In this story, titled aptly Superman and Batman's Joke on Lois Lane, we learn that our two favorite heroes, the knights of the cape and cowl, aren't above a few missteps.
But Lois SO DESERVES IT!
Start at the beginning and admire the Splash Panel. Right away we know this has the potential for storytelling greatness, because the art is by the stupendously talented and craftsmanlike Curt Swan.
OK, I admist that it's a bit unbelievable that Lois, laying there on her belly after a supposed water rescue, has perfectly turned-out hair flips and (apparently) makeup. This isn;t reality, this is comics -- and she looks MAHH-velous, baby! Grrr-o-r-r-owl!
Ahem ...
So here we have Lois, supposedly washed up on a shore somewhere and unconscious after a Super-rescue, is nevertheless spying on her savior, who *gasp!* appears to be changing to his Secret Identity ... Bruce Wayne!
Of course, the next step is for Lois to plot how to marry Bruce Wayne so that she will in turn become Superman's bride. Meanwhile, through Batman/Bruce Wayne's thought balloon, we learn that he rescued Lois while dressed as Superman as a favor to play a Kryptonian role while the real Man of Steel is elsewhere.
Our story begins as Lois investigates a tip that stolen money has been hidden in a lake at Metropolis Park. She finds the loot (isn't that water awfully clear?) -- but cramps strike. Let's assume that these are stomach cramps amd not lady cramps. Didn't Mrs. Lane tell her and Lucy to wait a half hour after eating to swim?
Check out the first panel. First off, notice that Lois's hair is appropriately fluttering around her head, giving a good depiction of underwater movement. Secondly, notice the first clue to the Super-substitution: Swan, the consummate artist, shows AIR BUBBLES streaming from the diving Superman figure. That's your first indication that Lois's rescuer is human -- Superman wouldn't be holding his breath and exhaling as he swims.
Still, we see a Super-figure swoop from the water bearing Lois and the booty (the MONEY I mean).
In Panel Three we get a recap of the Splash Panel. Lois sees Superman turn into Bruce Wayne, and immediately sets her cap on a scheme. Deception? Playing with other peoples' lives? Lying in love? Check, check, and CHECKMATE. Another Lois Lane plan for world domination is hatched!
Now vide the next panel, a close-up of our girl at her ditzy finest!
And the bottom two panels let us readers in on the secret: Superman has asked his buddy Batman to fly around (with an anti-gravity belt) and impersonate the Man of Tomorrow while he's gone on a space mission.
It's a good thing, Batman/Bruce reflects, that the wacky Lois Lane has her sights set on Superman, and not this rich bachelor millionaire...
Well, Thanks to his easily seen costume change, Lois has gotten EXACTLY that idea, buddy! YOur life has just entered ... The Lois Zone!
...to be continued ...
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