The three-part Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor wraps up this week in a confrontation between Superman, Lex Luthor, and Brainiac! It’s as epic as stories come, as Brainiac has the edge and aims to conquer all of humanity with both Superman and Lex severely reduced in power. Superman has been trying to save Lex’s life for two issues, but maybe it’s time for Lex to return the favor?
It’s not every day a series wraps up a three-part story two years and nine months in the making. I’d wager most have caught up by rereading the first issue after the second issue came out next week, but with so much delay, it’s a given you’d need a refresher. Once refreshed, it’s safe to say this is a satisfying and entertaining conclusion.
Writer Mark Waid and artist Bryan Hitch bring the relationship of Superman and Lex full circle after revealing a backstory of both as teens in Smallville. Yet Lex still hates Superman to his very core. This conclusion requires Superman to trust Lex even when he shouldn’t, while Lex challenges Superman to give up on Lex and let him die, which we all know is off the table for Superman.
Love how Hitch stretches the pages here.
Credit: DC
As conclusions go, a lot happens in this issue. The issue opens with captions that remind us of Brainiac’s origin and how formidable he is, which sets up the reveal that Brainiac is at full power, standing before Superman and Lex. His plan is enacted, and Superman and Lex have an uphill battle before them as they’re weakened. Add in a fairly monstrous plan for humanity, and this story may go down as one of the best Brainiac tales ever.
This issue keeps readers on their toes with multiple scene changes, multiple plots by Lex to gain the upper hand, and fun reveals. When Lex cobbles together a gizmo to control Brainiac’s drones, you’ll root for them, only for the plan to fall short eventually. This leads to more plans, collaboration between Lex and Superman, and intrigue.
Hitch gets to go full tilt with the epic blockbuster visuals, stretching the panels and letting his innate level of detail soar. There’s a lot to take in, be it dozens of Brainiac drones or tons of spaceship scrap floating about. Lex steals the show when it comes to character acting, with a lot of sadness on his face. The character nearly dies, is powered up, and makes the ultimate choice by the end, which translates well through his emotions. As evil as he can be, Hitch makes you feel for him.
The creative team also takes a big swing with how this wraps up, which you don’t usually see in superhero comics. The DC Black Label brand allows them to put a period on Lex and Superman definitively, adding to the conclusion’s impact.
A rather strong issue does come with one gripe: Superman fans might be left wanting. Lex Luthor is the star of this issue, with Superman mostly a bystander or questioning Lex, who leads most conversations.
Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #3 is a stunning, ambitious finale that cements Lex as both villain and tragic figure. Mark Waid and Bryan Hitch pull no punches, offering a Brainiac plot worthy of future top ten lists and a resolution that’s as final as it is thoughtful. While Superman takes a backseat, the emotional and visual weight of Lex’s journey gives the series a lasting impact. It’s a fitting farewell – if not to life, then to illusions.
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