REVIEW: Superwoman Special #1 

Superwoman Special #1 is here and the time has finally come to address the elephant in the room in the Superman series – the fact that Lois is Superwoman once again. While it’s more of a tie-in than a major entry in any ongoing story, this humble issue has its moments. 

Edwin Galmon’s cover gives us snapshots of Lois’ new double life as Superwoman as well as some hints of origin stories with the shot of her as a child. Also, when was the last time we saw Jon in his regular Superman costume before the Action Comics revamp? Lois’ purple skirt or coat is as signature as Clark’s glasses or hat. She really just slides into the Superwoman role and this cover epitomizes it. The story also reflects on it too. 

Dave Wilkins’ variant turns a classic Superman: The Movie scene upside down with the likenesses (if not subtle) of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. Instead of Superman and Lois flying past the Statue of Liberty, it’s Superwoman and Clark. The textures are near photo-real, especially with the details on Clark’s suit. 

When Mark Spears did a variant for Action Comics during House of Brainiac, Lobo used Superman’s capes as a napkin at an alien bar. Now, it looks like Lois is getting the last laugh as she foils him on a robbery in Metropolis. Dawg also makes an appearance for the first time in a long time. Spears’ art has that special painted realism feel like Alex Ross.

 Another Superwoman-featuring variant is available from Elizabeth Torque. 

Set after the events of the ongoing Action Comics story arc but before the current Superman series story with Doomsday, Lois is wrestling with her arch enemy – writer’s block. As the editor of the Daily Planet, her workaholism is being tested. Fortunately, Lana and Kara are there to take her out for some superheroing. Also, Lana still has her mantle of Superwoman. A good way to think of them is Superwoman Red and Superwoman Blue according to her, and frankly, that makes so much sense. As it would turn out, the story that Lois is trying to write is her own – something that she doesn’t really do as a reporter but something she must as her own boss and Superwoman. Lana and Kara listen as she recaps how she got her powers during the events of Absolute Power. We’re talking full-page recaps. 

The rest of Superwoman Special #1 is almost told in a non-linear fashion with Lois revealing her powers to the various people in her life – she would reveal it to Clark after the current Action Comics story which explains Superwoman’s absence in it. Action is largely the superheroic snapshots of the three Superwomen saving the day. She would, however, go to SuperCorp first and notify Mercy – who will continue to dig into how she got them in the first place (much, much, more on that to come). 

Joshua Williamson wasn’t going for excitement with this issue. It’s a much-needed look into Lois’ situation in the current DC Universe. There’s been major changes for her with Perry becoming Mayor and her becoming the new editor-in-chief at the Daily Planet. None of this is explored in the Superman series, so this provides a nice character insight. However, the focus is on Lois trying to write rather than her adjusting to being Superwoman. This does tend to be the essence of a Lois Lane story and there is a twist to this one in the end based on how Lois stories tend to end. But the 41-page special issue is nothing truly gripping. It’s moments like Clark finding out and hanging out with Kara and Lana that do make up for the lack of action. Letters are by Dave Sharpe. 

Artists Laura Braga, Nikola Čižmešija, and Galmon come together for this issue. On first read, one would never guess that three different artists worked on this since the art is so consistent throughout. It is akin to the regular artists they have on the main Superman series. The faces shine here with little action holding the issue up – Lois is really expressive. Page 28 of Clark and Lois flying from their balcony can be its own piece with no context. In exchange for action, these artists illustrate a whole lot of human panels and moments. Colors are by Rex Lokus. 

(7/10) Superwoman Special #1 feels like more of an interlude than a special as the traditional Lois Lane-trying-to-write story is turned upside down by her status as Superwoman. A lot of gaps are filled between Absolute Power and now and the reason behind her powers is revealed.