Lois Lane

Origin

Lois Lane spent her childhood in a farming town called Pittsdale. She is the daughter of a farmer Sam Lane and his wife Ella. She also has a younger sister Lucy. Sam was a retired soldier and spent some time in her youth teaching her skills not often associated with a young woman (unarmed combat and the handling of weaponry.) It was Lois’ dream to become a reporter and thus at the age of fifteen, she asked to be employed at the Daily Planet. In order to be employed she was forced to lie about her age, saying she was really nineteen. Lucy revealed that she was in fact lying but in her exposure to the newspaper she discovered that Perry White was looking for a scoop on Lex Luthor. Against heavy odds she was able to sneak out of her house and into Lex’s to obtain some secret files. He caught her, but allowed her to go. Perry was impressed by the lengths that she would go to get a story and he hired her.

Although she became a well known and respected reporter her career would become inherently linked with Superman. This began as she was aboard an aircraft called the Constitution. The plane spun out of control and was on the verge of crashing has it not been for the timely intervention of Superman. Due to her proximity Lois got the story and decided that she should give him the name Superman. After a period of trying to interview him for the scoop, Lois was unsuccessful and eventually arranged to be involved in an accident. She drove her car into some water and called to Superman for help. He rescued her and she finally got the interview. By the time she had a chance to submit the story though she discovered that someone had beaten her to it, a new reporter named Clark Kent. This set up the contradictory nature of their relationship – her fascination with Superman, and an annoyed tolerance of Clark, although the two became friends.

Creation

Lois was designed as the female counterpart to Superman and Clark Kent. Her looks and appearance were based off of various people and characters. Joanne Carter (later Siegel) was the basis for her physical appearance. Lola Lane was the basis for her attitude and name (partially based off of a character names Torchy Blane, a female reporter from the 1930s). Nellie Bly was also a partial inspiration for her historical role as one of the first female reporters.

Evolution

Lois has as a character throughout her existence always served as the confident and assertive female companion to both Superman and Clark Kent. Based on the timeframe, she had different depictions. In the golden age, although it was uncommon to have a woman is such a prominent role in society such as a journalist, this aspect was not often highlighted, rather she most commonly acted as a stereotypical damsel in distress. In the silver age her role became both more well defined and less serious. She was given her own series which allowed her to fill out a bit more as a character and display some of the character’s strengths, but at the same time she was portrayed as a love-struck woman, willing to excuse Superman for any number of examples of questionable and inconsiderate behaviour. It was also in this time frame that she was married to Superman for the first time, though aspects of this union were more along the lines of a stereotypical marriage. Following the reboot of most of the DC Universe following Crisis on Infinite Earths, Lois’ character was once again given a different focus. As the Superman story was being retold so too did Lois obtain an update on her character. She began to be portrayed as more of an independent woman interested in a career, which was a theme prevalent in many 1980s works of fiction. She has since resorted to some of the more traditional portrayals of the character, including a marriage to Clark Kent (though in keeping with the style of modern comics, the wedding was treated as much more of a company event than previously.) this marriage was also partially influenced due to an ongoing storyline on the television show “Lois and Clark.”

Major Story Arcs

Many of Lois’ major story arcs mirror either Superman’s or Clark’s, especially so in the golden and silver ages. Since the modern age she has had a fair bit more of independence. Ironically though, the first major story line involving Lois in the modern era was that of her marriage to Clark. At the same time Lois was responsible for providing care for her sick mother. Near the same time is when Clark revealed his dual identity to her.

The next prominent story involved the death of Superman at the hands of Doomsday. Lois had to write about this, taking care not to reveal her knowledge that Superman and Clark were the same person. She went to both funerals and with the Kents and Lana Lang to clear out his apartment and agreed to keep his dual identities secret. Superman's body was stolen from his grave by Cadmus. She wrote about this story and Supergirl retrieved it. When Jon Kent had a heart attack, Lois went to Smallville to take care of Martha. Jon recovered though he had seen Clark and brought him back to life with him. Lois went back to Metropolis with many stories of Superman on newspapers. They also found an empty tomb at his grave. They also found that there were four Supermen alive, and Lois interviewed each one, skeptical of each of them. A fifth eventually showed up. Lois was skeptical of this one as well, but he knew much more than the previous four. Clark went to battle in Engine City and returned with all his powers.

Lois then began investigating LexCorp and the suspicion of insurance fraud. The suspicions were true, though she didn't think Lex Luthor II was involved. He agreed to an interview the next day. During the interview, he confesses that he wants a city, though he has nothing to do with the fraud. He makes a pass at her, letting Lois know that father and son have many things in common. Lois then ran a story on a fake hostage situation at a retirement home, because the people living there felt they were living in poor conditions. From that, she learned that the foreman who had been interviewed by her was almost killed by a group called Nuclear Waste, and Superman saved him. In the hospital, the foreman told Lois that Lex fired him, and Lois was now convinced that Lex was behind the attempted murder.

Later Lois is poisoned by the Joker to get Superman to murder him. Superman doesn't kill Joker thanks to Batman, even if it does mean letting Lois die. Lois recovers and is unsure about Superman killing to keep her alive. Superman's duties get in the way once again and Lois breaks it off and hands him back his ring. tries to convince Lois to get back with him, but she is reluctant.

However, Lois thinks about Clark's attempts at trying to get her back, and both fly to talk. Even as they're speaking, Superman gets a call for help. In Metropolis, she searches for some hot scoop to keep her mind off . She does her research on Contessa Erica Alexandra del Portenza, the CEO of LexCorp. She learns that Lex and Contessa are working together and plan to marry soon. Jimmy Olsen, however, working for another paper reports the story before her. Lois is stressed and decides to take a job as a foreign correspondent and saying good-bye to everyone, leaves.

Finally Married

When the two marry on the TV series Lois and Clark, the comic writers decide that they get back together in a hasty manner and got married. Lucy Lane was Maid of Honor and Jimmy Olsen was Best Man. Lois' dad almost doesn't show up due to a fight but arrives during the last minute. Surprisingly, Bruce Wayne offers an apartment for them at 1938 Sullivan St. in Metropolis. Lucy, as a wedding gift, gave them tickets to Hawaii. During their honeymoon, they were attacked and Clark was kidnapped. Lois was forced to follow and single-handedly rescued him. A week before the wedding, Clark had been approached by Maxima offering him to wed with her. She discovered that Clark was powerless and flew off, disgusted. Once Clark regained his powers, she offered again, though he turned her down and they both fought, though he was able to show her to the door.

Back in Metropolis, a man that looked like is murdered. Both investigate and discover that Intergang are involved in this. Lois discovers that seems to be phasing out. Things got even worse when Atomic Skull broke out of prison and kidnapped Lois thinking it was his long lost love, Zelda. Lois, working with the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit puts Atomic Skull back into prison. Some suspicious help from Lex and the Contessa stabilize Superman leading him into a phase known as " Superman Blue." Now able to become an energy being as Superman, in human form loses his powers and is completely vulnerable. Things get worse however when Superman splits once again, into Superman Red and Superman Blue.

Superman returns to normal, but thanks to Dominus, his perceptions are skewed, causing him to seemingly live through four periods of time. Lois also existed in each of the four. What Dominus didn't know is that once Lois and Superman kiss, it broke the illusion. When Lex Luthor buys the Daily Planet, many employees are fired except Lois, Jimmy, Clark and two others who are to work at his company. The job involved at LexCorp involves searching the internet for stories and posting them to the company's site. Lois doesn't like working here, though she can do nothing to get out and do some traditional journalism. Lois also discovers that Lucy is pregnant, though with Ron Troupe and not Jimmy, on the same day when they took down the globe off the Daily Planet building.

Earth is under invasion again by Imperiex led by Darkseid. Lois makes her stand in the White House. Hippolyta dies from an explosion, and Superman, thinking it is Wonder Woman, goes over to help. He is only focused on Hippolyta, ignoring Lois' cries for help at the White House. When the aliens attack the White House, Lois watches her father sacrifice himself to save the capital. Even though they never had a great relationship, Lois was devastated at the loss of her father. Lois' father gets a funeral and she and Clark travel to Kansas to try and find Ma and Pa Kent. Fortunately, they find both of them alive and well and rebuild the house. Lois then goes to travel with her mother and takes some time away.

Lois returns to Metropolis and admits to Clark that she feels that perhaps part of her father's death was his fault. Lois is also suspicious of President Luthor, thinking that he knew about the invasion, but never bothered to warn anyone about it. A lady called Hope tells Lois that a man named Frank Rock could have provided all the proof she needed, though he died during the war. She then confirms that Brainiac 13 had warned Lex about the invasion. Lois gets home to find Lex there. He has found out about her snooping around and asks if the deal can be put in motion now, deleting this story about him. Beating him at his own game, Clark writes the story instead, but is fired once he does so. The Martian Manhunter does a scan on Lex's mind and turns up negative. Clark is fired because of the lack of evidence, but in reality, Perry puts him undercover to investigate some more.

During the Blackest Night saga, Lois of Earth 2 became a Black Lantern, attacking Ma Kent of Earth 1 and taking her hostage. Black Lantern Lois was last seen falling into a gorge after Krypto blasted her with heat vision.

Wrong Question

When her husband was walking across America in the Grounded story arc, she played a key role in his interlude issue. Lois returns to Rushmark, Indiana where she graduated from College. She was a PHI Beta Gamma girl that did really bad things while she was in College. As Lois continues to think about her college life in Rushmark, she remembers that her husband is still really young and doesn't get wrinkles or facial blemishes like most people. As she reminds herself that she is only in Rushmark to do a interview for Superman, an old ex-boyfriend (whom is now married) remembers his college flame. As Brian and Lois talk, she is soon surrounded by her adoring public who only like her for being "Superman's girl". Once she finishes talking to the next generation of PHI Beta Gamma's, Brian invites her to come to dinner.

As Lois meets Brian's two children and wife, he blurts out about saying "no Lane-Kent children coming" as Lois is embarrassed, she states that her and Clark can't have children. Brian is scolded by his wife, but Lois says it's alright because it isn't a subject that is usually asked. When they finish dinner, Lois helps Brian's wife go get desert. Lois asks how she balances her life with children and a career that takes a lot of time. Huong (Brian's wife) simply replies, by just doing the little things in life. As they continue to talk and eat desert, Lois sees what a normal family does when they have a spat. As Lois was just leaving to get her purse, she says she'll just walk to her hotel. As she walks through the town, Superman super-speed flies and picks her up. When they share a kiss, Superman tells her to not be walking so late in a town with bad visibility. Once Lois tells him to calm down, Superman tells her that he is only flying because he misses his wife, and that Clark Kent will show a day early. Superman asks if she needs anything, but Lois replies that she doesn't need anything except his love.

Powers and Abilities

Lois Lane is skilled in judo and karate, and is a quick-witted opponent. Throughout the ages Lois was shown to have obtained powers for a brief time, becoming a superhero. Below is a list of Super powers she has obtained.

Super Identities Lois Has Taken Over the Years

Lois as Elastic Lass

Elastic Lass - In Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane issue 23. Lois used Jimmy Olsen's Elastic Lad serum given to him by Professor Potter and became Elastic Lass to stop a villain called the wrecker from blowing up statues in the city. Jimmy gave her enough to only perform ten elastic feats. He also gave her his costume and a huge coat to hide the costume in case Superman find out he gave her super powers. Lois then went to his hideout and tried to find evidence but to no luck she found nothing so she decided to come back later to catch him in the act.

She then went to the zoo for her article on a rare animal. While there she noticed a man pick pocketing and decide to stop him by stretching her body around him. She was moving her body so fast that he couldn't see her face and thought a boa constrictor got out of it's cage and attacked him. As he hollered for help she then left the area quickly to let the cops deal with him. She then went to a movie set to do an interview with a director of a new sci-fi movie. He showed her the mechanical monster for the movie but it was not working. Feeling sorry for the director she decided to use her powers to enter the mechanical monsters body to help finish the movie, but doing so she was blinded by a light from a ray gun on set and was blinded.

While blinded she accidentally knocked Lana Lang into a hole but Superman came in time to save her. To which Lois made upset that Lana got Superman's attention. She then wasted another of her powers on helping a woman get her ring that fell into a manhole. While walking away Jimmy Olsen arrived and told her Perry wanted them to cover an acrobat show at the orphanage she also asked him to make sure she doesn't waste any more of her elastic powers. When they arrived they heard the acrobat never showed up feeling sorry for the kids she used her powers to cheer them up.

Supergirl and then arrived and saw Lois using her strange powers. While sitting in the audience she saw the bolt holding the trapeze was about to let go so she used her heat vision to melt bolt the bolt back in place. Lois then stretched her whole body around the orphanage building for her last show for the kids and then left with Jimmy. They then returned to the wreckers house to find proof he is placing bombs in statues. Lois was about to go in under the door but discovered she could only stretch her nose. Jimmy then realized he only gave her enough of the serum to do only 9 in a half stretches. Lois feeling upset accidentally stuck her nose in the keyhole and smelt him mixing the chemicals for a bomb. She then told Jimmy to call the police. They arrived and arrested the Wrecker. Back at the office Clark was asking Lois how she knew the wrecker was making a bomb. She told him she smelt the sulfur he was using to make the bombs. Jimmy then showed her a photo he took of her with her long nose to which Lois told him to rip up so that Superman would never see it.

Lois as Insect Queen

Insect Queen - Lois became Insect Queen in Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane issue 69. She was staying a Lana Lang's apartment due to hers apartment getting flooded. While there she heard on the radio a little girl was stuck in a burning building. Superman, and Supergirl were away and no one was able to save her so Lois became Insect Queen (to which she was hesitant about) and went to save the girl.

She then decided to stay as Insect Queen until Superman returns. But she also made an article on her new identity and where she was staying. So the next day a woman named Velvet O' Mara came by saying she was a photographer taking photos on Lana Lang's apartment after it was remolded. When Lois left the room Velvet O' Mara took the Bio-Ring and pages from a Krypton book about Kryptonian Insects. She then turned into a Fly and got away. Lois and Lana found out what happened and discovered what her plan was. Lois and Lana put on their Insect Queen costumes and read about the book she stole and what insects she was going to become. They then went to the park where they found her in a spider form with Superman in a web. They both came running towards her holding a piece of Kryptonite, Velvet O' Mara then became a Horn Repeller of Krypton which repels any metal and in the process lost the Bio-Ring. Lois and Lana then became Kryptonian Insects so that they could save Superman and to defeat Velvet O'Mara.

Superwoman

Superwoman - Lois has become Superwoman a number of times each through different means. Her first time was mostly a dream of her as Superwoman after being struck by a car and having to have a brain operation she had a dream in which Superman did a blood transfusion which resulted in her having his powers. In another incident Lois becomes Superwoman when she and two stage magicians, Hocus and Pocus, believe that they've cast a spell giving her the powers of Superman. She is actually still normal Lois Lane, dressed in a Superman style costume while Superman himself secretly performs all the amazing feats she thinks she's doing herself. But when she can't get a dance partner at her own ball (due to her enormous strength), she demands that the magicians turn her back.

Bizarro Lois Lane - When the corrupted and third failed clone of Superman, better known as Bizarro 3, found out that his genetics were fused with Blue sun radiation. He quickly learned that he could create people, with a single thought. Bizarro made himself a planet in the blue star system, and it was cubed shaped instead of round. When Bizarro 3 got tired of his newly created planet, he decided to destroy the planet (to recreate Krypton's destruction). When the people of cubed Earth found this out, they quickly devised a plan to stop Bizarro 3. Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane saved the Earth by warning all of the people to run on a strike to defeat Bizarro 3. Cubed Earth was eventually saved, and Bizarro 3 left.

Alternate Realities

On Earth 3, Lois Lane is a member and founding leader of the Crime Syndicate. Unlike the main Earth or many "alternate" Earth's, Superwoman has an affair and is married toOwlman (Thomas Wayne Jr.). Before the events of Infinite Crisis, Superwoman was married to Ultraman, however was still having sex with Owlman. This was eventually changed, and she eventually married Owlman. In the " Infinite Crisis" story arc, she was attacked on Earth-51 by Jason Todd (who was Red Robin at the time), and blinded by his blades. He eventually gouged out her eyes with his knife, after these events it is unknown if she survived or died in Monarch's death.

Other Media

The Fleischer serials (1941-1943)

This landmark series of animated serials (which marks the Man of Steel's first film appearance) introduces the filmgoing audience to that most classic of Superman scenarios- Lois Lane (voiced by Joan Alexander) has been sent to cover the study of a frozen dinosaur at the Metropolis Museum of Natural History. Technical malfunction! The dinosaur has thawed! He is coming after Lois! Superman swoops in and saves the day. Repeat this scenario dozens of times with slight variation and you have an accurate depiction of these beautifully animated gems.

Joan Alexander as Lois Lane

However, it should be noted that in her first film appearance Lois was anything but helpless. Her comics persona was a dedicated, competent investigative reporter (and one of the most forward-thinking characters in terms of gender roles and feminism). This shows in her first film treatment- she is the one who outs the saboteurs on the plane, uncovers the Nazi plot on the island paradise, and it is only after Lois has uncovered these things that Superman comes in with some firepower.

This serial is important to Lois' overall character development as it strengthened her image as not only damsel in distress, though that certainly was a large part of her role, but also an intelligent, insightful, competent and independent reporter.

In Superman's first live-action appearance we have Kirk Alyn playing the Last Son of Krypton with Noel Neill playing Lois Lane. It should be noted that this live-action depiction of the character is a marked departure from the Fleischer brothers' animated Lois. The animated Lois was always getting into trouble, yes, but she was the star reporter for the Planet- getting into trouble is par for the course. Neill's live-action Lois Lane took on Jimmy Olsen's role in the later comics- she is the driver, the rookie, stumbling into trouble and getting kidnapped rather than constantly tracking down the big stories (interestingly enough Jimmy Olsen plays the star reporter, taking over the more traditional Lois role). However, there is something charming about Neill's portrayal, an innocence that later versions of the character regrettably lost. While she is perhaps not quite the lead reporter that she would become in later incarnations, she is still interesting to watch as the young reporter who is coming into her own, and her progression throughout the serials is fascinating to watch- a Lois Lane who gets captured and needs rescuing, yes, but at the same time more than just a damsel, a reason for Alyn to change into the suit. For all her wide-eyed innocence she is still dedicated, principled, courageous (she will burst into a gang meeting, for example, just because she thought she might overhear something interesting, whereas Alexander would have crept around a bit more), and what she lacks in big-city bitterness she makes up for in wholehearted dedication to classic ideals.

Noel Neill with Kirk Alyn in the 1948 Columbia Superman Serial

Neill would return many times in the future for cameos in various Superman films- she plays Lois' mother (seen briefly when Lois is a little girl) on the train in the 1978 Superman (Kirk Alyn, her Superman, is Lois' father) and plays Gertrude- Lex Luthor's 'love interest' in the 2006 Superman Returns. Neill thus gained lasting fame for being the first live-action Lois, and aspects of her character would continue in future incarnations.

The Adventures Of Superman (George Reeves T.V. show, 1952)

The first television appearance of Superman and entourage, Noel Neill reprises her role as Lois Lane (with a brief appearance by Phyllis Coates for a handful of episodes). In this series we see a return to the more classic Lois- perhaps because Neill had gotten older, and while she lacks the complete tenacity of the comics Lois, this portrayal definitely has more gusto than the earlier 1948 Lois.

The New Adventures of Superman/ The Superman/Batman Hour/ The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure

(1966-1968)

In these three animated series, each as short-lived as the next, Joan Alexander comes back to voice Lois Lane.

It's A Bird...It's A Plane...It's Superman (1975)

A TV special adapting the Broadway musical, with Lesley Ann Warren playing Lois Lane.

Superman, Superman II, Superman III, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1978-1987)

In the most beloved and well-known offerings in the Superman film franchise, Margot Kidder plays Lois Lane. Kidder's Lois is a fairly accurate representation of the comics Lois- the star reporter for the Planet who goes to insane lengths to

Margot Kidder in Superman (1978)

scoop the competition. While her role diminished as the films drew on, Kidder's Lois set the standard for a new generation of Superman fans and film portrayals.

Superman (1988)

Another one season Superman television cartoon series, loosely adapting the rebooted comic book by John Byrne. Ginny McSwain is the voice of Lois.

In Superman: The Animated Series, Lois Lane is voiced by Dana Delaney. Many aspects of this animated character bring to mind the classic, sarcastic, intelligent, driven, forward-thinking Lois from the comics and many previous film incarnations. This is the quintessential Lois, and a must-see for any Superman fan.

Lois & Clark : New Adventures of Superman

In Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997) Lois Lane is played by Teri Hatcher, and in some respects Hatcher's performance hearkens back to an earlier, Joan Alexander Lois Lane. She is the competent star reporter, often willingly putting herself in harms way to get the story. However, as a result, she usually finds herself in no small amount of distress. Keep in mind, though, that no matter how many times Superman saves her, on numerous occasions during the series he is otherwise engaged and Lois has to rely on her wits to get out of many tricky situations- a testament to the fact that she is much more than just the damsel in distress. Hatcher's Lois Lane is also an interesting amalgamation of previous portrayals of Lois. The independent, competent, intelligent star-reporter meets Neill's wide-eyed fascination with the Man of Steel. This lends itself to one of the most endearing and lasting depictions of Lois in television history.

For the Man of Steel's return to the big screen in Superman Returns we see Kate Bosworth playing the role of Lois Lane, with some interesting

Kate Bosworth in Superman Returns (2006)

changes to her character. While Lois is still the Planet's top reporter she is far more soft-spoken, lacking the sarcastic, fast-talking Metropolis edge of Kidder and Hatcher in exchange for a more gentle, Noel Neill approach.

Lois Lane appears in the series Smallville, played by Erica Durance. Durance appears from season 5 onward as a regular cast member. Lois Lane becomes a reporter to the Daily Planet and has many relationship throughout the series. Some of her former boyfriends included Arthur Curry and Oliver Queen. She is currently dating Clark Kent. As the series progressed, Lois learns more about the superhero community and even published some articles about them. Some included articles about the "Red-Blue Blur" (Clark's secret alias at the time), and even about the Justice Society of America. Lois also begins to learn about Clark's secret from season 8 onward. In the season 10 promo, it shows that she discovers Clark's future costume as Superman.

Erica Durance, the most recent Lois Lane

In the season 9 finale entitled "Salvation," it shows the glimpse of the future. In that future, you see Lois as a star reporter for the Daily Planet and she is wearing a wedding ring.

In the season 10 premiere of Smallville, she discovers that Clark is "the Blur," after she takes out the blue Kryptonite knife Zod stabbed Clark with. When Clark starts to regain consciousness, Lois hides and she sees him super speed away. Although she knows he is "the Blur," she does not tell him until the 5th episode of Season 10 entitled "Isis." From there on, they are relieved that there are no secrets between them and their bond becomes stronger.

In the "Icarus" episode, we see Clark propose to Lois, who accepts. Throughout the series Durance has clearly referenced the earlier versions of Lois (Teri Hatcher guest starring as her mother makes these references apparent). Durance's Lois is the classic Lois- another interesting blend of sarcasm, resourcefulness, confidence and strength. As in all the previous incarnations of Lois we see here far more than just a character to move the plot forward, far more than just someone for Superman to save. Lois often reminds Clark where the moral center lies, and in many ways is a hero in her own right.

The Smallville TV series concluded on May 13, 2011 on the 22nd episode of season 10, running 218 episodes in total.

Superman: Doomsday (2007) In the direct-to-disc adaptation the most widely read modern comic book, Anne Heche voices Lois Lane.

All-Star Superman (2011) In the direct-to-disc animated adaptation of the most critically acclaimed Superman story, Christina Hendricks voices Lois Lane.

Justice League: Doom (2012) in the direct-to-disk film, Lois appears in a supporting role. She is voiced by Grey DeLisle, who also portrays Queen in the film.