LOIS LANE AND THE FRIENDSHIP CHALLENGE

A young Lois Lane solves a mystery.

It’s the first day of 13-year-old Lois Lane’s summer vacation, and she has her sights set on creating a perfect viral video. Lois’ friend Kristen is a bit less focused on the task at hand, anxiously anticipating her departure for sleepaway camp. Kristen’s set to leave shortly after the annual neighborhood bike race—which may be the perfect backdrop for Lois’ #FriendshipChallenge video. But when the fireworks for the post–bike race barbecue go missing, Lois and Kristen take up the case, investigating the new girl on the block and the proprietor of the fancy new bike shop. Lois’ first mystery is composed with energetic panel work and dynamic compositions, colored with deep greens, blues, and purples. The central mystery is a bit routine, but the outcome shades the central friendship between Kristen and Lois in a pleasant-enough way to make the enterprise seem worthwhile. Hardcore DC fans may be a bit disappointed: There’s very little branded content to be had here—no hints at Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, etc. This is Lois Lane’s story, and while it may not work as an introduction to the hero-filled universe, it works wonderfully as a celebration of the character’s pluck and can-do attitude. Lois and Kristen both present white, but there’s significant diversity among the supporting cast.

A nifty starter mystery.