Written by Greg Rucka
Illustrated by Mike Perkins
Published by DC Comics
What happens when someone calls Lois Lane “a slut” under their breath, much to the dismay of Clark Kent?
Well, it’s one of the realities of being the world’s most intrepid reporter in Greg Rucka’s latest venture into the DC Universe.
This time, however, through a journalistic lens, which keeps things grounded, with a dash of art imitating life. Capes and cowls are not present, nor are they the subject here.
Greg Rucka shines best when he works with characters who play by their own rules.
Lois is no exception as her pursuit for the truth knows no bounds.
There is a subtle grittiness that encompasses Lois Lane from her penchant for alcohol to running towards the fire when everyone else is running away. Lois uncovers another conspiracy where the people in her life were trying to impress upon her the idea of caution.
Lois shoots down the idea of a false byline for her protection. Not for credit, though, but for the article’s integrity.
Rucka sprinkles in some fun reminders such as Lois being a lousy speller from the life-altering secret she is withholding from a certain Kryptonian. Rucka efficiently uses Lois’ unflappable nature in crucial moments throughout the book.
Mike Perkins shares Rucka’s penchant to highlight Lois’ imperturbable nature to convey the endless length she will go to uncover the truth. Perkin’s depiction of a hostile White House press briefing augments the intense nature of things to come for the titular charter. The coloring is muted but in sync with a narrative that takes a few cues from the real world such as press credentials revoked from a seemingly unpopular administration.
An unfazed Lois Lane would ultimately make for a dull story, which is why some breadcrumbs suggest she will be pushed to her breaking point. There was a Gotham Central vibe here; however, this first installment was more about distinguishing Lois Lane from the damsel in distress who falls out of the sky.
While die-hard comic book fans know Lois is a badass in her own right, the casual fan might not, so, it was a good call to cover all basis. The overall narrative itself is a little lacking due to multiple subplots. Again, though, the breadcrumbs look intriguing in terms of the direction of where things go from here.
Rating: B –
