Dazed and Confused
Written by: Marguerite BennettArt by: Emanuela Lappachino, Meghan Hetrick, Ig Guara, Diogenes Neves
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: February 26, 2014
I figured since the Steve Trevor one-shot was coming out this week, I'd focus on some New 52 one-shots that were...well, they weren't great. I actually had high hopes that this one was going to right the wrong that was the New 52 Lois Lane and maybe set her up for her own solo book, but sadly it did neither. It was pretty bad and just confusing as to why it existed. Oh well, it was an attempt... - Jim
Marguerite Bennett's career is a bit of a conundrum. Though she's not on a regular book, DC has given her some pretty big characters to work with. Batman, Lobo, Batgirl, Joker's Daughter and now Lois Lane. Pretty impressive. The Jokers Daughter one-shot was an attempt to right the wrong of the Ann Nocenti Villain's Month fiasco and it was somewhat of a success. However, I'm not really sure why this Lois Lane issue exists. If it's an attempt to start a Lois Lane solo title, I'm not sure this was the way to go. It also doesn't advance the story of Superman, the book she is most associated with in the New 52. Maybe it was just to appease the fans who want to see Lois using her reporting skills to solve a generic crime involving yet another shadowy government agency. If that's the case, mission accomplished.
I'm not saying this issue was all horrible. Marguerite Bennett gives Lois Lane fans alot to like. Lois is tough, smart and sassy. She isn't overly sexualized and shows the men of the DCU what's what. Bennett shows that when family is concerned, there is nothing that will stop her and her investigative skills are second to none. Would it have been too much to ask to have a good story to go along with everything else?
The book flashes between the past and the present. In the past we get to see the bond between Lois and her sister, Lucy. We see how their father and his girls were affected by the sickness and death of their Mother. These parts were touching and showed how Lois became so tough and independent.
Then we get the present day stuff. A new designer drug has hit Metropolis and it has some "beastly" side effects. A shadowy organization is rounding up the users and one of them is Lucy Lane's roommate (girlfriend). She begs Lois to save her and Lois uses everything that makes her a great reporter to gather clues that lead to a dealer. Then she gets taken prisoner by the shadowy organization. So much for all those favors she called in.
While a prisoner, Lois makes friends with one of the leaders, manages to save the girlfriend and finds out her sister is in pretty deep herself. The leader promises to make things right and Lois has to decide whether or not to report the story while nursing her sister back to health.
Like I said, I'm just not sure what the end game of this book is. I don't think this issue was strong enough to launch a series and as a one-shot the story was pretty generic. Marguerite Bennett's writing is good enough to have her own book, so do us a favor DC and just give her one.
The art is also a mixed bag. I guess that makes sense since there are four artists. Again, if you are trying to launch a new title or give fans what they have been asking for, plan a little more ahead. Four artists? Each one is fine on their own, but each art change in this book is jarring and throws you out of the story.
Bits and Pieces:
Superman: Lois Lane #1 is an odd book. I love how Marguerite Bennett portrays Lois, but the story she's in is generic and forgettable. The art is shared between four artists and when they change, you know it. I'm not sure the purpose of this book in the long run, but I wish it was better. Lois and her fans deserve it.
4.5/10
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