In this review of Action Comics #1103, we find out what early life was like for Lex Luthor and Clark Kent. What experiences shaped the villain and the hero? Find out inside.
ACTION COMICS #1103
Written by MARK WAID
Art by PATRICIO DELPECHE
Main Cover: CHRIS BRUNNER
Variant Covers: RYAN SOOK, DON AGUILLO, DAVE WILKINS, ARIEL OLIVETTI
Page Count: 32 Pages
Release Date: 10/14/26
This review contains spoilers
The “Lex Luthor: Year One” arc kicks off with present-day Lex narrating the story of his upbringing. His father, Lionel, once a brilliant scientist, but now a brain-damaged alcoholic, treats Lex and his mother, Leticia, terribly.
With Lionel out of the house, Leticia hosts a neighborhood party, but when three-year old Lex demonstrates his enormous intellectual abilities, people become disturbed and leave, further isolating mother and son.
The story shifts to Clark Kent narrating his own early years story. It’s a distinctly opposite experience. Jonathan and Martha Kent lovingly raise their son, reminding him about the importance of hiding his abilities. When Clark has the opportunity to use his strength at a birthday party, he remembers what he learned and finds another way to help a dog trapped under a tractor.
As the issue concludes, the focus returns to Lex and Leticia escaping the Luthor home. Leticia has come up with a plan to fake their deaths by setting fire to the house. With their home ablaze, mother and son head off to start a new life.
Analysis
You might be thinking, “Oh great, ANOTHER origin story!” To that I would say, “Give this one a chance.” Writer Mark Waid’s emphasis on the importance of our life experiences shaping us is excellent. The lives of Lex and Clark mirror each other in some ways, but are vastly different in others, leading to their actions in later life that we’re already familiar with.
Waid is not exploring a new concept with this storyline, but he tells it in a way that is entertaining. It serves as a good jumping on point for new readers, especially younger ones who may not be as familiar with the back stories of these two main characters.
Lex’s genius-level intelligence is only fostered by his mother, whereas Clark’s superpowers are supported by both parents. Waid puts the whole “nature versus nurture” idea on full display, making it clear that while both Lex and Clark have been given advantages in the nature area, only one of them has the full nurture part available to allow for solid growth and development.
In upcoming issues, I’m hoping we get more of these mirrored stories to give more insights into the Lex / Clark dynamic. This character exploration can be even more interesting than a superpowered battle when it comes to the overall story. Yes, we read comics for cool fights that include fantastical abilities, but the characters should drive the story and Mark Waid is taking full advantage of that idea here.
Artist Patricio Delpeche handles the illustrations and colors, doing an outstanding job with both. Panel layout is easy to follow, characters are drawn in a style that’s not too detailed and not too basic, and the colors are rich and varied.
Final Thoughts
Action Comics #1103 examines the upbringing of Lex Luthor and Clark Kent. It examines the life experiences of both characters and what leads to one becoming a villain and the other a hero. If you’re curious about Superman stories and haven’t been reading them lately, this is a good one to start with. Have fun, comic lovers!
Actions Comics #1103
DC Comics Reviewed by Jeremy BonnetteFinal Thoughts
Action Comics #1103 examines the upbringing of Lex Luthor and Clark Kent. It examines the life experiences of both characters and what leads to one becoming a villain and the other a hero. If you’re curious about Superman stories and haven’t been reading them lately, this is a good one to start with.
