Earlier today DC unveiled Gail Simone and Eddy Barrows as the next entry in the Superman Superstars lineup of Action Comics creative teams. But one all-star creative team reveal wasn’t enough, as DC has announced that writer Rainbow Rowell and artist Cian Tormey will also contribute a three-part Lois Lane story, also in Action Comics, from July through September.
The Lois Lane story marks acclaimed YA author and comic writer Rainbow Rowell’s first work for DC Comics. Details about the story from DC were scant, but it sounds like it’s set in the present-day DCU, where Lois is currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Planet. It’ll be paired with, but not connected to, the previously-announced throwback Superman story from Simone and Barrows.
In a statement announcing the story, Rowell described taking on Lois Lane and the rest of the staff of DC’s preeminent newspaper:
“As a former newspaper reporter, I’ve always had a soft spot for Daily Planet stories,” shared Rowell. “I love that Clark Kent is Superman and also a working journalist—and that it isn’t just dusty backstory. It’s a real facet of his character. I love that Clark met Lois in the newsroom, and that they still work there together. (This is so realistic, I swear.) I really like it when comic book romances last…There’s a lot of story to tell after two people say yes to each other. So—even though I was a little nervous about diving into the DC Universe—I couldn’t resist the chance to write a love story that is also a newsroom story, and still a superhero story.”
Artist Cian Tormey, returning to Metropolis after working on Jon Kent’s adventures in Superman: Son of Kal-El with writer Tom Taylor, expanded on the themes of the story he and Rowell are telling, and Rowell gushed over Tormey’s work on the tale:
“The story that Rainbow and I are telling is about Lois finding her strength, with Clark supporting her as she becomes stronger in her convictions,” added Tormey. “He sees her finding her courage in a new role, her sense of responsibility for everyone—a gentle reminder for Clark of how far he has come, and how far all of us who are not blessed with superpowers can go when faced with adversity.”
“I’ve just seen the first of Cian Tormey’s pages, and I think people are going to adore his take on Lois and Clark,” continued Rowell. “Cian’s work has a timeless quality that’s perfect for this relationship.”
Action Comics #1067 will sport the Lois Lane-starring variant cover by Pablo Villalobos shown above. The issue, which includes the first part of Rowell & Tormey’s Lois Lane story, is set to arrive in stores and digitally on Wednesday, July 10th.