Warning: Spoilers for Superman (2023) #21 ahead!
As one of DC's longest-running couples, it's no wonder that Lois Lane and Superman share a strong and healthy relationship, arguably making them the main pair of DC Comics' many romances. However, even though Lois' new superpowers have completely changed their dynamic, this heartfelt moment they share, As they try to adapt their relationship to this new development, it warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
Superman (2023) #21 – written by Joshua Williamson, with art by Dan Mora – is about Lois and Clark exploring their relationship now that Lois has powers to match Clark's. Despite trying out several super-powered date ideas, like throwing rocks as darts at the moon or a trip to Gemworld, the two only feel comfortable again after eating breakfast burritos in Smallville.
"I know what was missing... us. Lois and Clark. A city girl and a small town boy," Lois explains, reaffirming the humanity of their relationship in a moment that really resonated with me.
I always appreciated how Lois and Superman never needed powers to work as a couple
Superman (2023) #21 – Written by Joshua Williamson; Art by Dan Mora; Color by Alejandro Sánchez; Ariana Maher Lyrics
I think Superman #21 offers a nice dive into the chemistry that makes Lois and Clark tick, especially now that more superpowers have been added to the mix. Contemporary Superman never shied away from Lois's extraordinary qualities: her journalistic skill, her coolness in times of crisis, and her strong sense of justice. Granting Lois superpowers is a fascinating twist in their dynamic because Lois never needed them; now, however, Lois has the chance to bond with Clark as an equal and I find it fascinating how the two struggle to connect as superheroes.
Likewise, Superman has always been defined by his humanity and compassion for his Kryptonian abilities. I've always argued that Superman, not Wonder Woman, represents the “love” in DC's trinity of heroes, because the character's signature trait is his seemingly infinite compassion. But Superman isn't just an impossible standard of inhuman patience: his compassion stems from his rural, small-town upbringing where community and communication are king. The “Big Blue Boy Scout” is inextricably linked to Midwestern American values, which inform his character far more than the super strength, flight, or other abilities that have given him near-godlike status in the DC universe.
Lois and Clark's dynamic has always focused on them as people first, powers second
Readers love the characters beneath the costumes
I really like how Superman #21 emphasizes that granting Lois superpowers doesn't necessarily improve her relationship with Superman – power has never been a source of inequality between them. Articles like Larry Niven’s “Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex” may be the satirical extreme, but there is criticism about how valid the relationship between Lois and Superman is when Lois is a human being and Superman is a god in all but name. What people often ignore is that Superman is, deep down, a good person. – a human being – and that his powers are ultimately secondary to this fact.
As a point of contrast, I am reminded of one of the most controversial elements of the infamous controversial New 52 reboot: temporarily cutting Lois out of the picture and instead pairing Superman romantically with Wonder Woman. While the partnership makes sense on paper, with the two sharing similar levels of incredible power, that same factor means their partnership lacks the simple, human core that Lois and Clark celebrate together in Superman #21. This robs Superman of the chance to just be Clark Kent, which this issue emphasizes as one of the most important parts of his relationships.
Superman and Superwoman's super relationship is just starting to be explored, but I can't get enough
Their love never fails to warm my heart
Ultimately, I really love these moments between Lois and Clark. I love how exuberant Lois is when testing out her new powers; I love how affectionate she and Clark are together in those rare and precious moments when two of the most powerful people in all of DC can let their guard down around each other. Lois and Clark delighting in simple things together is all I want from a couple because, despite having the power to decide the fate of entire planets, it's these small human moments that really matter.
I firmly believe that heroes need to be good people first and myths second - and witnessing Superman and Lois Lane silently affirm this to each other on a cold morning over burritos was one of my favorite moments of the season.
One last thing I would like to highlight is how Superman #21 highlights how strange Lois and Clark's relationship is when they're trying to date each other as Superman and Superwoman instead of simple Lois and Clark, and the way they reconcile through their humanity just warms my heart. I firmly believe that heroes need to be good people first and myths second - and witness Superman and Lois Lane calmly stating this to each other on a cold morning over burritos has been one of my favorite moments of the season.
Superman (2023) #21 is now available from DC Comics.