Superman aficionados love to engage in heated discussions about who ranks as the ultimate adversary of the Man of Steel. With a renowned lineup of enemies including Lex Luthor, Doomsday, and Brainiac, fans often find themselves divided on this compelling topic. Thankfully, a prominent Superman writer has stepped in to lend some insight.
During WonderCon 2025, the esteemed Mark Waid captured the attention of DC fans with his presence and ongoing work on several high-profile titles. Among his contributions, Waid is currently involved in iconic series such as Batman and Robin: Year One, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, Justice League Unlimited, Summer of Superman Special, and the New History of the DC Universe.
At the event, Waid participated in a lively session titled “50 Answers in 50 Minutes,”where he fielded a barrage of questions from the audience regarding his career and the comic world. One question, in particular, resonated strongly: Who is your favorite Superman villain and why?
Mark Waid Declares Lex Luthor as the Definitive Superman Villain
Cover Art for Superman: Lex Luthor Special #1 by Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, and Adriano Lucas (2025)
Waid promptly identified Lex Luthor as his favorite villain, sharing, “I like the idea that Lex and Superman were friends as kids,” adding a unique layer to Superman’s inherent loneliness. This thoughtful response sheds light not just on Luthor’s status as a formidable enemy, but also underscores the intriguing backstory that adds complexity to their rivalry. In some interpretations, the history between Clark Kent (Superman) and Lex Luthor transforms Luthor from a mere antagonist into a figure entwined with Clark’s personal struggles.
While Superman’s valor and empathy often take center stage, Waid’s emphasis on Clark’s deep-seated isolation—especially during his formative years—offers a profound perspective. As one of the last of his kind, Superman often grappled with feelings of solitude. In storylines where he and Lex shared a friendship, Luthor alleviated some of that loneliness, thereby enriching the emotional stakes of their eventual conflict. This added emotional resonance differentiates their confrontations from those he faces with other villains, making Lex Luthor an undeniably compelling candidate for Superman’s arch-nemesis.
Share Your Thoughts: Who Stands Out as Superman’s Greatest Villain?
A Glimpse from Joshua Williamson’s Superman: Lex Luthor Special #1 (2025)
The discourse around who embodies the pinnacle of Superman’s villains is one that elicits varied opinions from fans and creators alike. Strong arguments can certainly be made for other notable adversaries such as General Zod, Doomsday, and Brainiac. However, perspectives can drastically shift depending on how fans engage with Superman’s story—be it through comics, films, or animated series. Ultimately, deciding who represents the best Superman villain is a personal conclusion that each fan must arrive at for themselves.