Vengeance Sends Absolute Superman’s Luthor Into Space as He Finally Unleashes His True Supervillain Potential
Brainiac’s attack changes Luthor
Brainiac’s campaign to break Superman has ended, for now, but its fallout has created a new danger. In Absolute Superman #17, Brainiac’s intervention pushed Luthor to use his intelligence against him, not to prove himself superior to Superman.
The story later revealed that Luthor was shattered by the massacre of his family. After leaving Lois Lane during an interview, he followed a trail to his basement, where he prepared to pursue the person responsible.
Luthor takes Brainiac’s ship
With a shaved head and new technology, Luthor reached Brainiac’s ship and killed him. He then took control of the vessel, leaving Brainiac’s captive, barely responsive remains to witness his plans for the rest of the collective.
Luthor has now activated the ship’s Starslide Engines and escaped Earth, moving beyond the solar system at a speed Superman could not match. He has contacted other groups within the Brainiac Collective and threatened to exterminate them.
A different kind of nemesis
This version of Luthor is not seeking the presidency or control of Earth. His focus is killing every surviving being connected to Brainiac, making personal vengeance his defining motive.
When Luthor encountered Superman during the escape, he did not recognize him, despite Brainiac’s efforts to prepare him for their meeting. He knocked Superman from the ship and continued on, seemingly unconcerned by the hero or his powers.
Superman may follow into space
The change departs from Luthor’s familiar resentment of Superman, whose alien power and public standing have often fueled their rivalry. Here, the trauma of losing his family appears to have displaced that animosity.
Superman has made it a mission to help people who have lost their way, but Luthor seems unwilling to be saved. His pursuit of the Brainiac Collective could bring Superman after him in future issues.
Key points
- Brainiac’s attack on Luthor’s family drives his new campaign of revenge.
- Luthor killed Brainiac, took his ship and escaped Earth.
- He intends to exterminate the remaining members of the Brainiac Collective.
- Luthor shows little interest in Superman, who may pursue him into space.