To paraphrase an old adage: “Behind every great man is a great woman.” This has proven particularly accurate in DC Comics’ recently released Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex #1. Set in the not-so-distant future, the three-issue series kicks off by confirming that the Man of Steel is still one of the most heroic figures in the DC Universe. Yet, it would seem that his wife, Lois Lane, has taken up an even more influential position as a member of the Inner Council of the United Planets. When an old enemy resurfaces, Lois casts a controversial vote and proves that she’s just as much a hero as Superman ever was.
The United Planets was formed in Superman #14 after the defeat of Rogol Zaar, the alien monster responsible for the destruction of Krypton. After Zaar was sentenced to permanent stasis, the Superman Family met with world leaders from across the galaxy to pitch Jon’s idea for “a body of equal representation from each planet.” Thus, the United Planets was born. This representative body would lead to the formation of the Legion of Super-heroes with whom Superboy would defend the galaxy in the 31st century. Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex #1 reveals that Lois Lane has been chosen as Earth’s representative to the United Planets in the year 2050.
In Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex #1, Lex Luthor has fled Earth and established his own planet known as Lexor. When Superman discovers that Lex robs neighboring planets to provide resources for the citizens of Lexor, the Man of Tomorrow destroys the factory that produces Luthor’s army of larcenous robots. The unintended consequence of Supes actions, however, is that the populace of Lexor is now suffering from want and hunger. Thus, Lex applies for provisional hip with the United Planets. While the other representatives of the Inner Council refuse to it the fledgling planet, Lois Lane takes a bold stand and votes to accept Lexor for the sake of its struggling citizens.
Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex #1 is written by Mark Russell with art by Steve Pugh. It is one of three Future State titles set in the year 2050 including Kara Zor-El, Superwoman and Superman/Wonder Woman. DC’s Future State initiative jumps ahead to one of several possible timelines in the wake of the recently concluded Dark Nights: Death Metal crossover event. Future State will be followed by Infinite Frontier beginning in March which will revert back to the present day and usher in the next phase in the DC Universe.
Lois Lane’s character is too often overshadowed by Superman and his heroic deeds. Yet, Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex #1 does a great job of presenting Lois as more than just an ace reporter. As Earth’s representative to the United Planets, Lois is responsible for the well-being of billions of people. She must not only ensure that humanity if safe and healthy, but must consider the impact of her decisions on the lives of the billions of creatures represented by the other member planets as well. Superman vs. Imperious Lex proves that Lois is a true leader and every bit as heroic as her legendary husband, Superman.
