“I mean, who doesn’t date a mermaid in college?”
Superman and Lois Lane: The Heart of My Adventures with Superman
In this episode of the Superhero Ethics podcast, hosts Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi are joined by Superman expert Jessica Plummer to dive deep into the animated series My Adventures with Superman. The trio explores how this fresh take on the iconic characters breathes new life into the Superman mythos, particularly through its portrayal of Lois Lane’s and Clark Kent’s relationship.
Does a Superman story need Lois Lane? Our hosts argue that Lois, and to some extent Jimmy, are not just essential, but the key to humanizing Clark Kent and creating a compelling narrative. The show’s decision to have Lois quickly deduce Superman’s identity subverts traditional storylines and sets the stage for a more equal partnership.
How does My Adventures with Superman update classic characters for a modern audience? The podcast discusses the show’s diverse cast, including an Asian Lois Lane and how these choices open up new storytelling possibilities. The hosts also praise the series’ anime-inspired animation style and its ability to balance superhero action with workplace comedy elements.
What makes this version of Clark Kent’s and Lois Lane’s relationship unique? The hosts explore how the younger age of the characters and their more contemporary dynamics create a fresh take on the classic romance. They also debate the ethics of secret identities and how the show handles this perennial superhero dilemma.
Other topics covered:
- The importance of Jimmy Olsen as Clark’s best friend
- The show’s handling of villains and supporting characters
- Comparisons to other Superman adaptations
- The potential for future storylines and character development
- The balance between action and character-driven moments in superhero stories
Bonus content on Amanda Waller and Sam Lane, and how this show treats them, in our special member’s only section.
