Crossword Genius

Luthor perhaps figures in reference books (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lexicons

'reference books' is the definition.
(lexicon is a kind of reference book)

'luthor perhaps figures' is the wordplay.
'luthor perhaps' becomes 'Lex' (Superman's enemy Lex Luthor).
'figures' becomes 'icons' (I've seen this before).
'lex'+'icons'='LEXICONS'

'in' acts as a link.

(Another definition for lexicons that I've seen is " Dictionaries".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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