The differences between Superman and Lex Luthor go far deeper than powers and hair. At their respective cores, the Man of Steel is as defined by generosity as Luthor is defined by greed. This philosophical incompatibility was driven home by Lex Luthor’s latest armored suit.
Superman #9 by Joshua Williamson and Bruno Redondo opens with Clark Kent still weakened from his latest battles. This leads Superman to reluctantly make use of an armored suit that Luthor developed for him before his imprisonment. However, Superman makes some adjustments to the costume beyond changing its color scheme and adding his emblem to it.
Luthor’s armor is based around offense
To Luthor’s dismay, Superman elects to remove all the weapons he built into the armor before confronting their mutual enemy, Dr. Graft. Clark defends this choice, saying that the armor should protect him rather than hurting others. Luthor mocks Clark, however, stating, “I built you a tank, and you turned it into an ambulance.”
This insult offers an ironic resonance to a scene from earlier in the comic. While he was convalescing, Lois Lane read a number of “get well” letters to the comatose Superman. One came from a child named Jamie, who thanked Superman for carrying their little brother to the hospital. This proved necessary after the ambulance carrying the child from the scene of a robbery got stuck in traffic.
Whereas Lex Luthor would likely prioritize punishing the robber, Clark Kent focuses on saving lives. Take away everything else from Superman, and you have someone who is defined by his love of other people. By removing the weapons from the armor Luthor made for him, Superman has made a definitive statement of what he values. He has also defied Luthor’s attempts, however subtle, to try and control who he is.
Superman #9 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
