Comic Review: Lois Lane #1

Lois Lane #1

DC Comics

Writer: Greg Rucka

Artists: Mike Perkins and Paul Mounts

Even now that I’ve read through Lois Lane #1, I still find myself surprised that it’s real. It’s the kind of pitch-perfect combination of character and creative team that tends to only exist in fantasies. However, after years on the sideline, Lois gets her long overdue book by Greg Rucka and Mike Perkins. On top of being a delightful read, it feels important.

The very first panel of this issue is a strong indication of its overall tone. It’s a rainy night in Chicago, the White House is on the defensive, and Lois is off panel furiously typing. It’s such a strong opening that lets you know immediately what you’re reading. At its core, it’s a book about Lois’ never-ending fight for the truth. It touches on this idea both in a very topical manner and in a more surprising DC-specific way. While the topical aspect of it is very on the nose, that’s not necessarily a criticism. It’s clear that Rucka and Perkins are angry, and to be fair, all the best artists are. That anger gives the book that final piece of the puzzle it needs to soar; something to say.

Upon my first read, I assumed Lois was perfect for Rucka due to how similar she happened to be to his many original characters. What now seems more likely is that Rucka’s previous characters were all, at least to a certain degree, inspired by Lois.  Regardless of which came first, it’s clear that Rucka’s experience with those kinds of characters has more than prepared him to nail this book. Lois has the attitude, the quirks, and the unwavering conviction.

It almost goes without saying, but none of this would be possible without Mike Perkins. His rough pencils contribute greatly to the grounded tone of the book. In an issue with so little action as this, Perkins proves himself by tackling the much more daunting task. He makes a book with minimal punching visually engaging. He effectively utilizes his layouts, environments, and perspectives to ensure that the panels flow in a way that enhances the dialogue. The words themselves are nice, but they would buckle under their own weight without an artist as strong as Perkins.

Lois Lane #1 is a book I enjoy more and more as time passes. It sets up multiple intriguing plot threads that are magnified by stellar character work. It’s then all tied together by Mike Perkins and Paul Mounts’ appropriately moody art. Oftentimes in the comic book community, you’ll be confronted with the sentiment that Superman is important because he’s the character we wish could be real right now. This book sets out to explore why what we may need more than a Superman is a Lois Lane.