In this alternate
version of the DC Universe, KAL-EL was instead adopted by a childless JULES and
ARLENE LUTHOR, who named him ALEXANDER – or LEX, for short.
(7 Panels)
Panel 1: LEX LUTHOR is in the sky over METROPOLIS -
here he looks like SUPERMAN but with a somewhat ‘edgier’ and more technical
look to his costume, as well as a different color scheme. The costume has much more of a
red, white, and blue look as part of an attempt to play up a patriotic and
American theme for publicity purposes, though there’s also a touch of yellow in
the costume as well that should take on some kind of gold-colored tint.
In front of LUTHOR,
being held out in front of him by the throat at arms length, is GENERAL ZOD.
Both LUTHOR and ZOD look like they’ve taken a major beating, but ZOD looks far
worse the wear.
LUTHOR: But above all else, Zod, you’ve exposed your
greatest flaw to be a failure to think intellectually beyond destruction.
Panel 2: LUTHOR flies up into the sky, pulling ZOD
alongside him – he’s secretly doing this so that he can continue to speak
freely with him without worry of anyone accidentally overhearing him.
LUTHOR: If only your feeble mind had thought beyond that of
conquest, you might have discovered there was a way to rule these people
without lording over them. The way I do.
Panel 3: LUTHOR hovers in the sky about at the fringe
of Earth’s atmosphere, where he’s as far away from the surface as possible
without entering the actual vacuum of outer space. He hasn’t yet brought ZOD up
from dragging him along behind.
LUTHOR (1): Without having to do anything, this planet
welcomed me with open arms.
LUTHOR (2): And then I built a virtual empire through Luthor
Innovations.
Panel 4: LUTHOR holds ZOD in front of him so that he
can look ZOD in the face.
LUTHOR (1): If that wasn’t enough, these people practically
worship me for ‘selflessly’ protecting them from dangers they could never
withstand on their own.
LUTHOR (2): I could ask them for nearly anything and not
only would they gladly give it to me, but they would thank me for giving them the opportunity to do it.
Panel 5: LUTHOR gives ZOD a piercing look in the
face.
LUTHOR (1): I rule them, Zod, by making them want me.
LUTHOR (2): By making them need me.
LUTHOR (3): And you know what the best part is?
Panel 6: LUTHOR brings up ZOD in a backswing over his
head as he prepares to throw ZOD back down towards Earth.
LUTHOR: Idiots like you only help to remind them just how
much they need me in their frail, feeble little lives.
Panel 7: LUTHOR throws ZOD back down towards Earth’s
surface with all his might.
LUTHOR: Thank you for that, by the way.
SFX: SUPER-THROW!
(END PAGE)
A very interesting look at how someone like Lex could potentially deal with having the power of Supes. There's a definite villain monologuing vibe going on here, but that's clearly intentional and it acts as a good look into Luthor's mind.
ReplyDeleteMy one qualm is (as much as I love it and as fun as it is) the "Super-throw" doesn't fit with the the tone of the rest of the page.
Hot damn do I love an Elseworld's tale, it totally helps when its this cool as well. This had the lovely What If Red Son vibe to it. What impact parents can have on a child. This is so much fun.
ReplyDeleteGrant makes an excellent point with the 'super-throw' SFX though, its fun and whilst I do love it, it doesn't work for me. I'd almost rather have Lex say Super throw like a super confident ego maniac may.
4/5.
Excellent turnaround on the Lex/Supes dynamic, and an interesting look at the nature/nurture debate. Lex's dialogue is a perfect insight to his mind, with the added visual of him climbing higher, above everyone.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the "super-throw" really upsets the tone though.
However, while reading this, I did realise that "Super Lex" in Latin means "above the law." Mind = blown.
((0-o))
DeleteO
Actually, I have to ask...did you ever see or read Seigel & Shuster's original Super-Man story/proposal? This piece would fit right into that version...
ReplyDeleteThis piece in general is just strong with well paced fight sequence. Neat-o...