Just as Sherlock had Moriarty, so does Superman have his Alexei "Lex" Luthor, the template for all super-nemeses to follow, and arguably one of the best-known literary creations of the 20th Century in his own right. Initially a standard evil-genius-with-a-death-ray stereotype, developed by Siegel and Shuster for one of the anti-war potboilers for which the series was first known, he quickly gained a popularity and style all his own, and flourished into one of the all-time great comic baddies. The first appearance of the character is among the rarest of Golden Age keys.

Despite a bit of foxing on the top and right, the bulk of this cover is in impressive condition, and the most important factor, the Man of Steel, remains completely free of any damage. The spine is solid and the colors retain their punch.

Overstreet Guide 2018 VG/F (5.0) value = $10,000.

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