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Superman is making a massive return this year, with DC going all in with “The Summer of Superman”—a bold initiative that will spotlight the Man of Steel through a series of exciting projects kicking off in April and continuing all summer long. With Superman’s resurgence in full swing, it’s the perfect time for Lex Luthor to reclaim his position as the Kryptonian’s greatest foe. And DC has made it clear: Luthor’s return is not just inevitable, but imminent, setting the stage for epic confrontations ahead.
…DC seems to be heading in the right direction with its handling of Luthor’s comeback.
DC has an extensive lineup of Superman projects this year, and the vast majority have already confirmed Lex Luthor’s involvement—this time, with a return to his villainous roots.
While Luthor has remained a recurring character in Superman’s ongoing comic run, he hasn’t been the infamous villain readers love to hate ever since Brainiac erased his memories in the House of Brainiac storyline, causing a complete personality shift that stripped away his classic villainous charm. Now, with DC’s upcoming Superman-centric projects, his full-fledged return to form is more than just exciting—it’s exactly what fans have been waiting for.
A Brief Overview of DC’s Summer of Superman & Lex Luthor Highlights
Main Cover by Jorge Jiménez for Summer of Superman Special #1
The Summer of Superman initiative officially launches on April 16, 2025, with Summer of Superman Special #1 by Dan Slott, Mark Waid, Joshua Williamson, and Jorge Jiménez. Shortly after, on April 23, Joshua Williamson, Eddy Barrows, and Dan Mora’s Superman #25 will release—marking the first issue of this run within this initiative and delivering major developments for the Man of Steel. The momentum continues on May 21 with Superman Unlimited by Dan Slott, Rafael Albuquerque, and Marcelo Maiolo, followed by Superman: The World on June 24, and Superman’s Good Guy Gang on July 1.
While each of these titles is exciting, fans eager for the full-fledged return of Lex Luthor—memories intact and ready to wreak havoc on Clark’s life—should start with Superman: Lex Luthor Special by Joshua Williamson and Eddy Barrows, which is already available from DC Comics. Though not officially part of the Summer of Superman event, this issue serves as the true beginning of Luthor’s comeback and teases his larger role in the DCU’s future. Beyond this special, Williamson, Barrows, and Mora’s Superman #25 is the key issue to watch out for.
According to the synopsis, Superman #25 marks the definitive return of Lex Luthor as Superman’s greatest adversary, moving beyond the brief tease in Superman: Lex Luthor Special. The issue confirms that Lex has regained his memory and is reclaiming his place as Clark’s most formidable enemy—albeit with a twist. While details remain under wraps, the synopsis hints at Lex’s ambitions to seize control of Supercorp and Metropolis, setting the stage for a gripping new storyline that will propel the Superman run forward.
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Yes, Lex Luthor WILL Be in James Gunn’s Superman Movie
Superman (2025) | Official Teaser Trailer on YouTube
It would be remiss not to mention that Lex’s comeback extends beyond comics, as he is also set to appear in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie, releasing on July 11, 2025—perfectly aligning with DC’s Summer of Superman. While details on Luthor’s role remain scarce, fans do know that Nicholas Hoult will be portraying the iconic villain, and the film’s official trailer has already confirmed his presence. Given Luthor’s central role in Superman’s mythology, it’s highly likely he will have significant screen time and serve as one of the movie’s primary antagonists.
Main Cover by Dan Mora for Superman #25 (2025)
With Superman experiencing a major resurgence in comics through the Summer of Superman and his upcoming film, there’s no better time for Lex Luthor to make a triumphant return as well. These revivals/projects work in Luthor’s favor, as they collectively serve as a clean slate—even Williamson’s Superman run is kicking off a fresh storyline in conjunction with the Summer of Superman. As a result, Luthor’s return to his classic villainous ways will feel like a natural progression. With new titles and the film on the horizon, fans will be expecting the quintessential Luthor, making his full-fledged villain comeback all the more perfectly timed.
When it comes to fan reactions regarding DC’s future plans for Luthor, the response has largely been positive and filled with intrigue. Excitement is high for his inclusion in the Superman movie, and a Comic Vine poll revealed that 87% of participants approve of Nicholas Hoult taking on the role. As for Luthor’s return in Superman #25, fans have expressed fascination rather than outright excitement, with many enjoying the version of Lex stripped of his memories but remaining curious about where Williamson will take the character next. So far, DC seems to be heading in the right direction with its handling of Luthor’s comeback.
Lex Luthor Needs to Make His Debut in the Absolute Universe PRONTO
Rafa Sandoval Absolute Superman #1 (2024) Reprinting Cover
One question some fans may be asking themselves is when Lex Luthor will appear in the Absolute Superman storyline and whether that appearance is coming soon. As of the release of Absolute Superman #4, Superman-centric characters like Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Martha Kent, Brainiac, and Kal-El’s biological parents have all made appearances in the narrative. As a result, anticipation for Lex’s debut has been growing exponentially, making it feel more inevitable than ever. Hence, the next major moment Superman fans will likely be looking out for will be Lex Luthor’s role and debut in the Absolute Universe.
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