Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge

Gr 3-7–It’s Lois Lane as we’ve never seen her before—envious, anti-journalism, and 13. Her biggest fear involves her best friend Kristen Li going away to summer camp without her, but that’s OK because Lois has plenty of activities to distract them from the impending separation—like building up an online brand by posting videos in which she pranks others. Mystery crosses Lois and Kristen’s paths as a new girl in town, a potentially rigged bicycle race, and a shady thief all lead Lois to jump to conclusions about the motives of everyone around her. Local newspaper intern Henri Ortiz is a moderating voice of wisdom, but hardly anyone can contain the manic ball of energy that is Lois. She is a grandstander, a poser, and a tumbler in equal measure, with each role pulling big laughs. Between Ellis’s writing and Williams’s art, the comedic timing from panel to panel is impeccable, and Lois’s exaggerated facial expressions are hilarious. There are tender lessons by the end about vulnerability, authenticity, and the difference between journalism and justice. Any connections to the DC universe are only tenuous, making this one ideal for all readers, from die-hard comics fans to DC newcomers.