Review: Lois Lane #3
[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
Superman comes to Chicago after the attempt on Lois Lane’s life as the Question faces a surprise.
Positives
Mike Perkins’ cover is great. I love the simplicity of it; it’s effective and unique.
Perkins’ interior art is equally great. I love the gritty and noir inspired style. It’s a little strange to see Superman in that style but I’ve gotten used to it. The characters are detailed and expressive; it’s an immersive issue.
Most of the issue is taken up by a conversation between Lois and Clark. It’s a very romantic and sweet exchange even when they’re technically arguing. Greg Rucka and especially Perkins convey a similar mood to the romantic flying scene from Richard Donner’s Superman. It’s an element that is often missing from Superman stories. And although this obviously is not his story, I like that seeing that element.
I love Rucka’s dialogue. Lois and Clark argue like people actually argue or how they should. There’s no melodrama or exaggeration. The two make points and listen to the other. Rucka also displays how smart the two are which is nice. DC tends to make Clark dumb as a rock to make surrounding characters appear to be smart.
The reveal involving The Question is certainly interesting. I’m curious if it will play into the already ongoing mystery or if it’s a separate element.
Negatives
I’m a little conflicted about this issue. Not a lot happens in terms of the plot; the biggest thing is the previously mentioned Question reveal. Other than that, it is pretty much just a conversation between Lois Lane and Superman. I enjoyed it and it’s well done but the issue doesn’t have any forward momentum. That is a little hard to say because I’m looking part three of a twelve part story. In context of everything, this could be a great section of the story. It’s always tough to say but sometimes issues like this read better when collected in the trade paperback.
Verdict
Despite that, I did love this issue. Rucka is a great writer and he gets to shine here. I really enjoyed the dialogue in this. The issue has a great tone that’s very appealing and true to the characters. The art is gorgeous. It’s really fun to read.
