Luthors

Luthors refers to a fictional surname used for a prominent corporate dynasty in the DC Comics universe. The Luthor family is best known for Lex Luthor, a genius inventor and business magnate who frequently positions himself as Superman's arch-enemy. Across comics, television, and film, the Luthors are depicted as powerful players in Metropolis and beyond, with interests in science, technology, media, and politics.

Origin and depiction: The Luthor name is tied to a family whose members' exact relationships vary by continuity. In many versions, Lex Luthor is the son (or ward) of Lionel Luthor, a ruthless magnate who is both ally and rival to his son at different times. Other members—such as Lena Luthor in some adaptations—appear as relatives or associates, while additional kin are introduced or retconned in alternate universes. The family typically runs or controls LexCorp, a conglomerate that serves as a central arena for their influence and plots.

In media: Lex Luthor is the most consistently depicted member across comics, animated series, and live-action adaptations. The Luthors appear across formats from early comic book appearances in the 1940s to modern television and film, with each adaptation offering its own take on corporate power, scientific ambition, and the ethics of genius.

Impact and themes: The Luthors function as a major foil to Superman, embodying themes of power, wealth, scientific ambition, and moral ambiguity. The surname has become one of the best-known associations with villainy and corporate antagonism in superhero fiction, while some interpretations cast Lex Luthor in more nuanced or even heroic roles.