Writer’s Note: There will be SPOILERS in this article.
After a two-year-long delay, Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor has finally concluded—and there’s a lot to unpack. The series first launched in 2023, but for reasons only known to DC, the first issue was released before the creative team had even wrapped work on the second. While the hiatus dulled some early excitement, the story delivers a rich, emotional journey that ultimately justifies the wait.
The Premise
Lex Luthor is dying. While most of Metropolis would rather see him gone, Superman pulls out all the stops to save his once-best-friend-turned-archnemesis. Wonder Woman urges Clark to let Lex go. But Superman, ever hopeful, searches the galaxy for a cure.
He visits the future with the Legion of Super-Heroes, dives into the depths of Atlantis, and seeks wisdom in Themyscira. One of the standout moments of the second issue is a stunning double-page spread of Superman carrying Lex across the universe—a moment that perfectly captures the heart of the series.
By the end of issue #2, Superman reveals his identity to Lex, hoping to reach his humanity. Lex, however, throws it back in his face, accusing him of acting out of guilt—and honestly, he’s not entirely wrong. Then comes the twist: the real villain of the story is none other than Brainiac.
The Final Act
The third and final issue plays out like the third act of a film. Lex and Superman must join forces to stop Brainiac. What follows is a mix of action, philosophy, and reflection. It culminates in a touching final moment between Clark and Lex. As the title suggests, Lex doesn’t make it out alive—but Superman doesn’t walk away unscathed either.
The Delay: A Double-Edged Sword
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the delay. A two-year gap between issues is a momentum killer—especially with a creative team this strong. Personally, I didn’t even pick up the second issue after moving to Albuquerque. I waited for the final installment to drop so I could binge the last two back-to-back—and that ended up enhancing the experience. Some stories are just better that way.
The Highlights
1. Mark Waid Understands Superman
Waid just gets these characters. His Superman is hopeful, compassionate, and complex—not brooding or cynical. With all the online chatter about James Gunn’s Superman smiling too much, it’s refreshing to see a version of Clark that actually tries to inspire. He doesn’t want Lex to die, but that doesn’t mean he’s blind to Lex’s crimes. He believes in accountability—and that’s what makes this version of Superman so powerful.
2. Superman’s Moral Compass
In a time when it feels like certain people get away with everything, Superman represents a moral center. He doesn’t let Lex off the hook. He doesn’t want revenge—he wants justice. Which is a message we need right now.
3. The Art is Gorgeous
Bryan Hitch delivers cinematic, high-detail panels on every page. Yes, that level of detail may have contributed to the delays (just ask anyone following Redcoat), but the payoff is stunning. Every panel feels like a still from a big-budget film. The only slight misstep? One awkward panel where Wonder Woman’s neck looks like it needs a chiropractor. But hey, nobody’s perfect.
Final Verdict
Is this book worth your time? Absolutely. In a world where darkness and cynicism often take center stage, The Last Days of Lex Luthor reminds us of the power of hope, compassion, and justice. Mark Waid, Bryan Hitch, and Kevin Nowlan have created a story that feels both timeless and timely.
GRADE: A-