Lois & Clark Forums Forums General Discussion Superman Related Clark leaves the Daily Planet (comicverse)

In the first place, this puts Clark Kent at an even greater distance between himself and his supporting cast and thus puts more emphasis on his being a superhero. Granted, considering he'll still have Jimmy Olsen for a roommate and whatnot, he'll still have a cast, and it's in keeping with this idea of Clark's sense of isolation, but in doing so it's now become more about Superman being "Kal-El from Krypton" and less about "Clark Kent from Smallville, Kansas," which I believe has been one of the more misguided creative decisions DC has made about Superman since the New 52 relaunch.

I would also add that, with this move, this appears to be yet another attempt to get Clark out from under the "mild-mannered reporter" label, thinking that by making him more independent and having a spine as "Clark Kent," this will help readers better identify with him. But what DC seems to be forgetting is that the reason why Clark acted "mild-mannered" while in his "Clark Kent disguise" was for him to better blend into his surroundings and not attract unwanted attention to himself that would make everyone look at him and go, "Oh, that guy is so obviously Superman." It's the same reason why Clark's stint as a TV news anchor didn't last so long--Clark Kent is supposed to be more "behind the scenes" while Superman is more "in the public eye for everyone to see," if that makes sense. Perhaps it's just me, but Clark giving a "fiery public sermon on the state of journalism" before he quits is not something he would say while "in disguise as Clark Kent"; that's what he would say as Superman.

The other person who would have said it? Lois Lane, who I would argue has suffered even worse treatment in terms of characterization since the New 52 relaunch. Sure, DC wants to inject more "soap opera" between Lois and Clark by having them be in relationships with other people, but the one thing Lois should never be is a "desk jockey" and a supporter of the current structure at the Daily Planet, which is precisely what DC has turned her into. She's not a female Perry White. She's supposed to be the one whose all about real journalism, getting out into the trenches, digging up the truth and standing up for her own principles and integrity--the very characteristics which DC has now given Clark. So not only would I contend that DC is continuing the trend of de-emphasizing her role in the Superman comics, but is also writing her grossly out of character just as much as they're now making Superman while he's "Clark Kent."