Since DC launched 'The New 52,' we've seen many changes, tweaks and updates in the Superman universe. One of the major changes has been the cosmic nullification of the marriage between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Lois no longer knows Clark is secretly Superman and they aren't even dating.
From the very first appearance of Lois and Clark (ACTION COMICS #1, 1938), it was all about Clark trying to win her affections, or at least get her attention. Lois was pretty cold to Clark. She would barely give him the time of day. When she agreed to go out with him, she was appalled over Clark being a 'coward' and walked out on him. Clark's pursuit of Lois would be an ongoing plot line for decades.
It actually took fifty-three years before Lois discovered Clark's secret. They had been dating for a while and then became engaged. Clark felt he owed it to Lois to reveal his true identity to her before they got married so there wouldn't be any secrets and so she would fully know what she was getting into. In this week's SUPERMAN #4, it looks like Lois' suspicions have been fully aroused and she might be able to figure out the secret before they even have a romantic relationship. Would this discover drastically change any possible future relationship between them?
== TEASER ==
Clark was in love with Lois but Lois was in love with Superman. This was one of the strangest love triangles around. When Lois eventually got over her crush on Superman and realized what a great guy Clark was, their relationship blossomed. Superman would still have a hold over Lois but she soon was committed to Clark. Agreeing to marry him was the definitive answer that she had moved beyond Superman and was ready to commit the rest of her life with Clark. Because Lois didn't know Clark was Superman, it was clear that she did choose Clark because of who he was and not because he was Superman.
In 'The New 52,' Lois and Clark aren't dating. Clark's been distant and we haven't really seen any signs that Lois has any sort of infatuation with Superman. It does appear she might be on the verge of discovering Clark's secret.
Clark was supposed to meet a co-worker and had stopped by Smallville to visit his parents' grave. Lois found out he was there when he was supposed to be in Metropolis (the two cities are a plane ride away, unlike the close proximity of the television show). Clark fumbled for an excuse and came up with forgetting he was supposed to be in Metropolis. Later Lois is somehow watching footage from outside the funeral, showing Superman flying away. She clearly has a 'Hmmmm...." look on her face.
If Lois discovers Clark's secret now, could they ever truly get together? Lois wouldn't be able to necessarily say she fell for Clark and not Superman. Lois needs to fall for Clark before finding out he's the Man of Steel. There shouldn't be any doubt that she'd be in love with Clark and not Superman.
On the other hand, Lois discovering the secret on her own would redeem her for not being able to see past Clark's glasses, messy clothes and poor posture for so many years. Comic fans never let go of the fact that Lois is supposed to be a brilliant investigative reporter but couldn't see what was right in front of her.
A big part of the 'New 52' has been about change and updating certain elements. Having Lois discover Clark's secret now could add a new twist and make things less predictable. It's possible this is just a rouse to get us thinking but if it does happen, we won't know what to expect next.