Review: Lois Lane #2
[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Mike Perkins
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Letters: Simon Bowland
Reviewed by: Sean Blumenshine
Summary
Famed writer and reporter Lois Lane never worries about speaking truth to power—so what’s she hiding from the most powerful man on the planet (and her husband), Superman? Investigating a widening international conspiracy, Lois puts herself in the crosshairs with backup from an unlikely new ally from the streets of Gotham City.
Positives
Mike Perkins’ cover is great. The darker American flag in the background is really cool. I love the noir style of the image and it looks great.
The interior art, also by Perkins, is equally great. It’s nicely stylized with a grittier aesthetic. It’s evocative and expressive. Perkins and colorist Paul Mounts nicely establish the tone of the book with their work. It looks awesome.
I really enjoy Lois having to deal with this scandal. It makes a lot of sense. In the age of social media, Lois and Superman would absolutely get caught on camera. Superheroes are celebrities in a way so they would have to deal with being constantly filmed and photographed. The repercussions of that are interesting. I also like the use of our cancel culture. People are ruthlessly using Lois’ personal life to discredit her work which is something that happens often regardless of the legitimacy of the claims. She handles it well, mostly because she knows she’s done nothing wrong, but it’s still an engaging part of the story.
I like that Greg Rucka has included Renee Montaya’s Question. She’s a good partner for Lois; their personalities blend well. And, of course, Rucka knows how to write Montaya. Additionally, Question allows for some action without using Superman which would undercut the book’s tone and style.
The dilemma the characters face is really interesting. Lois and Renee could discover the identity of the killer easily. But the killer is not necessarily the one responsible. They need to prove that her own government had her killed and that’s way tougher. It’s also something traditional superheroes can’t do. Writers tend to avoid superheroes fighting governments and their officials because it’s a slippery slope but it’s a great story for Lois.
Negatives
There are no negatives worth mentioning.
Verdict
This is a great issue. The story is interesting and unique. I love these characters; Rucka has a great voice for Lois, Montaya and Clark Kent. Perkins’ art is stylish and cool. This is a wonderful series so far and I’m excited to see where it goes next.
