Comic Vine Review

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Superman: Lois Lane #1 - Nostalgia

4

It's time for Lois to take the spotlight and we find out more about her as she investigates a mystery close to home.

The Good

We've seen quite a mix of different titles in the New 52. While this is only a one-shot, an over-sized issue focusing on Lois Lane is more than welcomed. Just to be clear, we get 38 pages of actual story for the $4.99 price tag. It should also be noted that this story is a little different from the solicit, which is fine. There is no Brainiac involvement here.

Marguerite Bennett gives us an interesting story. It feels like there's often been discussion and dreaming over a Lois Lane ongoing series and Bennett shows us how it could work. There are some that feel Lois is simply a reporter interested in Superman. That couldn't be further from the truth. By diving into Lois' past, we learn a little more about where her personality comes from. I can't recall ever really reading much about Lois' childhood or mother besides the fact she was an "Army brat." Bennett dives into Lois' past and fleshes out her relationship with her sister, Lucy.

That in itself would make a fascinating story but there is more. Much more.

Lois is given the chance to investigate a "story" on her own. This is something I've always longed for. We're discovering that there are other things happening in the DCU and not everything is being shown in the comics. The idea of Lois investigating different areas of the DCU and giving us the viewpoint of a non-superpowered individual would be brilliant. Bennett really shows the beauty in this.

Seeing Lois as a child was very interesting. It's great seeing a child drawn in a comic that actually looks like a kid instead of a mini-adult or a small character with a large head. Seeing the relationship between Lois and Lucy as children and adults is a great way to remind us how close they should be.

The Bad

I understand why "SUPERMAN" was added to the title but it felt completely unnecessary, as did his one-panel appearance. This story shows Superman is not needed to tell a really cool Lois Lane story.

It's likely due to the over-sized issue but four pencilers felt like too much. Some scenes, like the flashback ones, made sense to have a different penciler. Other times, the different ways Lois or others looked was a slight distraction. It was mainly evident in the inconsistency of Lois' face or jaw.

It's a minor thing but it always bothers me when a character is in another form and transforms back to human with their clothes magically appearing. Sure the transformation is stretching our sense of disbelief and I am happy there wasn't an gratuitous scenes but it always makes me chuckle a bit when it happens.

The Verdict

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I want a Lois Lane ongoing series. Marguerite Bennett gives us a great solo story focusing on how great the character is and can be out on her own adventures. The DCU is a big place and there's plenty for Lois to do. Bennett also shows us Superman doesn't have to be part of equation in giving us a Lois Lane story. The oversized format was nice in giving us more story but having four different pencilers made it a little bumpy. Let us all hope this is just the beginning of Lois Lane in the spotlight.