Publisher: DC
Writer: Francis Manapul
Artist: Bong Dazo
Colourist: Hi-Fi
Editor: Amedo Turturro, Brian Cunningham
Release Date: OUT NOW!!!
Price: $3.99

In the aftermath of Darkseid’s demise DC baddie Lex Luthor now has Omega power. But after a childhood of abuse or tough love depending on your perspective, and a career built on conquest, Lex, who now looks like a wrinkled version of The Watchman’s Dr. Manhattan, has to learn to control anger and pride if Lex wants to master his new power.

To Lex Luthor’s aid comes Ardora, a freedom fighter who lived under Darkseid’s yoke. Now Ardora wants the new Lex to let her people go free, and for him to become a symbol of hope. But Superman’s archenemy isn’t ready to accept aid from anybody. “Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness,” she tells him. But it’s a hard sell. “Only the weak need help,” he responds.

Bong Dazo’s art presents things on a grand scale, as befits a god. There are plenty of befitting large panels and full-page spreads.

Although the dialogue from Francis Manapul could be more interesting, Justice League: Darkseid War: Lex Luthor #1 still presents a fascinating look into Lex’s psyche, and the DC universe will be better for it. Flashbacks effectively serve to give the reader better understanding of the bald-headed villain, who may now become a hero, at least temporarily.

Darkseid’s death has opened up DC to some interesting new psychological twists (i.e., Superman acting like a jerk), and in that regard Justice League: Darkseid War: Lex Luthor #1 does not disappoint.

 

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker