WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Superman #18, by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Reis, Joe Prado, Alex Sinclair and Dave Sharpe, on sale now.

In one of the DC Universe's biggest moments in recent memory, Superman has revealed his secret identity to the world. While coming out as Clark Kent will be a seismic shift for his personal life, it's something that rocks the universe to its very core.

Even in an era that's seen Superman's father, Jor-El, reveal himself to be alive and Superman's son, Jon Kent, join the Legion of Super-Heroes in the distant future, Superman's unmasking stands as an even bigger moment in Superman history. However, it's also shocked  Superman's greatest foe, Lex Luthor, out of his alien form and turned him back into the cunning, ruthless businessman who's menaced Superman for decades.

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Clark's big decision didn't just happen overnight. He holds council with his confidants like Supergirl, and even his former nemesis Zod, who's overseeing another iteration of New Krypton to get their blessing. He understands that his reveal will have a ripple effect on their lives too, and Kal-El even speaks to the greater cosmic realm about this. Superman also asks Adam Strange on Rann for advice, as Superman makes the rounds to ensure the day goes as smooth as can be.

The Man of Steel privately comes out to his Daily Planet Editor-in-Chief Perry White, to be greeted by a giant hug, with Jimmy Olsen also getting the exclusive scoop from Lois Lane. As Superman tells the public the truth at a press conference, we see the ones he loves -- especially his wife -- glowing. Batman and Damian apparently approve, the former with a wry smirk, The Flash, Martian Manhunter and most of the Justice League do the same, except for Wonder Woman, whose folded hands and scowl indicate she isn't a fan of this.

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When Superman confirms he's journalist Clark Kent, an alien refugee who wants to build a better world and tomorrow for the DCU, the viewers of his intergalactic broadcast can't believe what they're seeing.

As the Legion of Doom watches this together, Luthor is especially upset at the revelation. While he starts watching the broadcast in the purple robe and white skin as the Apex Predator that Perpetua created, Lex transforms into the suit and tie that was his official uniform as the ruthless businessman and cunning villain who's firmly established himself as Superman's most fearsome foe.

Lex killed his physical human form as part of the plan to become the Apex Predator. But Lex's return to his old persona here recalls his most famous moments, from his presidential aspirations and to his status as the man who cloned Superman and created countless plots against Superman.

Luthor's suit-and-tie is almost as iconic as Superman's uniform, and it's Lex at his truest, scariest self. While Apex Lex or Lex in his mech-suit give the villain more raw power, this Lex is a cerebral mastermind who creates threats that no one ever sees coming.  He's played the public for fools, turned the masses against the Justice League and used politics for his own gain against the heroes. Now, Lex may try to launch an attack on Clark's loved ones or workplace, as part of his inevitable revenge against Superman. Even as he's still adjusting to the news, you can see the wheels are turning in Lex's mind as he crosses his hands in pensive silence.

This is Lex at his most dangerous, and he's doubtlessly planning his revenge against Superman. Right now, he's absolutely furious, and he wants to make the Man of Steel pay for a ruse that tricked him for decades.

NEXT: The DC Universe Reacts to Superman's Identity Reveal in January