite comics, from 1961, in which Lex actually kills Superman. Well, it was an Imaginary story, so he was back the next month. But it was still a great story.
For Lex, it really is a wonderful "Imaginary" Life! In this 1962 "Imaginary" story (Issue 34 of LOIS LANE), Lex goes straight and marries Lois.
On 1996's Filmation series THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, Lex Luthor made several appearances.
Lex Luthor as he appeared in seventies comics.
Gene Hackman portrayed Lex Luthor in 1978 in SUPERMAN THE MOVIE. This villain lived underground and sported an assortment of toupees.
Gene Hackman portrayed Lex Luthor in 1978 in SUPERMAN THE MOVIE. This villain lived underground and sported an assortment of toupees.
From 1978 thru 1979 Lex was the leader of the Legion of Doom on the TV cartoon CHALLENGE OF THE SUPERFRIENDS. On the show, an army of arch criminals faced off each Saturday against their counterparts in the Justice League. Of all of the Superfriends incarnations, this was one of my favorite shows. Lex's voice was provided by Stanley Jones. In the stills here Lex is also seen with fellow Legion of Doomers, Black Manta, Scarecrow, The Cheetah and Sinestro.
Gene Hackman again as Lex Luthor in 1981's SUPERMAN II. There are no hair pieces allowed in prison.
Help from Lex Luthor? Forget it!
Lex has even tried to off Superman's cousin.
Lex in 1986 when the Superman legend was retold in THE MAN OF STEEL mini-series. Lex even had hair.
A power hungry Lex Luthor in the 1987 comics.
By this time, Lex Luthor is a prominant member of Society and has his illegal dealings unbeknownst to the city. But we know the truth.
Lex as he appeared on the short-lived CBS TV series, SUPERMAN.
Lex on the Salkind produced series THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERBOY featured Sherman Howard as the Boy Of Steel's arch enemy.
John Shea continued to dupe the city, convincing them he was a goody goody as Lex Luthor in 1993's TV series LOIS AND CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN. In the Season Finale, Superman finally exposed Luthor's true nature to the world. He returned for a later appearance, from the dead, and through the process lost his hair, his celebrity status and his money. Shea's Luthor remained charming to the end.
In 1995, after commiting suicide in the first season Finale, Luthor was brought back to life and lost his hair in the process. He lost his power, his money and took refuge in the sewer. It was here that he would exact his revenge on Metropolis, Lois and Superman. Still played perfectly by John Shea.
In the 1995 comics, Lex buffed up and returned with a vengence.
Lex Luthor in 1997 on SUPERMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES and it's comic book namesake. Once again, a respected city entrepreneur and humanitarian. Except Superman knows the truth. His voice is provided by Clancy Brown.
Lex Luthor in the comics (1999)
On October 16, 2001, the WB network debuted the series SMALLVILLE, telling a new legend of a young Clark Kent before his costume days and his friendship with a youthful Lex Luthor. The talented cast included: Tom Welling as Clark, Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang and Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor.
Alex Luthor in 2002. Can this man really be the President?
Season Two of SMALLVILLE on the WB. Michael Rosenbaum as the not yet completely evil Lex. I cannot say enough great things about this casting. Finally a reason to root for Luthor.
Kevin Spacey as arch enemy Lex Luthor in SUPERMAN RETURNS.
James Marsters voiced the evil Lex in the 2007 animated feature SUPERMAN DOOMSDAY.