The thought of a ruthless scientific genius possessing enough power to take on Superman on his own is frightening. When it turns out to be Lex Luthor, it’s terrifying. For the past few weeks, Lex has been tested and retested to see if he could become a met human. Results were negative, or so he was led to believe.

The truth came out, and one unlucky scientist has had to take drastic measures for deceiving his boss. I’ve often wondered what motivations scientists had in working for supervillains and whether they even had any remorse over taking part in illegal and insidious activities. Apparently, they do, but if one of those scientists had acted earlier, Lex Luthor wouldn’t even have had the chance to gain met human abilities. It’s a case of too little, too late, as Natasha Irons learns some very important lessons about the acquisition of power and the consequences for the decisions you make.

In deeper, wetter territory, Ralph Dibny continues his magical journey. He goes down to what remains of Atlantis, where he finds a curious old man who tells him what he knows about Aquaman’s whereabouts. Ralph is in Atlantis for something more, and as usual, he has to go to great lengths to get it.

Back on Oolong Island, the temporary home of DC’s mad scientists, three of the four Horsemen have taken off for their destination. They are headed straight for Khandaq, and it seems they are having an effect on all the nature around Black Adam’s kingdom. I would say that messing with Black Adam is a bad move, but who’s to argue with the Horsemen of the Apokolips? What I’d like to know, at this moment, is where is the fourth Horseman? I think that fingers are pointing in one direction.

As Week 39 comes to an end. Natasha Irons learns what her uncle had been trying to teach her for many months. Power cannot be given. It should be earned. Maybe someone should have taught Lex Luthor this lesson as well. Again, it’s too little, too late. It’s a very good week of 52, but it’s a set up for some more exciting action down the line.