Superman: Lex Luthor Special # 1 Foil Variant 2025 NM-

Superman: Lex Luthor Special #1 is a pivotal comic book one-shot published by DC Comics in January 2025. Written by Joshua Williamson with art by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira, the issue serves as a critical bridge for the DC All-In initiative, exploring the psychological aftermath of Lex Luthor’s mind-wipe during the House of Brainiac storyline. 

The Core Plot & Premise

During the climax of the House of Brainiac event, Lex Luthor's memories were wiped completely clean, leaving him with a gentle, humble personality devoid of his massive ego and villainous ambitions. In this special issue, the DC Universe faces a massive crisis following the events of DC All-In Special #1. Mister Terrific discovers a major mystery tied to Darkseid's newly formed Absolute Universe, and the key to solving it is locked deep inside Lex's wiped mind.

Superman's Moral Dilemma

The narrative centers heavily on a philosophical dispute between Superman and his former arch-nemesis. 

• The New Lex: Free from his toxic past, Lex is living a peaceful life, going on dates with Mercy Graves, connecting with his daughter Lena, and expressing genuine remorse for the pain his "old self" caused. He openly states that he does not want his memories back. 
• The Choice: Superman is forced to decide whether it is right to force Lex to remember his past to save lives, knowing that restoring his scientific genius will inevitably reawaken the megalomaniacal monster who hates the Man of Steel. 

Key Story Beats & Character Details

• Childhood Flashbacks: The issue features deep-dive flashbacks into Lex’s youth in Smallville, highlighting his toxic, abusive relationship with his father, Lionel Luthor. 
• The Musical Connection: As a boy, Lex built a machine that beamed a specific musical signal into space. In the present day, music therapy (specifically a song his mother taught him) begins unlocking his repressed memories. 
• The Twist Ending: Lex plays the final notes of the song on a piano—which readers note is an intentional nod to John Williams' classic Superman Theme. The final moments imply that Lex's dark memories are actively returning, leaving the reader to wonder if his amnesia has morphed into a complex ruse.