10 Powerless Characters Who Have Defeated Superman

Of all the figures in the world to take out the Man of Steel, Lex Luthor is perhaps the most obvious. While he doesn't often get his climactic victory over Superman, he's managed it on a fair few occasions over the years, likely partially out of sympathy on the writer's side, given he has to lose so damn much.

When he isn't killing Superman with deadly kryptonite beams and other assorted deathtraps, he's defeating the hero in other, less obvious ways. Perhaps Luthor's most substantial victory over his alien rival was when he managed to join the Justice League, because it's sort of like the person you hate most managing to join your closest group of friends.

Lex's victories are a perfect way to leave us rooting for the beloved America extraterrestrial, because we see just how human Kent is in still trying to help Luthor even after he's hurt him so many times. A similar thing can also be said for the bald egomaniac, as every single time he defeats Superman, you hate him just that little bit more.