Lionel Luthor is the father of
Lex Luthor and founder and
CEO of
LuthorCorp. Although the character of
Lex Luthor's father was first introduced in
Superman comics by
Jerry Siegel in 1961 and has since appeared in other Superman-related media under different names,
Smallville represents the first time the character has become an intricate part of a Superman adaptation. .
Lionel Luthor evolves from a nemesis of
Clark Kent who develops multiple schemes directed at uncovering his secrets to an ally who eventually gives his life to protect his secret from his own son. He also carries a strained relationship with his son and tries to test on a regular basis. He also attempts to develop a romantic relationship with Martha Kent following the death of Jonathan Kent assisting her in her advancement toward the
United States Senate.
He is characterized as being a sinister character, who will do what he can to further his own ambitions. Lionel's relationship with his son has been likened to that of
Harry Osborn and
Norman Osborn from
Spider-Man comics.
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