During 2018, pop culture fans around the world have been celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Kryptonian, Superman. But while this year marks the jubilee of the Man of Steel, it is also the 80th anniversary of his enduring love.
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Lois Lane debuted alongside Clark Kent’s Superman in Action Comics #1 in 1938. A major influence on the characterization of Lane came from Glenda Farrell’s turn as reporter Torchy Blane in the titular movies. Her looks, and some of her personality, were also largely inspired by Siegel’s wife Joanne Carter. In the Golden Age comics, Lane is introduced as a career-minded reporter for the Daily Star – changed to the Daily Planet in Action Comics #23. After Clark Kent joined the newspaper he quickly became journalistic competition for Lane. At the time, Lane was unaware that Kent was also the alter-ego of her crush, Superman.
Considering she is a skilled investigative reporter, it wasn’t long before Lane began to suspect that Kent was Superman. Despite her best efforts, all of her attempts at uncovering his secret identity backfired. Throughout the Silver Age, a main theme of the Superman comics was Lane’s investigation into Superman’s secret identity. In the early 1960s, DC introduced the Earth-Two versions of Superman and Lane. This version saw the relationship between Clark and Lane blossom, and eventually the pair were married. On their honeymoon, Lane officially discovered that Kent was indeed Superman. The Superman Family and Mr and Mrs Superman comics followed the adventures early in their marriage. In DC continuity, she is not only Superman’s wife but the mother of their son, Jonathan Samuel Kent, a/k/a Superboy.
Along with countless comic book appearances, Lane has also appeared in all of Superman’s live action appearances and countless animated series. Over the years the character has been played by Noel Neill, Phyllis Coates, Margot Kidder, Teri Hatcher, Erica Durance, Kate Bosworth, Joan Alexander, Dana Delany, Christina Hendricks, Stana Katic, Rebecca Romijn, and Amy Adams, among others. Now, as the annual Arrowverse crossover prepares to grace the small screen, a new actress joins the long list of Lois Lanes.
Grimm alum Elizabeth Tulloch will join Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman for this season’s eagerly awaited crossover as Metropolis’ award-winning journalist. The Arrowverse crossover kicks off on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 8 PM on The CW.
