Superman: Birthright #8

Superman: Birthright #8

by Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu (Penciller), Gerry Alanguilan (Inker)

The startling truth behind Lex Luthor and his time in Smallville is revealed! Witness the rise and fall of Clark Kent's friendship with a young Lex Luthor and find out why his youth has been kept a secret until now...and how it ties into current events in Metropolis!

Genres: Comics, Superman, Dc Comics

23 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2004

About the author

Mark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America.

Reviews

[Nicolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of the Superman: Birthright DC Compact Comics Edition. (August 18, 2025)

The collective review for the entire Superman: Birthright storyline can be found on my review of the Superman: Birthright DC Compact Comics Edition.

[Devin Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the most humanizing depiction of Lex that I've encountered, and that's saying something considering I'm in the middle of watching Smallville. (I love that Lex, especially Rosenbaum's performance, but--with where I'm at in the show--I feel like his motivations and feelings are sometimes a little stilted or something…? No spoilers, please!)

I'm always so interested in what to make of Kryptonite as a symbol of Clark's heritage, and it's especially interesting here: Lex is proud of it, Clark is nauseated by it, and Lex is infuriated that Clark seems to be reacting in disgust of Lex himself.

If the "S" that Superman wears with pride is the part of his heritage that he embraces, I suppose the Kryptonite is the pain of being forced from his home of Krypton.

Meanwhile, Lex parades it out as a symbol of his own ingenuity.

I have wheels turning about real-life parallels, but nothing worth sharing.

[Max Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este tebeo revela la compleja historia entre Clark Kent y Lex Luthor, centrándose específicamente en su amistad de la infancia en Smallville y los eventos que llevaron a la desaparición de esta. El número explora las trágicas consecuencias de un experimento científico que salió mal, que involucraba kryptonita, y cómo finalmente dio forma a la relación futura entre el granjero y el magnate millonario. Esta historieta también vincula este evento pasado con los eventos actuales que suceden en Metrópolis.

[Andy Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am almost positive james gunn took inspiration from this series for his superman. but boy, what was in this issue is EXACTLY what was missing from that movie. the history between clark and lex, and how lex was driven to become the ruthless, cold monster that he is, is so foundational to what makes their relationship interesting!! anyways, this book rules. oh and the art is incredible too.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here, we get Lex's backstory. I'm kinda tired of seeing backstories for how significant characters became bald.

[Vijay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only someone just gave Lex a hug...

[Mikey Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lex’s arrogance and anti social behavior was on full display during his time in smallville.