My Adventures With Superman is a big hit with fans. Not just hardcore Man of Steel comic readers either, but casual animation lovers who’ve found so much to adore in the reimagined designs and clear anime inspiration peppered throughout the new show. I’m an ardent member of the second group, smitten with this interpretation because at its heart, it’s a romantic comedy.
By focusing on the more human elements of Clark Kent and showing greater consideration for his emotions and relationships, an often grim superhero is once again embracing his wholesome origins. The show’s visual identity feels like a love child of Harley Quinn and She-Ra, only furthering the charm at the centre of this gorgeous little show, but some fans unfortunately have a few problems with its leading lady. That’s partly because she stands up for herself and doesn’t take any bullshit for anyone. A powerful woman is apparently less believable than alien superpowers.
The fourth episode sees Lois Lane confront Clark Kent about Superman’s identity after a number of clues make it blindingly obvious that something is afoot. Her buff, handsome, and caring friend is more than just an intern at the Daily Planet, he’s the caped hero she’s been chasing for weeks in search of an interview. Because Lois is unpredictable and willing to do anything it takes to get the story, she becomes reckless in ways some aren’t happy about.
To me, this is not only a biblically accurate expression of the character, but matches perfectly with everything we’ve seen My Adventures With Superman do with this version of Lois Lane since the first episode. This ADHD-addled news gremlin is willing to steal badges to sneak into the local dock (which also happens to be filled with deadly robots) or break into the local prison under the guise of her colleagues she has already managed to outsmart. Her lies are easy enough to uncover, and have already become a source of animosity between her and Clark, but it’s so clear this part of her personality comes from passion rather than malice.
This reaches a crescendo when, after meeting Clark atop The Daily Planet for a seemingly innocent chat, she decides to throw herself off the roof to prove a point. And, as expected, her plan works. Their stubborn attitudes clash and the results are disastrous.
Lois has spent every single episode thus far worrying about Clark’s safety in the midst of deadly attacks, fearing the worst as she tries to protect herself and seek out Superman. It becomes a source of frustration that her closest friend and inevitable love interest wouldn’t just lie about who he is, but act like Lois isn’t smart enough to connect the dots herself. I’d react in such a way if I knew a figure in my life was a superhero and refused to tell me only to protect himself, even more so if I was a stubborn journalist with a fire burning in my heart.
I am a stubborn journalist with a fire burning in my heart, but I’m not fortunate enough to have Clark Kent as my main squeeze. While I’ll admit My Adventures With Superman does rush through its main duo’s relationship in order to set up later developments and establish them as lovers, I can hardly knock its brash ideas and willingness to depict these two dorks in their twenties as exactly that, having them make big mistakes and naively assume their secrets are safe, despite little being needed to uncover the truth. Clark, my dude, you ruffled your hair and put some glasses on without trying to even disguise your voice, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out you’re Superman. Just Lois.
You can disagree with her actions, or believe she is being rash or nonsensical, but a lot of the hate towards Lois seems to be coming from a dated expectation of what her character should be instead of appreciating how this new design and style of writing brings with it a far more youthful exuberance and willingness to make mistakes like young people should. She wants to prove herself and make bonds which will last a lifetime, even if it means putting her life in danger for the opportunity. She knew Clark was going to save her, because she knew she was right. That’s confidence, a quality Lois Lane has shown in all of her permutations.
Not that I’m surprised, ever since My Adventures With Superman revealed Lois Lane to be a woman of colour with short hair and an attitude, I knew purists would kick up a fuss about her regardless of what she said or did. It was bound to happen, and this seems like an extension of that even after you discount justifiable criticisms. Lois Lane is an excellent character here, and one who expresses her personality with a level of irrational realism I can quite easily see myself in. Just because she dares make choices you disagree with doesn’t make her lesser.