Warning: spoilers ahead for Superman: Son of Kal-El #10!
In the latest issue of DC Comics' Superman: Son of Kal-El, the true power of Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth is revealed in a spectacular way. While Lex Luthor has been conspiring with Gamorra's corrupt President Henry Bendix to frame and discredit Jon Kent's Man of Steel, Lois Lane epically dunks on the classic Superman foe using the Lasso of Hestia. However, things are not quite as they seem in this new issue.
In previous issues of Superman: Son of Kal-El, Jon Kent has been competing with the Rising, a metahuman initiative created by Bendix. Comprised of metahumans manufactured in Gamorra, Bendix has unilateral control over those who enter the ranks of the Rising, serving as a dark evolution of the Suicide Squad. Bendix can use them like puppets against their will and remotely kill them as needed, making it look like the New Superman killed one of them with his heat vision. Having been invited to Metropolis by Lex Luthor as a sign of zero confidence in the Man of Steel, the Rising are operating as heroes while also being ready to serve Bendix at a moment's notice.
Now, Son of Kal-El #1o from Tom Taylor and Cian Tormey sees Luthor upping the ante with a press conference to harm Jon's reputation even further. However, Lois Lane is present to publicly challenge Luthor's lies. Not only does she reveal the truth that there was a device in the metahuman's head which detonated, but she also offers what looks to be Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth. Lois dares Luthor to take it and confirm whether he is or isn't trying to frame her son, seeing as how the powerful lasso would compel his honesty. However, it's ultimately revealed that the lasso's true power is its reputation, with Luthor neglecting to take it and leaving the press conference altogether.
The best part of this new Superman comic isn't Lois challenging Luthor, which immediately discredits him and damages his own reputation. The best part is when Lois reveals that the lasso she used was just some rope she painted gold. She never said anything about it being the actual lasso, choosing instead to let Luthor and the rest of the world make their assumptions about what she held in her hand. It proves that the mere idea of the Lasso of Truth is sometimes enough against someone so dependent on lies.
Wonder Woman is a hero steeped in mythology and symbolism, so it's appropriate that her famous weapon is larger than life - able to put the fear of discovery into Luthor without even being present. Wonder Woman has been offered godhood before based on her role in the world as an avatar of truth and justice, and it's fitting that the world's greatest journalist would call on her reputation to help get to the truth.
This issue is one of the best moments featuring what is arguably Wonder Woman's greatest weapon (despite it not even being present). It's certainly one of Lois Lane's coolest moments hands down, giving her the chance to display her sharp mind and relentless quest for the truth against a foe who so often relies on deception and misdirection. Superman: Son of Kal-El #10 is on sale now from DC Comics, pointedly not featuring Wonder Woman's famous lasso.