This Day in Comics: The Fateful First Meeting of Lex Luthor and Superboy
March 24th marks a significant date in the history of DC Comics, as it was on this day that Adventure Comics #271 unveiled the very first encounter between two characters destined for an eternal and iconic rivalry: Lex Luthor and Superboy. This pivotal story provides the foundation for their complex relationship, showcasing the initial sparks that would eventually ignite into a lifelong feud. Published in 1960, this issue offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of these legendary figures, revealing how a seemingly innocent meeting took a dramatic turn, setting the stage for years of conflict.
Superboy Seeks a New Friend in Smallville
The story begins with Superboy, still a newcomer to the quiet town of Smallville, becoming aware of another new face in their midst. In his youthful innocence and desire for companionship, Superboy actively seeks out this individual, hoping to forge a new friendship. Little does he know that the boy he is about to meet is none other than the future criminal mastermind, Lex Luthor. This initial motivation highlights Superboy’s inherent goodness and his early attempts to integrate into his adopted home.
A Kryptonite Meteor and an Unexpected Alliance
Fate intervenes as Superboy and Lex Luthor’s paths cross at a particularly dramatic moment. As they meet, a kryptonite meteor plummets to Earth, posing an immediate threat. In a display of quick thinking and resourcefulness, the young Lex Luthor takes decisive action, using a bulldozer to push the dangerous meteor away from the town. This heroic act leads to an immediate bond between the two boys, and they quickly become fast friends. This initial camaraderie underscores the tragedy of their later animosity, suggesting that their conflict was not inevitable but rather a result of specific events.
Lex Luthor: Boy Genius and Budding Scientist
Even in his childhood, Lex Luthor exhibits a remarkable intellect and a natural aptitude for science. The story reveals that he is already deeply engaged in ambitious scientific endeavors, working on the creation of protoplasmic life within his makeshift laboratory. This early display of his genius foreshadows the brilliance that would later make him one of Superman’s most formidable adversaries. Furthermore, his scientific curiosity extends to the very meteor that brought them together, leading him to develop a kryptonite antidote.
The Unfortunate Lab Accident and a Loss of Hair
However, fate takes a cruel turn during one of Lex’s experiments. While working on his kryptonite antidote, an accidental fire erupts in his laboratory, threatening to engulf his creations and potentially spread. In a moment of desperation, Lex calls out to his new friend, Superboy, for help. Without hesitation, Superboy arrives on the scene and swiftly extinguishes the blaze using his powerful super-breath. Unfortunately, this well-intentioned act has unforeseen and devastating consequences. The force of Superboy’s breath inadvertently destroys the protoplasmic life form that Lex had painstakingly created. Even more dramatically, the fumes released during this process cause Lex Luthor’s hair to fall out completely. This incident serves as a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of Lex’s resentment towards Superboy.
From Good Deeds to Bitter Blame
Despite this setback, Lex Luthor does not immediately descend into a life of crime. In fact, for a significant portion of the story, he actively tries to use his scientific prowess to benefit Smallville and gain the admiration of its residents, even attempting to outshine Superboy in popularity. He devises inventions aimed at providing year-round heat and accelerating plant growth. However, as often happens with unchecked ambition, both of these inventions backfire spectacularly, creating dangerous situations that only Superboy can resolve. Inevitably, Superboy is forced to destroy Lex’s creations to save the town from potential disaster. This series of unfortunate events leads the people of Smallville to despise Lex, and in his bitterness, he places the blame squarely on Superboy, further fueling his growing animosity.
The Kryptonite Meteor and the Seeds of Eternal Feud
In a climactic confrontation, Lex Luthor retrieves the very kryptonite meteor that initially brought them together. He then attempts to use it to kill Superboy, taunting him with the remnants of the kryptonite antidote formula he had developed. Once again, Superboy’s super-breath comes to the rescue, thwarting Lex’s deadly plan. Despite the clear evidence of Lex’s malicious intent, Superboy, still feeling a sense of pity for his former friend, chooses not to take him to prison. However, this fateful encounter irrevocably lays the foundation for their eternal feud, a conflict that would define their relationship for decades to come in the DC Universe. Adventure Comics #271 stands as a crucial chapter in the ongoing saga of Lex Luthor and Superboy, illustrating the tragic origins of one of the most iconic rivalries in comic book history.
Publisher Link: Explore the vast universe of Superboy and Lex Luthor at DC Comics’ Official Website.
