Darkest Mind Alive: One JLU Episode Proved Why Superman Is Terrified of Luthor While Gunn & Snyder Struggled to Get Him Right

The story of Lex Luthor and Superman is as old as the comic book industry itself, where Luthor acts as the nemesis of the Kryptonian, while Superman acts as a reality check for the billionaire. But all of this came crumbling down in Justice League Unlimited Season 2 Episode 7, titled ‘Clash.’

This episode not only proved why the Man of Steel feared Luthor so much, despite his god-like powers, but also demonstrated just how deep and maniacal the latter could become to take down his enemy.

Lex Luthor Was a Manipulative Maniac in the JLU Episode, ‘Clash’

As we see in the episode, ‘Clash’ turns into one of the most heartbreaking episodes in Justice League Unlimited’s history, where Captain Marvel/Shazam is almost brutalised by his idol, Superman. And this was all thanks to Lex’s evil scheme of creating strife within the Justice League.

This all starts when Billy Batson, in his Captain Marvel avatar, talks about how, despite everything evil and destructive that Lex Luthor has done, he can be forgiven if he gets a chance at redemption. This becomes a major headline, and is perceived as a bona fide superhero, believing in the billionaire, especially due to Lex building low-income housing projects for the people.

But when it’s revealed that these houses will be powered by complex Kryptonite energy, Superman becomes sure of Luthor’s evil schemes to take him down, which pushes him to the edge. And even when Batson tries to reason and stop Superman from causing panic and havoc, the Man of Steel turns on him, fighting and beating him down until things settle.

And once Clark realises how wrong he was about everything, especially attacking Captain Marvel, he regrets and apologises, but Marvel has already made up his mind to leave the League. Later, it’s revealed that this was just a plan of Luthor’s all along, where he benefited twice by creating a positive image of himself in the public eye and crushing Batson and the League’s morale.

This was especially hard-hitting as Batson always looked up to Superman, trying to embody his brightness and ideals, only to be beaten down by him, shattering his belief in superheroes. Thus, it proved that Luthor’s strength lay in his intellect and his evil, manipulative genius, along with an absolutely psychotic desire to bring down Superman.

James Gunn Can Still Do Lex Luthor Right Where Zack Snyder Failed

While it’s true that both the DCEU and the DCU were off the mark a little with the depiction of the true darkness that Luthor possesses, James Gunn still has time to give us the true evil that this villain possesses.

Where Zack Snyder’s Luthor was a cynical maniac who just wanted to see Superman burn, Gunn’s Luthor had more depth, as seen in Superman, where he was constantly trying to one-up Clark. Whether it be through his wealth and/or intellect, he was trying to prove that the world didn’t need the Man of Steel; it only needed him and his science.

Thus, what the DCU needs now is more of the deceptive schemer we see in the comics, which can be achieved through the upcoming Man of Tomorrow, as Gunn claims will be a story of both Superman and Luthor. And if his deceitful antics are anything to go by, we can expect a darker version of him, more depraved than ever in his hate for Superman.

Here’s more information about Justice League Unlimited S2E7, ‘Clash.’

Episode	Justice League Unlimited S2E7: Clash
Directed By	Dan Riba
Major Cast	George Newbern, Kevin Conroy, Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly, Susan Eisenberg
Production Company	Warner Bros. Animation
IMDb Score	8.4/10

Which direction do you think Gunn will take Lex Luthor in the future? Tell us in the comments below.

Justice League Unlimited is available to stream on HBO Max (US).

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire