How Superman Caused Lex Luthors Baldness and Lifelong Enmity

The bitter rivalry between Superman and Lex Luthor is iconic. Their conflict spans decades of comic book history. The root of this hatred, however, stems from a surprising and personal incident.

This pivotal moment was first revealed in a 1960 comic book. It explains how a simple accident created a lifelong enemy for the Man of Steel.

Lex Luthor Was Once a Superman Fan

According to the story in Adventure Comics #271, a young Clark Kent operated as Superboy. He encountered a brilliant teenage scientist named Lex Luthor. Lex was actually a huge admirer of the young hero.

Their friendship began when Lex saved Superboy from Kryptonite poisoning. He developed an antidote that cured the hero. The two quickly became close friends and scientific collaborators.

The Laboratory Accident That Changed Everything

Lex Luthor, in his youth, had a full head of hair. He was notably proud of his brown locks. This all changed during a joint experiment in his personal lab.

The lab caught fire due to a chemical mishap. Superboy rushed to the scene to save his friend. He used his super breath to extinguish the flames.

This action had an unintended consequence. The powerful gust knocked over vials of experimental chemicals. The mixing compounds created a toxic gas.

The fumes reacted with Lex Luthor’s hair. This caused all of his hair to fall out permanently. The brilliant scientist was left completely bald.

How Baldness Forged a Super-Villain

Lex Luthor’s perspective on the event twisted over time. He became convinced Superboy had caused his baldness on purpose. He believed it was an act of jealousy over his scientific intellect.

This single event fueled an all-consuming hatred. That hatred defined Luthor’s entire adult life. It drove him to become Superman’s greatest and most persistent nemesis.

Their dynamic remains a cornerstone of DC Comics lore. Future projects, including the upcoming Superman film, continue to explore this complex relationship. The legacy of that 1960s accident endures.

The story of Lex Luthor’s baldness is a foundational chapter in comic book history. It proves that even the smallest incident can create the world’s greatest villain. This unique origin continues to define the epic clash between brains and brawn.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: In which comic was Lex Luthor’s origin revealed?

The story was first told in *Adventure Comics #271* from 1960. It featured a younger version of the characters known as Superboy and Lex Luthor. This issue detailed their initial friendship and the accident that ended it.

Q2: How did Lex Luthor actually lose his hair?

He lost his hair due to a laboratory accident. Superboy’s super breath knocked over chemicals that created a toxic gas. The fumes caused permanent hair loss for the young Lex Luthor.

Q3: Were Superman and Lex Luthor ever friends?

Yes, in their youth they were briefly friends. Lex Luthor was a fan of Superboy and even saved his life. Their friendship ended immediately after the lab fire and hair loss incident.

Q4: Why did Lex think Superman made him bald on purpose?

Lex Luthor’s pride was deeply wounded by the accident. He twisted the event in his mind, believing Superboy was jealous of his intelligence. This paranoid thinking turned a mistake into a deliberate act of sabotage.

Q5: Is this baldness story still part of Lex Luthor’s character?

While later origins have been explored, this story remains a classic and influential part of his lore. It established the personal, petty nature of his hatred for Superman. The core idea that a perceived slight fueled his villainy is central to the character.