Though the marriage of Superman and Lois Lane is one that many in the DC Universe see as rock-solid, it might be more shaky than previously thought. Superman #707 reveals the sort of wedge issue that could actually put a crack in the couple's relationship.
The DCU is filled with couples, but few have that special spark that exists between Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Superman and Lois are arguably one of the most iconic couples in comic books, their love being a focal point of nearly every media adaptation of the Man of Steel. The dating history of Superman and Lois Lane was unconventional, but their love was confirmed after the two got hitched in a wedding the whole DC Universe took notice of. Though their marriage took a bit of a pause as a result of the New 52 reboot, the two's relationship is currently as strong as it ever was.
That said, it seems like there's an issue between the two that caused Lois and Clark to take opposing sides, possibly spelling danger for their marriage. In Superman #707 by J. Michael Straczynski, Chris Roberson, and Allan Goldman, a fire is raging at a factory in Kansas, and Superman springs into action to stop it. After saving the day, Superman discovers that Lois is working with a local on a story about the factory, and its lack of safety precautions. Though the factory does have problems to straighten out, Clark discovers that the factory is crucial to the population of the town near it. If the story causes the factory to close, hundreds could lose their jobs. After telling the factory owners to get the place up to code, Superman demands that Lois kill the story, infuriating her.
Are Superman And Lois' Goals Incompatible?
It’s a tense confrontation between the usually lovey-dovey couple, but one consistent with Superman and Lois Lane’s respective characterizations. Lois is someone that values the truth and gets it out to the public, no matter the cost. But Superman, for as much as he respects the truth, values people more than anything else. It’s not that he doesn’t agree that the factory has its problems, he just believes there’s no reason in harming innocent workers and putting a town out of business. While both sides have their merits, it seems that Lois and Clark have a difficult time in seeing the other’s position.
Though they both work for the Daily Planet, the most serious journalist the paper has is Lois Lane. It’s in her bones to inform the public of the truth. But Superman knows many situations require nuance, or even compromise. But there is no room for compromise when it comes to the truth, and that’s the sort of thing that is ultimately going to make Clark and Lois butt heads. Is it enough to destroy the life they’ve built together? Probably not. But issues like these remind Lois Lane and Superman of what their principles really are and bring into question whether they can make peace with their differences.