WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Absolute Superman #2!
While I’ve always respected that Lois Lane are one of pop culture's most iconic romances, I never really connected with their relationship—honestly, I found it a bit dull. But thanks to Absolute Superman, Lois and Clark have skyrocketed to one of my top OTPs, and now I can’t get enough of them.
There's nothing I love more than witty banter and humorous bickering, and Aaron delivers this in spades with his sharp dialogue.
As an avid romance reader, I typically avoid meet-cute, picture-perfect friends-to-lovers stories, preferring the banter and drama of enemies-to-lovers. While romance is usually not the central focus of comic book narratives, when it is featured—like Clark and Lois's relationship in mainstream continuity—I often find myself uninterested, as nothing about their dynamic sparks excitement for me.
However, Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval's reimagining of this iconic couple in #2 has changed that. They've placed Lois and Kal-El in an enemies-to-lovers dynamic filled with drama, reluctantly given respect, and laugh-out-loud banter, making them my new obsession.
I’m Loving That Absolute Superman Just Featured the 'Forced Proximity' Trope
Kal-El & Lois Lane Go From Rivals to Temporary Allies in Absolute Superman #2
Last month, Absolute Superman #1 stunned readers with the shocking revelation that the Absolute Universe's version of Lois Lane is an agent of the Lazarus Corps Force—a ruthless global police force imposing draconian laws and overseeing forced labor under the guise of peacekeeping. The issue also made it clear that this universe wouldn't be featuring the typical Lois-Superman romance when Lois coldly handcuffs Kal to herself, informing him he is under arrest. This marks a bold shift in the Clois dynamic, as DC positions them as adversaries for the first time in a mainstream continuity storyline.
In Issue #2, fans get to see the payoff of Lois handcuffing Superman to herself as the forced proximity trope takes center stage. This storytelling device, often used in romance genres, places two characters in close physical proximity to each other, leading to tension, conflict, or unexpected bonding. Physically attached to Superman, Lois is dragged along as he attempts to escape the Lazarus Corps Force, who are pursuing him with deadly force, even with Lois caught in the line of fire. Despite the high stakes, this results in some hilarious bickering between the two as they fight for their lives.
The forced proximity not only sparks banter but also places Lois in a unique position to witness Superman's heroics firsthand—and even take part in them. As the Lazarus Corps’ pursuit endangers innocent lives, Lois and Superman must briefly put aside their rivalry to save civilians. Despite her determination to apprehend him, Lois is forced to cooperate to prevent greater harm. In the end, Superman frees himself and escapes, evading both Lois and the Lazarus Corps. While they remain enemies, this encounter sets them on the path from enemies to lovers, as Lois develops a reluctant yet undeniable respect for Kal-El’s heroism.
I Had My Doubts, But Absolute Superman Truly Understands the Man of Steel
Absolute Superman officially arrives in the DC Universe and I’m pleased to say it perfectly captures everything I love about the Man of Tomorrow.
Absolute Superman Delivers Top-Tier Enemies-to-Lovers Banter
Lois Lane Repeatedly Tasing Superman Is My New Favorite Thing
While I thoroughly enjoyed the glimpse of the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that Lois and Kal will explore throughout the series, I'm in no rush for them to become lovers. I’m fully enjoying the current 'enemy' phase of their relationship. There's nothing I love more than witty banter and humorous bickering, and Aaron delivers this in spades with his sharp dialogue. One of my favorite exchanges between Lois and Superman occurs when Kal actively ignores Lois’s presence despite being handcuffed to her, eventually prompting Lois to tase him for not the first time. This leads to Superman demanding, “Stop doing that!”
Lois, unfazed, sarcastically responds, “Oh, so now you’re talking to me!” Superman retorts, “Yes! Because you’re making it very difficult to save your life.” I absolutely adored this exchange because, despite the anger and frustration in each line, there's an undercurrent of good intentions. Lois may be tasering and trying to arrest Kal, but she genuinely believes it's the right thing to do. Similarly, Kal is clearly frustrated with Lois, but he's still prioritizing her well-being. This well-intentioned bickering gives off 'old married couple' vibes in the best possible way.
Absolute Superman’s “Man of Steel” Nickname Gets Dark New Meaning in Lore-Changing Reveal
Superman’s “Man of Steel” nickname has been a cornerstone of his identity since his earliest days. However, this moniker just got a deeper meaning.
Lazarus Agent Lois Lane Is Already Evolving Into the Iconic Truth-Seeker We Know and Love
Absolute Lois Lane Is More Similar to Her Earth-Prime Counterpart Than We First Thought
While some may have been intrigued by Lois's new role reveal in Absolute Superman #1 as an agent of a militarized police force, others were less thrilled by this development, feeling it strayed too far from the core of her character. Being part of a fascist task force seemed to leave little room for redemption. However, fans of Lois Lane can rest easy after Absolute Superman #2, which clearly shows that Lois is far from a straightforward villain. This issue reveals her beginning to question the Lazarus Corps and demonstrates that she values innocent lives over blindly following orders.
The issue also suggests Lois is on a path toward becoming a more familiar version of her character. Despite Lazarus's automated tracking and report writing system, she takes the time to write a detailed report of her interaction with Superman, emphasizing her commitment to documenting the truth. This dedication aligns with her identity as a truth-seeking journalist at the Daily Planet. As Lois grows increasingly disillusioned with the Lazarus Corps, it's likely she'll channel her frustrations into her writing, potentially becoming a rogue journalist or whistleblower. This evolution could bring fans the Lois they know and love, reconnecting her with her core values of truth and justice.
Absolute Superman Changes Man of Steel Lore Forever with His Very Own "JARVIS"
Absolute Superman reveals himself to the world and along for the ride is a surprising new partner, a J.A.R.V.I.S.-like intelligence meant to aide him.
We May Have to Wait Longer Than Expected For Our Next Superman x Lois Fix
Absolute Superman #4 Will Be Released on February 5, 2025
While Absolute Superman #3 is set to release on January 1, 2025, fans eager for more Lois Lane x Superman action may be disappointed, as the issue's synopsis suggests a flashback focusing on Krypton and Superman's parents, Jor-El and Lara. With this shift in the storyline, fans will likely have to wait until February 5 for issue #4, where the synopsis teases Lois continuing her pursuit of the Man of Steel. However, if Aaron and Sandoval continue to develop the Superman and Lois Lane dynamic as they have, the wait will undoubtedly be worth it.
Absolute Superman #2 is available now from DC Comics!
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
