Lex Luthor Replaced Superman’s First Real Nemesis (& Wiped Him Out Of DC History For Decades)

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In the breathtaking portrayal of Superman on screen, it’s Lex Luthor who stands out as my arch-nemesis to the Man of Tomorrow. His malevolence and cunning intellect provide an intriguing contrast to Superman’s boundless compassion and strength. He first appeared way back in Action Comics #23, in March of 1940, and has been a persistent thorn in the side of our beloved Kryptonian ever since. Though Lex Luthor is undeniably legendary, it’s important to note that he wasn’t Superman’s first foe, nor is he his original arch-nemesis.

The title of being one of the oldest and possibly even wiser villains is held by someone known as Ultra-Humanite. Although he may not be well-known nowadays, during Superman’s early days as a hero, there was no adversary more menacing than Ultra-Humanite.

Ultra-Humanite Was The Original Supervillain

In the comic book series Action Comics, issue #13, Superman initially crossed paths with Ultra-Humanite. This encounter occurred well ahead of Lex Luthor’s introduction. Ultra-Humanite, through self-conducted scientific experiments, gained extraordinary intelligence but suffered a physical decline, eventually needing to use a wheelchair due to the strain on his body from his powerful mind. Their first encounter transpired when Superman decided to dismantle the Cab Protective League, an organization that doubled as a cab company and a gang, responsible for attacking drivers from competing companies. During this mission, Superman apprehended one of their enforcers, but the individual managed to break free, using a special gas that proved fatal for the two police officers who detained him.

In a future encounter, Superman traced the criminal’s lair where he unmasked the main culprit orchestrating all the chaos; it was The Ultra-Humanite, who manipulated the Cab Protective League for financial gains, aiming to establish a criminal empire and eventually conquer the world. He managed to elude Superman for the first time and even inflicted harm on him by electrifying the floor to knock him unconscious. However, he was unable to kill Superman and was compelled to retreat instead.

Initially appearing frequently, Ultra-Humanite marked a significant shift in Superman’s adversaries, transitioning him from battling corrupt landlords and politicians to encountering foes capable of matching his own abilities. Prior to Ultra-Humanite, Superman primarily combated social injustices. However, Ultra-Humanite represented an evolution in villains, as he was the first to inflict harm on Superman, and also showcased powers surpassing those of a normal human being – including hypnosis, telekinesis, and advanced technological prowess from the realm of science fiction.

In an unusual twist, he was the first antagonist to perish and resurface, his initial physique annihilated when he attempted to vanquish Superman. His brain was then transferred into the body of renowned actress Dolores Winters. Known for this peculiar method, he would assume multiple identities over time, culminating in his most recognized form: a genetically enhanced albino gorilla from Gorilla City, which endowed him with the power to confront Superman directly. Over the years, he was a significant adversary for Superman and later became a regular foe for the All-Star Squadron and Justice Society of America.

A Classic Villain Who Has Been Forgotten

Although Ultra-Humanite was the initial Superman antagonist and one of the earliest comic book villains, he’s largely overshadowed today. The primary reason for this is that Lex Luthor essentially usurped Ultra-Humanite’s role, adopting his character traits as an incredibly intelligent man with malicious intentions towards Superman. Luthor’s desire to eliminate the Man of Steel to advance his own plans mirrors Ultra-Humanite’s evil nature and ambition.

Ultra-Humanite paved the way for numerous iconic villains, but over time he became more associated with the Justice Society of America (JSA), a team that has enjoyed less popularity compared to Superman. Despite this, Ultra-Humanite has occasionally returned to confronting the Man of Tomorrow, albeit sparingly. His most recent significant appearance was in Monkey Prince, and since then, he’s been absent from the comic book scene.

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2025-07-19 00:10