REVIEW: Lois Lane #3

Lois Lane #3 deals with the aftermath of the violence that rounded out the last issue.

Considering the events that took place, I believe the cover to this issue created by interior artist Mike Perkins is honestly a stroke of genius. The fact that you really need to have a familiarity with the events of the last issue only adds to the impact of this cover. The red blood splatter really pops against the monochrome background. The use of a type-writer instead of a laptop really goes hand in hand with not only the noir tone of the series, but Lois’ roots as a character created back in the 1930s. I absolutely adore this cover and believe this series is producing some of the very best covers to hit the shelves today.

The variant cover created by Sana Takeda is just incredible. Again, just like the regular cover the inclusion of traditional tools associated with journalism such as the fountain pen, and notepad really goes hand in hand with the established tone of the series. I love how determined Lois looks. This cover certainly conveys the fact that this is a woman on a mission and nothing will get in her way of the truth.

Lois Lane #3 does a wonderful job of dealing with the immediate aftermath of the events that closed out the last issue. I found this to be very refreshing as comics chronicle a plethora of harrowing ordeals, yet the natural and more realistic events that directly follow often get overlooked. Lois being interviewed by the police is a perfect example of this fact. This exchange is captured in such away that adds realism without slowing down the pace of the issue.

This sequence is followed on directly by a very compelling exchange between Lois and Superman that goes onto dominate a large portion of the issue. I love how Superman showcases numerous facets to his personality during this exchange. Superman goes from being an intimidating presence to loving husband with displays of confidence, regret and affection highly prominent throughout. This exchange is written very much like an authentic conversation had between a couple that ebbs and flows according to its participants temperaments. Lois’ confident and self assured nature really is dominant while Clark’s innocence and naivety in the face of this particular situation is exposed.

The art depicting this sequence is absolutely superb and really captures the magic of the Christopher Reeve’s Superman. This is thanks to a beautiful sequence depicting Lois and Superman flying together over Chicago as the lights of the city creates a beautiful warm glow. I adore this affectionate and tender moment between the couple as this side of their relationship often takes a back seat in most series

Lois and Clark’s rooftop heart to heart is broken up with a fantastic combat sequence between Renee Montoya and a familiar face from her past that is bound to raise questions for future issues to come. Artist Mike Perkins’ fight choreography is absolutely sensational. Its extremely authentic and very hard hitting. The intricacy of the strikes and blocks is captured to perfection. This very much lends itself to the fact that these two individuals have a rich history together. I love sequences like this where the writer uses minimal dialogue and allows the artists work to really speak for itself.

Lois Lane #3 comes to an end with the debut of a character that I have long felt has been unduly absent from this series. It just makes more sense for this individual to be present whose absence actually becomes more obvious and indeed detrimental to the title in my opinion. This issue is a very straight forward read that feels almost like an interlude issue. This is very much welcomed in my opinion, as this is a series that I believe is intended to be as realistic and as grounded as possible. Downtime is a natural occurrence that will occur during any harrowing ordeal or period of time. Dedicating a whole issue to it really allows the relationships of our characters to breathe and also us as readers.

Interior artist Mike Perkins once again delivers intricate and highly detailed artwork that feels very realistic. This is an issue that very much analyses the relationship between Lois and Clark, and the couples facial expressions and body language really speaks volumes and details how our characters feel. Greg Rucka very much allows Perkins’ artwork to speak for itself. When the writer does deliver dialogue it is always very authentic. The Eisner award winning writer never allows Lois’ supporting cast specifically Superman to overshadow her. Lois delivers dialogue that is very direct, unapologetic and uncompromising. Dialogue like this is even directed at Clark but it is always tempered with affection and love.

Issue 3 is yet another great one. This series really has showcased how bad-ass Lois Lane really is, and although she has the best superhero as her husband, she can certainly handle herself. It’s great to read such a realistic take on one of my favourite females, and I will be gutted when the series ends. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series brings to the table.

Haven’t picked up the issue yet? It’s not too late! You can pick it up here if you are US based, and here for those in the UK.