Examining Lois Lane: The Scoop on Superman's Sweetheart

by Nadine Farghaly (Editor)

In June 1938, Superman made his debut in Action Comics #1, which also featured his romantic interest—and Clark Kent’s journalistic rival—Lois Lane. In the decades since, the intrepid reporter has become an iconic figure almost as recognizable as the Man of Steel himself. Lois has appeared in multiple adaptations, from her own comic book to various films and television shows, and millions of women have seen—and continue to see—her as a role model.

Examining Lois The Scoop on Superman’s Sweetheart is the first anthology to explore the many incarnations of this empowering American icon. Chapters analyze the character of Lois Lane in various media through the perspectives of feminism, gender studies, cultural studies, and more. In some discussions she is compared to mythological heroines, while others explain her importance in popular culture. This wide-ranging collection looks at previously neglected aspects of Lois and offers new insights into the evolution of her character.

Seventy-five years after Lois Lane’s first appearance, this book creates a fascinating picture of the obstacles and decisions faced by her character, whose challenges and accomplishments often reflected those of women over the course of the past century. Examining Lois Lane will be of interest to students and scholars as well as those who grew up reading and watching the many manifestations of Superman’s girlfriend.

Genres: Nonfiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2013

Reviews

[Octavia Cade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit... I've never been a fan of Lois Lane. Not that I had anything against her specifically, it's just that I've never been a fan of Superman (I find him only marginally more interesting than Spiderman, damning with faint praise) and Lois sort of got tossed in the disinterest bin with him. Yet, despite the fact that I've read none of the comics, or seen none of the movies, or watched none of the television shows (bar a few episodes of Lois & Clark as a kid), she's still seeped into my cultural awareness. It's a sort of unconscious osmosis.

So why did I pick up this book? Honestly: it was there. I came across it in a university library. I'm glad I did, as it was quite interesting - three and a half stars, rounding up to four. I think what I appreciate most about this book, aside from the very enthusiastic authors who all clearly love Lois, is the range of approaches they've taken to her, and how her presentation in various media reflects cultural concerns and tropes of the times. I can't say that I'm raring to go out and read some of the comics, which often sound frankly terrible, but the Smallville chapters make her sound genuinely appealing, so I'll be adding that to my retro watch list.

After reading this I'm more interested in Lois Lane than I was before, so success! Superman still comes across as a bore though. Sorry.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly excellent book. Each essay is a wonderful insight into the character of Lous Lane as well as the Superman mythos. Absolute recommend for any comic book fan

[Althea J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most interesting things about examining a character like Lois Lane is that she has existed for 75 years. Her portrayal has evolved with the times and in a variety of media forms. This book looks at the progression of this character in comics, in the Superman movies, and through TV shows like Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and, my personal favorite, Smallville.

The analysis is at times very academic but I did not mind because I like explorations of the various waves of feminism, theories of gender construction, and the social/historical context of women in relation to concerns of domesticity and the workplace. I agreed with some chapters more than others but I think I enjoyed them all to some extent regardless.

There were times when I was frustrated by the analysis of comics Lois focusing on her development as a character, without much acknowledgement that she is 100% a construction of the men who were writing her at the time. For example, looking at how "Lois's identity is constructed through the discourse of the men around her" in reference to Clark Kent and Perry White, and whether "Lois's conscious actions against gender norms qualify as truly subversive, or if they are only reinforcing existing hegemonic power structures." (94) I guess I just wish the analysis in this particular chapter went beyond looking at the hegemonic power structures invoked in the fictitious world of Lois Lane to negotiate the influence of the hegemonic power structures from within which the comics are being written. To be fair though, John Byrne is acknowledged in several chapters for the revolution in Lois's character arc that began in his retelling of the Superman story in The Man of Steel in the mid-80s.

My favorite chapters were the ones on Smallville, probably because this is my favorite version of Lois.

And I'll reiterate in this review my comments while reading the book:

I'm enjoying this book but I hate the title. "The Scoop on Superman's Sweetheart" totally undermines the whole point of the book - that Lois Lane is a character that is worthy of examination in her own right. As if Lois Lane isn't enough of an icon on her own that potential readers need to be reminded of the context that she has been romantically linked to Superman.

But if you ignore the subtitle, the book itself has some great, fresh takes on Lois, analyzing her in historical context, in relation to feminism, gender identity and even mythology. I feel very strongly that Lois is worthy of this academic lens through which she is being examined and I am enjoying the book so far.

[Pei-jean Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of essays on unquestionably the First Lady of the comic book world.