President Lex Reading Guide

Overview:

In 2001, DC Comics released the President Lex arc, primarily written by Jeph Loeb and Joe Kelly, with key artwork by Ed McGuinness and Doug Mahnke. This storyline focuses on Lex Luthor, a long-time Superman antagonist, achieving a new level of power—not through supervillainy, but by being elected President of the United States. The arc touches on themes of political manipulation, public perception, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. Superman and Batman are the primary protagonists who find themselves grappling with the reality of a powerful enemy who now holds legitimate political power.

Fans and critics generally responded positively, noting the bold and unique approach to Luthor’s character. Loeb and Kelly’s writing was appreciated for adding depth to the conflict between Luthor and the Justice League, particularly Superman, who struggles with how to confront a “legitimate” President. The artwork, especially McGuinness’s dynamic style, was also praised for complementing the intensity of the storyline.

This arc holds an important place in DC history for its relevance to the political climate of the early 2000s, and it continues to resonate due to its themes of corruption and the abuse of power.

Best Way To Read:

• Superman: President Luthor
  • Collects:  SECRET FILES: PRESIDENT LUTHOR #1, SUPERMAN #162-163, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #110, SUPERMAN: LEX 2000 #1, LEX LUTHOR: THE UNAUTHORIZED BIOGRAPHY #1, plus content from ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #581 and #586, SUPERMAN #164-165 and SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #108-109

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

References:

• Comic Book Herald

Feature Image from Adventures of Superman #586 cover art by Mike S. Miller, Comicraft, T. Horie