History: (Action Comics #23, Superman vol. 1 #4)-Luthor's origins are shrouded in secrecy, even his nationality is uncertain since he first appeared in Europe when war had broken out between the small countries of Galonia and Toran. He used his scientific genius to disrupt a peace conference, and planned to involve all of Europe in the conflict. He was foiled by Superman I who destroyed several of his loyal followers.

(Superman I #20) - Lois Lane had Daily Planet pressman Carl run off a gag paper featuring an expose revealing Clark Kent as Superman in order to play a practical joke on her co-worker. Carl came down with appendicitis and without him around to stop production the paper made its way into the hands of the public. Luthor was shocked to learn the identity of his nemesis, but Superman later put a kibosh on the story, and his secret remained safe.

Superman and Luthor clashed several times, and their enmity grew. Luthor became Superman's greatest nemesis when he discovered the existence of kryptonite from cellmate Dan Rivers. Luthor tracked down a kryptonite meteorite and then exposed Superman's weakness to the world.