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From SCIFIPEDIA
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| Superman Character
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| Lois Lane
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Superman possibly marrying Lois was often used to tease the readers of Lois' Comic, but it was never to be (in this continuity).
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| Publisher
| DC Comics
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| Gender
| Female
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| Species
| Human
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| Creator(s)
| Jerry Siegel
Joe Shuster
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| First Appearance
| (Golden Age) Action Comics issue #1 (1938), (Modern Age) Man of Steel #1 (1986)
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| Profession
| Reporter
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| Affiliations
| Daily Planet
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| Special Features
| Father: Army Major Sam Lane, Sister: Lucy Lane
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Lois Lane is a fictional DC Comics character created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster in Action Comics issue #1 in 1938. She is the main love interest of the iconic superhero Superman.
Character History
The Golden Age Lois
It is interesting to see how the Lois Lane character has changed as the American attitude towards women has changed as well. Lois Lane began as a competitive newspaper reporter, who couldn't understand how the meek Clark Kent could be so successful at such a prominient newspaper like the Daily Planet. In the Golden Age of Comics, Lois, the cliche "nosey reporter", was an aggressive and competitive woman who would foolishly put herself in danger to get a story. This was convenient, as it gave Superman plenty of opportunities to rescue her. She thought of Clark as a bit of a coward, as he never seemed to be around when there was trouble. Eventually, she would come to suspect that Superman was Clark Kent, though she could never prove it. Unfortunately for her, the Superman of this time never got past calling her "Miss. Lane".
The Silver Age Lois
In the Silver Age of Comics, Lois had her own comic book called Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane. Here Lois was more open with her affection for Superman. A recurring theme in this comic book was her (always frustrated) dream to marry the Man of Steel. During this time, Lois was shown to be a good friend of Superman's, who now called her "Lois". She would compete for Superman's affections with Lana Lang who was Superman's sweetheart as a boy in Smallville. Superman was careful never to admit which woman he liked more.
The Modern Age Lois
In the Modern Age of Comics, Lois is every bit a modern independent woman. In this most recent continuity, she even gave Clark his super-hero name, Superman, when she wrote about him in the Daily Planet after his first appearance. In this version of the story, Superman fell as in love with her as she with him, and the two eventually got married. Lois keeps his secrets as "Mrs. Clark Kent", though she maintains her maiden name as any professional writer would. As a marriage, they have a true equal partnership, each accepting each other's careers and responsibilities. It is clear in today's comics that Superman is even more dependent on Lois' support than she is on his.
Lois Lane Portrayals
Lois Lane has been played by several different actresses in film and television. Each has brought something different to the character.
George Reeves and Noel Neill
Noel Neill played Lois Lane in these two serials (released in 1948 and 1950) (and was brought in to replace Phyllis Coates in the TV series: see below). Her Lois is smart-alecky and reckless. She also had a cameo in the 1978 Superman movie and a more substantial role in the 2006 Superman Returns.
George Reeves and Phyllis Coates
Phyllis Coates played Lois Lane in the 1952 television series Adventures of Superman for the series' first 26 episodes. She was later replaced by Noel Neill who played the character for the remainder of the series (1953 - 1958)
Bob Holiday and Patricia Marand
Patricia Marand played Lois Lane in the Broadway Musical version of the Superman story opposite Bob Holiday in the title role. Her performance garnered a 1966 Tony Award nomination for as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical)
Superman Films
Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder
Beginning with Superman: The Movie in 1978, Margot Kidder played Lois Lane in four Superman films alongside Christopher Reeve. In 2006, when Superman returned to the big screen, Kate Bosworth took on the role opposite Brandon Routh.
Dean Cain and Terri Hatcher
Teri Hatcher took on the role of Lois Lane in the 1993 series. The series placed significant focus on her character's relationship with Clark Kent/Superman. Lois was oblivious to the possibility that Clark maybe Superman until the two became engaged. They eventually married and the series came to end not long after.
Tom Wells and Erica Durance
Erica Durance joined the cast of Smallville in its fourth season as Lois Lane. This variation on the character differed fairly significantly from others as it is set before Lois Lane and Clark Kent become reporters for the Daily Planet. Lois moved in with Clark's family and the two bicker like siblings and rarely share sexual tension. Durance's Lois maintains the same obliviousness to the possibility that Clark may be more than a simple farm boy as her previous incarnations.
Dana Delany voiced the role of Lois Lane in the animated series and its crossovers with Batman: The Animated Series and also in the series Justice League.
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