Is Lex Luthor DC or Marvel? This question has been a topic of debate among comic book enthusiasts for years. Lex Luthor, one of the most iconic and powerful villains in the comic book universe, has been associated with both DC Comics and Marvel Comics at different points in time. This article aims to explore the origins of Lex Luthor and clarify his allegiance to either DC or Marvel.
Lex Luthor first appeared in Action Comics 23 (June 1940), published by DC Comics. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Lex Luthor was introduced as a brilliant scientist who becomes the archenemy of Superman. Over the years, Lex Luthor has become a central figure in the DC Universe, appearing in various comic books, television shows, and movies.
Despite his initial association with DC Comics, Lex Luthor has made appearances in Marvel Comics, leading to confusion about his true allegiance. One of the most notable instances of Lex Luthor’s appearance in Marvel Comics was in the crossover event “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” which occurred in 1985. In this crossover, Lex Luthor was shown interacting with characters from the Marvel Universe, leading some fans to believe that he was a Marvel character.
However, it is essential to note that Lex Luthor’s appearance in Marvel Comics during the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover was a narrative device used to expand the scope of the event. Lex Luthor was not officially part of the Marvel Universe, and his connection to Marvel was purely a result of the crossover’s storyline. Following the crossover, Lex Luthor returned to his original DC Comics universe, solidifying his status as a DC Comics character.
In recent years, Lex Luthor has made several appearances in Marvel’s “House of X” event, which was published in 2019. However, these appearances were also part of a crossover, and Lex Luthor was not officially joined to the Marvel Universe. Instead, his presence in Marvel comics was a result of the crossover’s narrative, similar to his appearance in “Crisis on Infinite Earths.”
In conclusion, Lex Luthor is a DC Comics character, with his origins and primary appearances rooted in the DC Universe. While he has made guest appearances in Marvel Comics, these instances were part of crossover events and do not change his allegiance. So, the answer to the question “Is Lex Luthor DC or Marvel?” is a clear and definitive DC.
