Tribute to Margot Kidder: Remembering Lois Lane

Welcome Back to another edition of Comic Relief! where we talk about all that's going on in the world of nerd!

In the world of comic books, few names hold as much sway as Superman. He started it all in Action Comics all those years ago. Well in the past day the world of Superman took a huge loss as Margot Kidder, the iconic Lois Lane from the Christopher Reeves Superman films from the 70's, passed away. Kidder was 69 years old, and a cause of death has yet to be released. However, rather than focus on the tragedy of her death, I would instead like to focus on the gift she brought us in life, the gift that is Lois Lane.

When you think Superman, there are a few things that would go through your mind in association, for most, the chief among them would be Lois Lane. Lois has always been a staple to the Superman mythos, From the get go, Lois Lane is an often overlooked example of female empowerment. Written to be a career driven reporter at the then Daily Star (which would be renamed to the Daily Planet by Action Comics #23), Lois was even the first female character in comics to receive her own strip (this strip focused on Lois trying to prove Clark Kent was Superman). This was without a doubt a push of the strong female archetype presented during this time along with other characters like Rosie the Rivetter, pushing for females to step into the roles once filled by men while they were off fighting in the war. Unfortunately, this would not last.

Early Sketch of Lois Lane by Joe Shuster

When the War ended, and the men came back home, comics adapted to the times. Now marketing to young boys, Lois became an accessory to the Superman brand rather than her own independent character, she was sidelined as a mere love interest. Her independent personality and drive became a sidelined aspect of the character. However, as the stigma towards women changed throughout the years, we got to see Lois return to those powerful roots. This was in no small part due to Margot Kidder's portrayal of Lois Lane. Street smart, independent, devil may care, Kidder's Lois brought the character back to her golden age characterization, and so this became the staple once again. Lois in the comics began to reflect what we saw on film.

Even though Kidder's portrayal was progressive for its time, there is always room for growth and Lois Lane has done just that. Now she's not just a pulitzer winning reporter, but has a decent amount of combat training that allows her to defend herself. Her dynamic as a character has shifted from independent women and reporter, to empowered mother and professional that does her best to balance her family and work life. In addition she serves as support to Superman in ways far more than just the motivation a significant other should give, but even jumping into Batman's hellbat armor to help her husband take down alpha tier metas. Joe Shuster and Jerry Spiegel may have been responsible for bringing Lois Lane to life, but Margot Kidder has been just as important to that legacy and has added to the legacy of Lois Lane in her own way.

Rest in Peace Margot Kidder, you helped us believe a man could fly years ago, I am happy you get to fly up there now amidst the stars.

This has been another edition of Comic Relief! I hope you have enjoyed and we will see you next time!