Spoilers ahead for Action Comics #1023 by Brian Michael Bendis and John Romita Jr.
Superman and Lois Lane are DC’s first super couple. As the two have been ‘almost together’, or married, or even divorced over 80+ years of DC continuity, a huge swathe of history exists between the pair. This history was expanded upon slightly in a new release from DC Comics. In Action Comics #1023, Lois Lane inadvertently reveals that the pair actually have a secret code word, and it’s kind of obvious when you think about it.
The story begins with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen investigating clues that lead the pair to a mansion. The pair find dead bodies connected to the Invisible Mafia at the mansion, but before they’re even given a chance to call in the police, the villain known as the Red Cloud descends upon them. Red Cloud recognizes them as being allies of Superman and tries to kill the journalists immediately. Red Cloud despises Superman and believes that killing Lois and Jimmy will send a message to the Last Son of Krypton, potentially even making him stay away from Earth. However, before much harm can be done, Lois lane utters one word - ‘Smallville’.
The comic cuts to show Superman with Jon and Conner Kent. The Man of Steel hears ‘Smallville’ with his superhearing and instantly knows that something is wrong. The scene cuts back to the Red Cloud, with the villain confused why Lois Lane said Smallville. However, before Red Cloud can even question Lois further, Superman bursts in with Jon and Conner in tow. Red Cloud tries to suffocate the three heroes to death but is unable to do so with any conviction as Superman and his sidekicks are able to use their combined super-breath to blow Red Cloud out of the room and away from Lois and Jimmy.
Nevertheless, Red Cloud wasn’t stopped for good by being blown away from the action. The villain returned and grabbed Jon Kent, suffocating him to within an inch of his life in the process. Fortunately, Superman was there and was able to release Jon from the clutches of Red Cloud before the villain escaped into the night, returning to the Invisible Mafia.
The new issue of Action Comics helped to set up future clashes with the Invisible Mafia, while also showing an insight into Lois and Clark’s relationship. It isn’t often that new elements can be introduced to Superman and Lois' relationship, but fans are always pleased to see them when they’re introduced. In this case, it's their codeword, Smallville!