Examining Lois Lane

The Scoop on Superman's Sweetheart

Edited by Nadine Farghaly

In June 1938, Superman made his debut in Action Comics #1, which also featured his romantic interest—and Clark Kent’s journalistic rival—Lois Lane. In the decades since, the intrepid reporter has become an iconic figure almost as recognizable as the Man of Steel himself. Lois has appeared in multiple adaptations, from her own comic book to various films and television shows, and millions of women have seen—and continue to see—her as a role model.

Examining Lois Lane: The Scoop on Superman’s Sweetheart is the first anthology to explore the many incarnations of this empowering American icon. Chapters analyze the character of Lois Lane in various media through the perspectives of feminism, gender studies, cultural studies, and more. In some discussions she is compared to mythological heroines, while others explain her importance in popular culture. This wide-ranging collection looks at previously neglected aspects of Lois and offers new insights into the evolution of her character.

Seventy-five years after Lois Lane’s first appearance, this book creates a fascinating picture of the obstacles and decisions faced by her character, whose challenges and accomplishments often reflected those of women over the course of the past century. Examining Lois Lane will be of interest to students and scholars as well as those who grew up reading and watching the many manifestations of Superman’s girlfriend.

Scarecrow Press

Pages: 324 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-0-8108-9236-1 • Paperback • September 2013 • $83.00 • (£64.00)

978-0-8108-9237-8 • eBook • September 2013 • $78.50 • (£60.00)

Subjects: Literary Criticism / Comics & Graphic Novels, Social Science / Women's Studies, Social Science / Popular Culture

Examining Lois Lane

The Scoop on Superman's Sweetheart

Paperback

eBook

Summary

In June 1938, Superman made his debut in Action Comics #1, which also featured his romantic interest—and Clark Kent’s journalistic rival—Lois Lane. In the decades since, the intrepid reporter has become an iconic figure almost as recognizable as the Man of Steel himself. Lois has appeared in multiple adaptations, from her own comic book to various films and television shows, and millions of women have seen—and continue to see—her as a role model.

Examining Lois Lane: The Scoop on Superman’s Sweetheart is the first anthology to explore the many incarnations of this empowering American icon. Chapters analyze the character of Lois Lane in various media through the perspectives of feminism, gender studies, cultural studies, and more. In some discussions she is compared to mythological heroines, while others explain her importance in popular culture. This wide-ranging collection looks at previously neglected aspects of Lois and offers new insights into the evolution of her character.

Seventy-five years after Lois Lane’s first appearance, this book creates a fascinating picture of the obstacles and decisions faced by her character, whose challenges and accomplishments often reflected those of women over the course of the past century. Examining Lois Lane will be of interest to students and scholars as well as those who grew up reading and watching the many manifestations of Superman’s girlfriend.

Details

Scarecrow Press

Pages: 324 • Trim: 6 x 9

978-0-8108-9236-1 • Paperback • September 2013 • $83.00 • (£64.00)

978-0-8108-9237-8 • eBook • September 2013 • $78.50 • (£60.00)

Subjects: Literary Criticism / Comics & Graphic Novels, Social Science / Women's Studies, Social Science / Popular Culture

Author

Nadine Farghaly received her M.A. in English Literature from Bowling Green State University and her Mag. Phil., in English and American Studies from the University of Salzburg.

Reviews

Collections strong in popular culture and comic history will appreciate the first anthology to limit its exploring on Lois Lane in Examining Lois Lane: The Scoop on Superman's Sweetheart. Chapters consider her character, culture, and how she compares to mythological heroines. This is no light read, but a semi-scholarly treatment recommended for any collection serious about comic book history and analysis.
— Midwest Book Review

Examining Lois Lane

The Scoop on Superman's Sweetheart

Edited by Nadine Farghaly

Examining Lois Lane

The Scoop on Superman's Sweetheart

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