Animation
Mastermind · Comics
Lex Luthor
Humanity's greatest mind, ruined by one man who can fly
Attribute scores
Power44
Intellect98
Menace82
Fear factor62
Cultural impact94
Charisma82
Editorial estimates on a 0–100 scale, calibrated against every other character in the index. Not official canon.
Who they are
Luthor's best interpretation is not the mad scientist but the industrialist who genuinely believes Superman is holding the species back. He has cured diseases, built cities and run for president, and he would be a hero in almost any story that did not contain an alien who makes him feel small. His villainy is entirely a function of his ego.
Defining traits
Genius-level science and engineeringVast corporate resourcesPolitical influenceKryptonite researchPathological pride
What makes them dangerous
He can buy governments, build weapons that match a superhuman, and legally get away with all of it.
And what undoes them
He cannot accept that his rival is not motivated by the same hunger he is.
Things you might not know
- He had a full head of hair in his first appearance; the bald look came from an artist's error on a later story.
- He has served as President of the United States in mainline continuity.
- Writers frequently point out that if he simply ignored Superman he would be the most beloved man alive.
Why number 4 in Smartest
He has cured diseases, built cities and been elected president. His intelligence is not in doubt; only his judgment about one specific alien is.
Why number 4 in Comics
The best version of him is not a mad scientist but a brilliant man who would be a hero in any story without an alien in it.
Why number 19 in Most Iconic
The bald industrialist is now such a standard figure that most people encounter the archetype before they encounter him.
If you like this villain
Anime
Anime
Sōsuke Aizen
Bleach · 2001
The betrayal that was planned a hundred years before chapter one
Threat index 88