All-Star Superman Is a DC Classic, But One Issue With Lois Lane Still Rattles Fans

Twenty years ago, All-Star Superman made its grand debut, and it still stands as one of the most tried and true Superman stories ever told, but there is one part of the classic story that has been a point of contention for years, which is the issue of Lois Lane. Lois Lane is a staple of DC Comics as Superman’s love interest, but her portrayal in All-Star Superman is controversial, as it departs from her typical characterization.

In All-Star Superman #2 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, Lois doesn’t believe Clark Kent after he confesses that he is Superman, which is understandable after the great effort Clark underwent to hide his secret identity, but her actions afterward are incredibly questionable. Lois becomes suspicious of Superman, immediately jumping to the conclusion that Superman is going to transform into a monster, which results in her shooting him with a Kryptonite laser.

All-Star Superman contains some of Lois Lane’s best moments; however, instances like shooting Clark present Lois as quite naive, a big departure from her usual astute self.

All-Star Superman Is an Amazing Story, But Leaves Lois Lane’s Character by the Wayside

All-Star Superman #2 by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, Jamie Grant, and Phil Balsman

Debuting alongside Superman in Action Comics #1 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Lois Lane is one of DC’s first characters and is defined by her inquisitive, journalistic nature and bold charisma. But All-Star Superman #2 takes her curiosity to an extreme. Lois’ decision to shoot Superman, her lover and long-time friend, with Kryptonite is beyond deplorable and strangely out of character. Lois’ scared curiosity creates great suspense but at the sacrifice of Lois Lane’s strong, intelligent, and put-together character. While it’s fitting that her nosiness gets the better of her, Lois’ presumptuous, violent reaction towards Clark is very bizarre.

Despite this glaring character issue, All-Star Lois Lane is largely endearing and has gone on to inspire her future iterations, such as Lois’ recent arc that sees her take on the role of Superwoman, which is directly inspired by her time as Superwoman in All-Star Superman #3. This story has stood the test of time, delivering a simple, heart-warming, memorable, and well-written version of iconic DC characters. Lois is reverted to a more superficial version of her character, but this change also serves Morrison and Quietly’s goal of encapsulating the essence of classic Superman comics.

Lois Lane’s Characterization in All-Star Superman Is a Homage to the Silver Age

But Certain Moments Don’t Read Well for the First Woman of Comics

Lois’ brash behavior continues with All-Star Superman #10 when she immediately gets herself kidnapped by a villain in order to talk to Superman despite already knowing he is her co-worker, Clark Kent. Lois is over-zealous, but this part of her character is meant to evoke nostalgia as it calls back to the Silver Age of DC Comics. The Silver Age version of Lois, especially in her solo series Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane, is spunky but reckless, as she often gets herself into wacky situations at the behest of her journalism career or for Superman’s affection.

Though Lois Lane’s questionable portrayal in All-Star Superman has been one of the very few critiques fans have of the series, her character is a well-done modernization of classic Superman comics. Lois, at her core, is a fearless and inquisitive character that compliments both Superman and Clark Kent, but these qualities also affect her various portrayals for better or for worse. All-Star Superman is one of the greatest Superman stories ever told, and it has gone on to inspire many current-day Superman comics and characters – including Lois Lane.

All-Star Superman #2 is available now from DC Comics.