Why is Lex Luthor on every major villain list?

Mrs. Price

: This is one of Johann Davis's earliest drawings. See the villain's eyes? They're larger than the other characters'. They - insinuate a slightly skewed perspective on how they see the world. Just off normal.

David Dunn

: Doesn't look scary.

Mrs. Price

: Mm-hmm. That's what I said to my son. But he says there's always two kinds; there's the soldier villain - who fights the hero with his hands; and then there's the real threat - the brilliant and evil archenemy - who fights the hero with his mind.

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Unbreakable

Lex is truly the most brilliant being in the DC Universe. Why do you like Dr. Doom (one of my personal faves as well, btw)? Well, because he is a genius. Sure, he has powers, but they dont mean anything, he could win with or without them. You could start Dr. Doom over with nothing, and within a few years, he could completely change his fate, and overcome pretty much anything. He has struggled with gods and men and came out victorious. The same could be said of Lex. I like Dr. Doom better by slight margins than Lex, but they are very similar in all honesty. Both are extremely patient, there are jokes about 10 year plans, yet Lex and Doom could both actually do that. Lex has really evolved with his enemy too. He cannot beat Superman straight up, so what does he do? He gets himself elected President, and becomes untouchable. Then he sets Doomsday loose on Superman, and it cannot be easily traced to him, so he can just keep testing Supes, and if he wins, great, and if he loses, oh well, he has plenty of time. Shoot, read Red Son, thats fantastic Luthor right there. Lex resisted Emperor Joker, something Spectre struggled to do.

Lex is incredible, and while id say arguing that Magneto, or Dr. Doom, or Darkseid, etc deserve higher ratings is understandable (though completely a matter of opinion), I have to say, you sound somewhat unfamiliar with Lex when you compare characters like Black Adam or Venom. I love both, shoot Eddie Brock Venom is my favorite Marvel character to this day, but in terms of icon, in terms of status, in terms of impact on their Universes? Venom is peewee league buddy.

Also, Batman is consistently rated the number 1 hero, and all your complaints could apply just as easily to him.

The joker is the best DC villian

The end.

@cyberninja said:

He is the epitome of evil, that's why.

QFT. The best thing about the Superman/Lex Luthor relationship is that they are metaphors for human nature. Superman represents the best aspects of humanity whilst Lex represents our worst demons. That's why he's a major villain and my favourite villain.