Arrogance defines Lex Luthor as much as his genius. It is rare for the self-described “greatest criminal mind in history” to admit his mistakes. Yet Luthor confessed his greatest mistake in Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1.
The first issue of the crossover between Justice League and Godzilla vs. Kong sets the stage for the title conflict. The action centers on the Legion of Doom and Lex Luthor’s scheme to trap the Justice League in the Phantom Zone. This involves a heist: breaking into the Fortress of Solitude. The Justice League is summoned after Toyman impulsively grabs a shiny amulet and sets off the alarms.
Unfortunately, the untimely explosion of one of Toyman’s toys triggers Luthor’s teleportation trap early. This sends the Legion of Doom across reality to Skull Island. The villains take shelter in a command center monitoring the many giant monsters on the island, including King Kong.
When Toyman proves more thrilled then terrified by the monsters surrounding them, Luthor loses what patience he has left. This leads to the uncharacteristic confession that he had made a mistake allowing Toyman to join the Legion of Doom in the first place.
Why did Lex let Toyman join the Legion of Doom?
The members of the Legion of Doom in Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong are portrayed as antagonistic towards one another. Despite this, most of them are professionals when it comes to their work, and can follow a simple plan. This is not the case with Toyman, who comes off as an impulsive man-child at best, and an idiot at worst.
The most likely explanation is Lex Luthor thought the chaos Toyman causes might be useful. Luthor has forged partnerships with the Joker in the past for that reason. He has also said it was better to have Joker working with you than against you, if only because he takes it personally when he can’t join in the fun. The same logic could apply to Toyman.
The ironic difference is that Joker, for all his insanity, can play well with others when it suits him. By contrast, the socially awkward Toyman acts like an overgrown child, with no sense of subtlety, and usually works alone. This makes his inclusion in the Legion of Doom all the more perplexing.
Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
