Comic Title: Lex Luthor:The Unauthorized Biography #1
Publisher: DC
Cover Date: 1989
On Sale Date: May 9, 1989 Shipping Date May 9, 1989
Source: Previews, #2

Cover Price: $3.95
Page Count: 48
Editor: Mike Carlin

Title: "Lex Luthor the Unauthorized Biography"
Pages: 46

Feature(s):
Lex Luthor (Post-Crisis)

Writer: James D. Hudnall
Artist: Eduardo Barreto
Letterer: Bill Oakley
Colorist: Adam Kubert

Reprinted In:
Superman:President Luthor TPB (2018)

Feature Character(s)

• Lex Luthor (last appearance in Wonder Woman Annual #2; next appearance in Adventures of Superman #448)

Guest Star(s)

• Clark Kent (last appearance in Superman #25; next appearance in Adventures of Superman #448)

Villain(s)

• Richard McGuire (a former classmate of Luthor; now a thug; no further appearances)
• McGuire's unnamed accomplice (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Peter Sands (a writer; dies in this story; no further appearances)
• Ellen Fisher (an editor at Tinsel Town Press; no further appearances)
• Hector Ortiz and Ed Harris (police detectives; no further appearances)
• Mrs. Anderson (a former teacher; no further appearances)
• Mr. Bryant (a former insurance agent; no further appearances)
• Harry Jones (a former employee of Luthor; dies in this story; no further appearances)
• Melissa Dugan (a former girlfriend of Luthor; no further appearances)
• Macklin (a police commissioner; no further appearances)
• John Quinn (a lawyer; no further appearances)
• Lisa (Luthor's current girlfriend; no further appearances)
• Several magazine editors (Shel Blitzstein named; no further appearances)
• Edward Kelly (a former classmate of Luthor; no further appearances)
• An unnamed female lawyer (working for Luthor; no further appearances)

Cameo Appearance(s)

• Perry White (in flashback)
• Luthor's parents (in flashback)

Comments:
Although this issue was published during Superman's self-imposed exile into space, Clark Kent's presence in this story indicates that it must have taken place while Superman was still on Earth. There is also a vague allusion to the fact that Luthor has not yet interfered with S.T.A.R. Labs which he did during the Hostile Takeover storyline which occurred while Superman was in space. Therefore, this story likely takes place before Superman began his exile, not after.

Synopsis:
Peter Sands, a down-on-his-luck writer, decides to write a biography of Lex Luthor. He begins investigating Luthor's past which has some strange gaps. Evidence seems to point to that fact that Lex killed his parents as a teenager to get insurance money. Sands also uncovers evidence that Luthor was involved in illegal activities such as the manufacturing and distribution of designer drugs.

After making progress on the investigation, Sands receives a threatening phone call. Then one of his witnesses is killed in front of him. Sands contacts Clark Kent and asks for Superman's help. Before Clark can act, Superman is called away by an earthquake in Japan. Before he returns, Sands is murdered by Luthor's men.

Superman returns and finds the body. Clark's name is written in blood on the floor. The police arrest and question Clark. However, one of Luthor's lawyers has Clark released when new evidence is found. In exchange, the lawyer indicates that Clark now owes Luthor a favor.

The notes made by Sands as well as the police tape are turned over to Luthor. He destroys all the evidence against him to prevent anyone else from learning the truth about his past.