There are many iconic couples in the DC Comics library. One of the most famous, if not the most famous couple, is Clark Kent and Lois Lane. HBO recently finished their first season of Superman & Lois. The show focuses on the couple raising their sons, balancing being Superman with the rest of their lives and dealing with their sons' emerging powers.
The series takes what fans have loved about Superman in the comics and brings him to life in a fresh new way. It is a delightful show that mixes family dynamics with superheroic fun. Superman & Lois remains faithful to the comics while still making some creative changes.
9 Superman's Optimism Shines Through
One of Superman's most lovable and endearing qualities is his perpetual optimism and eternal hope. It is one aspect of the character that has kept fans coming back to his comics for decades. This quality shines through on Superman & Lois. Tyler Hoechlin's performance reminds fans that Superman is more than an all-powerful alien who can leap tall buildings. He reminds fans that the reason they love Superman is because he shows people the best parts of the world.
8 John Henry Irons Is Poised To Be The Next Superman
In the comics when Superman dies, John Henry Irons is one of several people who step up to take Superman's place as the protector of Metropolis. The show sets up John Henry as another protector of the people. While he starts out as a villain on the show, he eventual comes around to the side of the angels and helps Superman save the world. It is unlikely that the show will be killing off Superman anytime soon, but it could be in the show's best interest to add John Henry to the Superman team.
7 Lois Is Driven And Ambitious
Lois Lane is the best investigative journalist in comics and one of the most intelligent and driven people in the DC Universe. She holds her own with even some of the biggest players in the DC universe. This all comes through in Superman & Lois, putting her ambition, her drive, and her emotional vulnerability on display. Elizabeth Tulloch is an incredible Lois and allows the essence of the character to really take over. Showing all the facets of Lois Lane is very hard, but the show succeeds at giving Lois her fair shake.
6 Clark And Lois's Dynamic Is Heartfelt And Sincere
What makes Lois and Clark such an iconic couple is that their relationship is ideal. It is built on trust, love and a belief that each person is doing their best.
On Superman & Lois, these same core values are embedded in the writing and the performances. The couple feels authentic on screen. It is easy for fans to watch this couple because their connection on-screen feels sincere and heartfelt. This chemistry is the foundation of the show and it is what will initially hook new viewers.
5 Smallville Keeps Its Small Town Charm
Smallville has always been portrayed as the ideal American small town. It is full of wholesome people who live to do the right thing and support each other. While these values do waver during the course of the show, Smallville still manages to retain much of its charm. Superman's initial values and beliefs were formed in Smallville, his upbringing there and the townspeople he loves are essential to the character. Maintaining this wholesome vibe for Smallville helps the show feel familiar and remain grounded.
4 Superman's Costumes Come From All Comic Book Eras
A part of a superhero show that everyone loves is the costumes. They are bright, colorful and always fun to see. Over the course of his 80+ years in comics, Superman has had a massive number of different costumes. While the show mainly features a more modern take of the Man of Steel's outfit, there are a couple of flashbacks that have an older and more handmade-looking costume. This outfit was inspired by the Fleischer animated Superman of the 1940s. Fans were absolutely thrilled to see the show pay homage to this classic outfit.
3 Clark's Parents Play A Big Part In His Life
The influence of Jonathan and Martha Kent on Superman's life can never be understated. They shaped the man and the hero that he became. They imparted strong morals and a love for all mankind into their adopted son. It is an incredibly touching relationship and one that continually shapes Clark's life. Even his relationship with Jor-El, his biological father, helps Clark to understand who he is, what he can do, and what responsibilities he has. Both these relationships are also at work in Superman & Lois. While raising sons of his own, Clark takes what he learned from his parents and does the best he can to raise good and honest children.
2 While The Villain Wasn't From The Comics, His Character Felt Faithful To The Comics
While Morgan Edge is a character in the comics, his true identity is a Kryptonian called Tal-Rho. In the show, he claims to be Superman's half-brother and he wants Superman to join his quest to bring Krypton to Earth and remake all that they used to have. While Tal-Rho isn't a comic book character, he is definitely inspired by The Eradicator, a Kryptonian android who was meant to store all the genetic data of Krytpton. Their quests to bring about a new Krypton were virtually identical. The show even features a device called the Eradicator that Tal-Rho eventually absorbs to become even stronger. This device also gives him access to thousands of Kryptonian memories, just like his comic counterpart.
1 Superman's Relationship With His Sons
In the comics, Superman only has one son, but the show gave him twin boys named Jordan and Jonathan. Only one of these sons has powers though, Jordan, and the other son is left to find his way without super strength. To both his sons, though, Superman is nurturing and understanding. He struggles with balancing being humanity's savior and just keeping his sons out of trouble. In the comics, Jonathan Kent has powers and often accompanies his father or Robin on missions. This dynamic doesn't exist in the show, but nonetheless, Superman tries to train his sons to be true heroes and he does whatever he can to keep them safe.