It has been eight months since Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1. The series finally continues this week in a compelling extra-sized issue. The story so far, set outside the main universe due to this being DC Black Label, has revealed Lex Luthor is dying, and Superman may be the only person who can help him. But why? That’s a big question on everyone’s minds, and in Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #2, Superman taps nearly every friend to save him.
At its core, this series is about how Superman must save Lex since if he doesn’t, it could make everyone doubt his intentions. It’s a solid argument, though Mark Waid has also entwined Superman’s origin back in Smallville with Lex, making them close friends early on. There’s a bond there, a push and pull, between Superman’s goodness and Lex’s utterly despising Superman.
Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #2 opens at the Daily Planet, where the world is deeply fascinated with Superman’s desire to save Lex. Jimmy and Lois argue over the decision, and Lois makes a strong case for what Superman has decided to do. It’s a good recap of where we’re at, making this issue easy to pick up even if you didn’t read the first issue.
Much of this issue concerns Superman bringing Lex to different friends to see if they can fix him. That includes the heroes of the 31st century, Wonder Woman, and some magic-using underwater people. These scenes help expand on the first issue, making the DC Universe feel robust and plentiful with different kinds of superheroes. The plot progression of saving Lex isn’t progressed; instead, this issue is more about visiting different friends of Superman. It’s not the creator’s intention to progress the plot regarding his sickness, although it makes for a repetitive structure to this issue.
Lois has a point.
Credit: DC Comics
The adventure of it all is present from the very beginning, largely thanks to Bryan Hitch’s artwork. He renders many heroes in the 31st century in a single double-page splash, captures the wonderment of an underwater city, and makes a short fight between Wonder Woman and Superman hard-won. The Scene Stealer is an excellent montage of even more friends Superman trying to fix Lex, which shows how far Superman will save Lex.
Along the way, Waid and Hitch make a case for Lex to open up his ears and eyes to see Superman for what he is and what he’s trying to do. Maybe there’s some growth there, but then again, Lex is very stubborn. The cliffhanger, however, promises a strong case for the two to team up. Hopefully, the wait won’t be quite as long for the next issue.
Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #2 is a visually stunning, adventure-filled chapter that expands the scope of this story while reinforcing Superman’s unwavering commitment to saving Lex. Though the issue lacks major plot progression up until the cliffhanger, it successfully builds on the emotional and philosophical debate surrounding their relationship. Mark Waid’s writing and Bryan Hitch’s artwork make for an engaging read, even if the structure leans toward the repetitive.
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