Warning: Spoilers for Superman #19There is no doubt that Superman and Lois Lane They are the most iconic comic book couple of all time, with their dynamic inspiring countless other couples that followed them. Now, this fan-favorite dynamic has received a surprising twist that changes the nature of Clark and Lois’ romance. DC’s greatest love story has officially been rewritten, and Superman is no longer the only superhero in their relationship.
Ever since Lois Lane unexpectedly became Superwoman, readers have been captivated by the mystery surrounding her powers. The request for Superwoman Special #1 by Joshua Williamson and Edwin Galmon promises answers about Lois’s mysterious new abilities, and along with this issue’s synopsis comes stunning cover art by Dave Wilkins. This variant cover depicts a common occurrence for this prolific DC duo, but in reverse, as Lois’ Superwoman carries Clark Kent and not the other way around.
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SUPERWOMAN SPECIAL #1 (2024) |
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Release date: |
December 11, 2024 |
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Writer: |
Joshua Williamson |
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Artist: |
Edwin Galmon |
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Featured variant cover artist: |
David Wilkins |
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Cover artist: |
Edwin Galmon |
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Variant covers: |
Elizabeth Torque, Mark Spears |
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The incredible story of how Daily Planet Editor-in-Chief Lois Lane gained superpowers and eventually became Superwoman. What does it mean for the Super family matriarch to fly alongside her family and friends? And how long will these powers last? And who wants these powers for themselves?! Special appearance by Atom, Mister Terrific, Supergirl and Silver Banshee! |
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This gorgeous art cleverly subverts the old tropes fans have come to expect from Superman and Lois’ romance, showing how their transformation into Superwoman shook the foundation of their relationship in fun and inventive ways.
Superman and Lois Lane’s dynamic takes a turn now that she has superpowers
DC’s New Superwoman Turns Her Romance With Superman Upside Down
Superman and Lois Lane made their DC Comics debut in 1938 Action comics #1 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and from that point on, their dynamic remained pretty much the same as it was then. Superman flies around saving people, while Lois Lane is a reporter he needs to rescue from time to time. There’s a reason why images of Superman carrying Lois in flight are so beloved; It’s a milestone in their love story, since he’s the superhero and she’s the civilian. In Wilkins’ variant cover, however, Superman’s usual status quo with Lois was changed.
As shown above, Wilkins’ Superman and Lois art takes their classic trope and changes the roles they play. Lois Lane, wearing her new Superwoman costume, becomes the courageous superhero who flies to the rescue. Meanwhile, Clark Kent is placed in the position of a helpless civilian who needs to be carried. This captivating exchange of roles does away with the “damsel in distress” trope that permeates many interpretations of the Superman and Lois romanceletting her save him for a change. Thanks to her new Superwoman powers, Lois and Superman are finally equals in their relationship.
As Superwoman, Lois Lane can finally fight alongside Superman
Lois Lane leaves her “damsel in distress” roots behind
Normally, Superman has to fight on Lois’ behalf while she watches from the sidelines. That’s not to say she can’t challenge the bad guys in her own way – Lois’s job at Daily Planet has allowed her to take down criminals in the past – but when it comes to physical threats, she’s had to stay out of it. Now, however, Lois can dress up as Superwoman and fight alongside Superman. In Superman #19 by Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora, Superman and Superwoman use their Kryptonian powers to fight crime in Metropolis together, giving them a refreshing new dynamic.
Now that she’s no longer relegated to “damsel in distress” status, Lois Lane is finally the hero she always was inside, just like Superman.
The perfect comparison between Lois’ new role and her old one is demonstrated when Doomsday returns to DC lore. When Doomsday first killed Superman decades ago, all Lois could do was watch in horror, leading to the infamous image of her cradling his body in her arms. Today, due to the powers at her disposal, Lois no longer needs to sit still. Instead, when Doomsday appears, Lois activates her heat vision and prepares for battle alongside Superman. Now that she’s not relegated to “damsel in distress” status, Lois Lane is finally the hero she always deserved to be, just like Superman.
Superwoman Special #1 is available December 11, 2024 from DC Comics.