There are many nuances and layers to All-Star Superman, but its magical mystery about Lex Luthor and Leo Quintum may never be solved.
All-Star Superman, by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, is a timeless classic, embodying the perfect Superman tale. This rich and nuanced 2006 maxi-series is layered with hidden meanings and references to the Superman lore.
However, one mysterious point of the story still stands, and it has to do with the true identity of Dr. Leo Quintum.
Introduced within All-Star Superman, Leo Quintum is an eccentric billionaire genius. This scientist is the head of P.R.O.J.E.C.T., a think tank that was inspired by Superman to create the world of tomorrow. Through breakthroughs in genetic engineering and universal exploration, Quintum worked to shape humanity in Superman’s image. At the beginning of the series, Quintum’s voyage to the sun is attacked by Lex Luthor and saved by Superman.
This rescue overloads Superman’s cells with solar energy, slowly killing him. Even so, Quintum dedicates himself to either saving Superman or replacing him so humanity will not be left behind. As proof, Quintum introduces the Man of Tomorrow to all of his genetic breakthroughs, including photosynthetic giants, Bizarro worker drones, voyager titans and nanonauts.
Quintum and his scientists even delve into the dangerous Bizzaro-verse, an underworld of sorts. Enlisting Superman’s help, Quintum is able to cut the Earth off from the deadly pull of the Bizarro-verse. During the Man of Steel’s final days, Quintum impressively finds a way to re-enlarge the Bottle City of Kandor. Moreover, Quintum manages to move the Kryptonians on Kandor to Mars, where they will have more room to live and enjoy Superman’s powers.
Most importantly, Superman entrusts Quintum with his genetic code, enabling the scientist to reproduce his own Supermen. In the final pages of All-Star Superman, it seems that Quintum intends to use this information, ensuring that humanity is taken care of in Superman’s absence.
Given everything that Quintum accomplishes throughout All-Star Superman, he’s clearly a benevolent genius. Yet many have theorized that Leo Quintum, in reality, is none other than the malicious Lex Luthor, turning over a new leaf. This theory is based on a moment near the end of the series when Luthor gains Superman’s powers. Lex sees through Superman’s eyes, in a moment of illumination. Many believe that, from here, Luthor traveled back in time to become Leo Quintum and aid Superman’s endeavors.