10 Best Super Villains (With No Super Powers)
2. Lex Luthor
Considering Superman is one of the most overpowered characters of all time, it’s mightily impressive that anyone can put up a fight against him for long enough to become his nemesis. For it to be without any powers at all, it’s absolutely outstanding.
Lex Luthor might not have super powers, but he’s certainly no ordinary man either. A genius level intellect is so common in comic books that it barely seems impressive anymore, but Luthor though takes it to the next level. His technological prowess and engineering ability allowed him to craft his war suit to level the playing field with Supes, though this is still standard super smart super villain stuff. What really elevates Luthor is his Machiavellian brilliance.
Luthor has built up an image for himself as a philanthropist and industrialist, protecting him from the nefarious reputation most super villains have. His charm and charisma is even enough to carry him to the White House, offering him even more power and influence.
He’s the perfect villain for Superman. Most of his bulky villains just devolve into a schlocky fist fight, while Luthor forces Superman to think. He can’t just punch his way through, and so it keeps his massively overpowered skill-set in check.