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Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story
Can Lois Lane open herself up to friendship, romance, and being vulnerable in order to get the future that's right for her? She might have to change her entire life plan to find out.
Ambitious small town girl Lois Lane tackles a summer in the big city with gusto, but a cavalcade of setbacks—including an annoying frenemy roommate, a beyond tedious internship at a suddenly corporatized website, and a boss who demotes her to coffee-fetching minion—threatens to derail her extremely detailed life plan. And, you know, her entire future.
When Lois uncovers a potentially explosive scandal, she must team up with the last person she’d expect to publish her own website for young women. And as Lois discovers who she really is and what she actually wants, she becomes embroiled in her own scandal that could destroy everything she's worked so hard to create.
From beloved author, Sarah Kuhn ( Shadow of the Batgirl , Heroine Complex ), and with expressive and lively art by Arielle Jovellanos , comes a charming YA story about the strength it takes to embrace the messiness of life.
Ambitious small town girl Lois Lane tackles a summer in the big city with gusto, but a cavalcade of setbacks—including an annoying frenemy roommate, a beyond tedious internship at a suddenly corporatized website, and a boss who demotes her to coffee-fetching minion—threatens to derail her extremely detailed life plan. And, you know, her entire future.
When Lois uncovers a potentially explosive scandal, she must team up with the last person she’d expect to publish her own website for young women. And as Lois discovers who she really is and what she actually wants, she becomes embroiled in her own scandal that could destroy everything she's worked so hard to create.
From beloved author, Sarah Kuhn ( Shadow of the Batgirl , Heroine Complex ), and with expressive and lively art by Arielle Jovellanos , comes a charming YA story about the strength it takes to embrace the messiness of life.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2023
About the author
Sarah Kuhn
67 books669 followersSarah Kuhn is the author of Heroine Complex—the first in a series starring Asian American superheroines—for DAW Books. She also wrote The Ruby Equation for the comics anthology Fresh Romance and the romantic comedy novella One Con Glory, which earned praise from io9 and USA Today and is in development as a feature film. Her articles and essays on such topics as geek girl culture, comic book continuity, and Sailor Moon cosplay have appeared in Uncanny Magazine, Apex Magazine, AngryAsianMan.com, IGN.com, Back Stage, The Hollywood Reporter, StarTrek.com, Creative Screenwriting, and the Hugo-nominated anthology Chicks Dig Comics. In 2011, she was selected as a finalist for the CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) New Writers Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 3, 2023
As a story of its own, this was great. A young Lois starts her first internship when things go wrong, she has to deal with an old BFF with lots of baggage and issues of her own, and somehow figure out how to keep her life on track - and what that will even look like. The incredibly cute, charming and colorful art brings this story about youthful rebellion and finding yourself and dealing with feeling small to life in a fantastic way. Having this story being told through the lens of Lois as an Asian woman brings a whole new layer to it that I enjoyed.
It's a great story. It's fun and empowering. I want teens to read this story.
But it is not a LOIS LANE story.
This is essentially a wholly original story and character with the name Lois Lane and some DC Comics hallmarks to make it seem like it takes place in the DC Universe. And it's hard to grapple with that, because on one hand: yes, I love that this story is being told in a way that gets it to the largest audience it can possibly get, using the DC Comics name. But that can also handicap it in a way, if people are expecting at least some familiarity to the Lois Lane that has been established and loved for nearly a hundred years.
Perhaps the strength of the story is enough for many to enjoy on its own. I certainly hope that there are teens out there finding this and seeing themselves in Lois and the other characters, and gaining strength and some insight from its pages.
It's a great story. It's fun and empowering. I want teens to read this story.
But it is not a LOIS LANE story.
This is essentially a wholly original story and character with the name Lois Lane and some DC Comics hallmarks to make it seem like it takes place in the DC Universe. And it's hard to grapple with that, because on one hand: yes, I love that this story is being told in a way that gets it to the largest audience it can possibly get, using the DC Comics name. But that can also handicap it in a way, if people are expecting at least some familiarity to the Lois Lane that has been established and loved for nearly a hundred years.
Perhaps the strength of the story is enough for many to enjoy on its own. I certainly hope that there are teens out there finding this and seeing themselves in Lois and the other characters, and gaining strength and some insight from its pages.
April 26, 2023
What a delight. 100 more please.
January 18, 2024
"time for the Life Plan to really begin!"
💫 representation: Lois is Asian, Miki is Asian and sapphic, Jasmin is Black and sapphic, Noah is Asian, Cat Grant is a PoC (not specified, but probably Indian or Black), and there are multiple PoC side characters
💫 content warnings for: sexism, racism, intergenerational trauma
LOIS LANE STANS RISE UP ✊ ✊ ✊
i love my workaholic Capricorn comfort character <333
separated from the typical DC universe with Superman, Lois Lane has a new origin story while working at the familiar CatCo. i didn't mind that this was an entirely new interpretation of her. it was fun and full of girl power! and i very much enjoyed seeing my favorite hardworking, starry-eyed girl transform into the amazing character she is. it's a story filled with friendship. and intergenerational trauma. and breaking the glass ceiling. and a story about never meeting your heroes because they're messy and complicated and human, but still overcoming and bringing your friends up with you. ugh, all of the friendships were so good and i really liked Lois and Noah too.
the illustrations are perfect and the outfits for each character were spot-on <3
bonus: the depiction of Cat Grant here is now my favorite version of Cat Grant. she's so pretty and complex and her advice is so good?? i love her so much.
i LOVED the fact that Lois is Asian American in this. i've only seen Lois interpreted as white (although there are other stories about her being Asian American! i just haven't read them!) so i thought this take was fresh and added such depth to her character. PLUS the discussions on intergenerational trauma, racism, and sexism?? 10/10. so good. MY Lois Lane absolutely deals with these things daily and they influence her life + stories. it's totally in character to talk about it. all of the men who disagree can unkindly shut up <3
i need more Lois Lane content PLEASE
ᯓ★ kin list: Lois
~ Morgan Shadow 🐺👑🏹🌊💫
💫 representation: Lois is Asian, Miki is Asian and sapphic, Jasmin is Black and sapphic, Noah is Asian, Cat Grant is a PoC (not specified, but probably Indian or Black), and there are multiple PoC side characters
💫 content warnings for: sexism, racism, intergenerational trauma
LOIS LANE STANS RISE UP ✊ ✊ ✊
i love my workaholic Capricorn comfort character <333
separated from the typical DC universe with Superman, Lois Lane has a new origin story while working at the familiar CatCo. i didn't mind that this was an entirely new interpretation of her. it was fun and full of girl power! and i very much enjoyed seeing my favorite hardworking, starry-eyed girl transform into the amazing character she is. it's a story filled with friendship. and intergenerational trauma. and breaking the glass ceiling. and a story about never meeting your heroes because they're messy and complicated and human, but still overcoming and bringing your friends up with you. ugh, all of the friendships were so good and i really liked Lois and Noah too.
the illustrations are perfect and the outfits for each character were spot-on <3
bonus: the depiction of Cat Grant here is now my favorite version of Cat Grant. she's so pretty and complex and her advice is so good?? i love her so much.
i LOVED the fact that Lois is Asian American in this. i've only seen Lois interpreted as white (although there are other stories about her being Asian American! i just haven't read them!) so i thought this take was fresh and added such depth to her character. PLUS the discussions on intergenerational trauma, racism, and sexism?? 10/10. so good. MY Lois Lane absolutely deals with these things daily and they influence her life + stories. it's totally in character to talk about it. all of the men who disagree can unkindly shut up <3
i need more Lois Lane content PLEASE
ᯓ★ kin list: Lois
~ Morgan Shadow 🐺👑🏹🌊💫
February 19, 2023
Lois Lane has an internship at CatCo for the summer so she can get one step further in her Life Plan to become an intrepid reporter for the Daily Planet and win tons of Pulitzers! Though how she'll do that while she's stuck living with her over-the-top cousin who stays up to all hours practicing her one-woman show is beyond her! But when she finds people being marginalized, their voices silenced, Lois refuses to stand by quietly and works to get the word out any way she can.
It's been a while since I've dived into DC comics at all, and I never really LOVED Lois and often found her a bit pretentious. This book does help with that. It's a younger Lois, so she's still starry-eyed and hopeful rather than cynical and pretentious. I like her here more than many of the older versions of her I've read before.
However, I'm not going to lie: I don't ever remember reading that Lois was Asian-American, and that seems like a ret-conned race change just for the sake of having a person of color because her name makes it vaguely convenient. And there's a couple pages in this book that feel pretty hypocritical, because it shows the new editor of CatCo gathering a group of "marginalized staff members" for a publicity photo and Lois gives an angry/startled face as she realizes who she's grouped with in the photo. You do realize your Asian Lois is doing the same thing, right?
The art is cutesy and fun. It's not quite Lisa Frank's usual color palate, but it's close. The majority of the book is very bright and vibrant, and if comics were my thing in my teen years, I probably would've eaten it up. I LIKE the storyline. It feels like an early Lois storyline where she pushes to find the truth no matter what, but she still has the fears of an unproven journalist, and voices her insecurities. It's almost cute that she falls for the boy that looks like a young Clark Kent.
I can see preteen and teen girls enjoying this.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!
It's been a while since I've dived into DC comics at all, and I never really LOVED Lois and often found her a bit pretentious. This book does help with that. It's a younger Lois, so she's still starry-eyed and hopeful rather than cynical and pretentious. I like her here more than many of the older versions of her I've read before.
However, I'm not going to lie: I don't ever remember reading that Lois was Asian-American, and that seems like a ret-conned race change just for the sake of having a person of color because her name makes it vaguely convenient. And there's a couple pages in this book that feel pretty hypocritical, because it shows the new editor of CatCo gathering a group of "marginalized staff members" for a publicity photo and Lois gives an angry/startled face as she realizes who she's grouped with in the photo. You do realize your Asian Lois is doing the same thing, right?
The art is cutesy and fun. It's not quite Lisa Frank's usual color palate, but it's close. The majority of the book is very bright and vibrant, and if comics were my thing in my teen years, I probably would've eaten it up. I LIKE the storyline. It feels like an early Lois storyline where she pushes to find the truth no matter what, but she still has the fears of an unproven journalist, and voices her insecurities. It's almost cute that she falls for the boy that looks like a young Clark Kent.
I can see preteen and teen girls enjoying this.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. Thanks to the author and publisher for this opportunity!
April 17, 2023
This was a fantastic graphic novel. I really enjoyed the story as well as the artwork. I didn't know anything about Lois Lane before I read that and I think that this introduction to her character was very well done. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn about Lois Lane.
August 10, 2023
Cute quick read. I love Lois Lane, and I loved this iteration of her.
July 18, 2023
This book hasn’t gotten enough hype and I loved ALMOST everything about it! Come on, an Asian Lois Lane who’s finding her voice and using her power? While building strong female friendships and working through generational trauma? And a story that fully celebrates her ambition and passion for speaking the truth? Amazing, obsessed! Knocking a star off for the use of the term “ride-or-die” throughout the story so often that it genuinely started getting annoying haha but seriously everybody should read this!
April 23, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and DC Comics for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
So maybe my expectations were too high going in or this my childhood dislike of Lois Lane rearing its ugly head but this was not for me. I don't think this was a particularly bad graphic novel but I also did not find this to be groundbreaking.
The plot felt extremely simplistic and heavy-handed in its exploration of very complex issues such as racism, specifically the perpetual foreigner phenomenon and Asian fetishization, Yellowface, and mental health. I think Kuhn was perhaps a bit too ambitious in wanting to deal with all of these issues while also trying to keep things peppy and light and ultimately it failed to be either of the two.
Additionally, the color palette and even art style was not my jam. It felt very 90s despite the smart phones and the key role social media played in this graphic novel. I'm not a fan of Y2K/90s aesthetics and this book was that aesthetic on steroids, if you do enjoy that era's fashion, I say give this a go but if not, maybe do what Superman should do with Kryptonite (avoid it).
2.5 stars
So maybe my expectations were too high going in or this my childhood dislike of Lois Lane rearing its ugly head but this was not for me. I don't think this was a particularly bad graphic novel but I also did not find this to be groundbreaking.
The plot felt extremely simplistic and heavy-handed in its exploration of very complex issues such as racism, specifically the perpetual foreigner phenomenon and Asian fetishization, Yellowface, and mental health. I think Kuhn was perhaps a bit too ambitious in wanting to deal with all of these issues while also trying to keep things peppy and light and ultimately it failed to be either of the two.
Additionally, the color palette and even art style was not my jam. It felt very 90s despite the smart phones and the key role social media played in this graphic novel. I'm not a fan of Y2K/90s aesthetics and this book was that aesthetic on steroids, if you do enjoy that era's fashion, I say give this a go but if not, maybe do what Superman should do with Kryptonite (avoid it).
April 28, 2023
This was so cute.
I really enjoyed every minute of it. I liked the different take on Lois' background and how she's advocating for herself and changing her plans.
There was a lot about what it's like to be different, and how to adapt, and so many cute things. There was a little bit of language for a YA graphic novel but not a whole lot, and the art style was very sweet and fit the story really well.
Can't wait to send it to a friend.
I really enjoyed every minute of it. I liked the different take on Lois' background and how she's advocating for herself and changing her plans.
There was a lot about what it's like to be different, and how to adapt, and so many cute things. There was a little bit of language for a YA graphic novel but not a whole lot, and the art style was very sweet and fit the story really well.
Can't wait to send it to a friend.
May 15, 2023
An adorable story about intrepid young reporter Lois Lane doing an internship at CatCo before she heads off to college. Kuhn's remaining of Lois' world works well, right down to the boy she likes that looks like Clark Kent.
The art is endearing and uses a bright palette that works well with the big emotions of these teenagers moving into young adulthood and living independently for the first time.
Cute and fun. Though because this story featured zero superheroes, I did wonder how it fit in the greater DCU.
The art is endearing and uses a bright palette that works well with the big emotions of these teenagers moving into young adulthood and living independently for the first time.
Cute and fun. Though because this story featured zero superheroes, I did wonder how it fit in the greater DCU.
July 7, 2024
3.75. This was a delight. A fun, original story. One that works for Lois Lane fans and those that don’t normally pick up a book featuring her.
September 14, 2024
I had no idea who Lois lane was before this so she was a new character to me but the story, unique/awesome art style and characters make me want to read 50 more volumes pls
April 19, 2024
knowing lois, knowing her origins this isnt just a twist on her tale this is practically an OC. its a little too young for me but i enjoyed it nontheless!
2.5
2.5
April 10, 2023
Lois Lane has her whole future planned out and the first stepping stone is to crush her summer internship. When she arrives in the big city, nothing goes as planned. Her roommate is a less-than-friendly face from her past and her job leaves much to be desired. She soon finds herself tangled in a local scandal and the only way she can share her side of the story is to start her own blog.
Sarah Kuhn brings a young Lois Lane to life in this refreshing origin story. Lois is often shown as just a love interest or side character, but this gives her some much needed background. The storyline is complex and engaging while remaining within YA parameters.
The fun, bright graphics fit perfectly with the plot. The illustrator, Arielle Jovellanos, captured the overall mood without making the art too cutesy. I love her style!
Overall, Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story, is an excellent graphic novel. Although I may be a little over the YA age range, I look forward to adding it to my collection once it releases.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and DC Entertainment (DC Comics)!
Sarah Kuhn brings a young Lois Lane to life in this refreshing origin story. Lois is often shown as just a love interest or side character, but this gives her some much needed background. The storyline is complex and engaging while remaining within YA parameters.
The fun, bright graphics fit perfectly with the plot. The illustrator, Arielle Jovellanos, captured the overall mood without making the art too cutesy. I love her style!
Overall, Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story, is an excellent graphic novel. Although I may be a little over the YA age range, I look forward to adding it to my collection once it releases.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and DC Entertainment (DC Comics)!
July 8, 2023
beautiful beautiful beautiful did i mention beautiful art! as lois lane deserves! i personally always enjoy one-shot clois (individual or couple) stories that explore different variations of their original characters with more depth. it’s fun and there’s always something new!
this is a colorful and cute coming of age story that captures lois’ spirit and ambition, as a teen. i loved the young asian american girl aspect of this story, and how that influenced the issues she faced and the ways in which she dealt with them. people mad and acting like this is the first time dc has introduced a lois character that’s an asian american …. showing me who the #REAL ones actually are 🤨
also we need more women, especially of color, creators in the dc comics room bc see how their work always hits. in them we trust! anyways clark and lois both have pretty graphic novels now ❤️🩹🫂
this is a colorful and cute coming of age story that captures lois’ spirit and ambition, as a teen. i loved the young asian american girl aspect of this story, and how that influenced the issues she faced and the ways in which she dealt with them. people mad and acting like this is the first time dc has introduced a lois character that’s an asian american …. showing me who the #REAL ones actually are 🤨
also we need more women, especially of color, creators in the dc comics room bc see how their work always hits. in them we trust! anyways clark and lois both have pretty graphic novels now ❤️🩹🫂
June 25, 2023
This was so enjoyable, though at some points I wished the villains were a little less one-note.
June 17, 2023
I've finally read a Lois Lane comic - as in, a comic where she is at the center of everything, in her own story. Beforehand, I'd barely read anything with her in it.
But with 2023's 'Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story', written by Sarah Kuhn and illustrated by Arielle Jovellanos, I can rectify that. And after reading, I can conclude that it has earned its place on my DC comics bookshelf, among other stories about awesome and badass female DC characters. Lois is unique: she doesn't have to be a superhero to be super - ordinary humans are just as capable of amazing feats and achievements, in order to save and change the world. Perseverance, resolve, self-confidence, a circle of loving and caring support, and speaking your truth are key. The long, arduous, exhausting, frustrating, overwhelming, and painful road to success - filled with so many of life's disappointments - may well be worth it in the end.
That's what intrepid, fiery, hardworking young aspiring reporter Lois Lane learns. Things will certainly not be easy for this biracial woman in the patriarchal society.
In this 21st century reimagined origin, for YA audiences, Lois is half Japanese from her mother's side, and this is important to the story being told. Racism and sexism are put under a planet-sized magnifying glass and examined and shed light on. It's heartbreaking to see her having to deal with so many racist dickshits throughout her life, and she being made to hide her pain and never show how much it affects her - be the perfect model minority, and "bounce back", and justify her existence, in a world that will refuse to see her no matter what she achieves. It isn't healthy, and it isn't making her happy. She shouldn't have to put up with this. It is systematic bigotry and abuse, plain and simple.
Lois is a writer, an exposer of truth and justice, an unmasker, not a coffee girl. Not the token exotic Asian intern.
Is this still happening in 2023? After MeToo and Times Up??? Holy shit, white people are terrible, monstrous human beings. When will this pattern, this systematic prejudice, end? I could tell Sarah Kuhn put some of her own personal experiences into 'Girl Taking Over'; it is raw, heartwrenching and anger-inducing to read about.
Lois's friends and cohorts are all POC. Asian racism and sexism are centralised, but that doesn't mean other, interconnected, severely outdated brands of racism and supplementary prejudices are ignored. Everyone, and everything, is important. Intersectional feminism and all that.
For feminism is freedom. For everyone.
Even with 'Girl Taking Over''s serious subject matters and issues - including cultural appropriation, conglomerate company takeovers, diversity performance in the workplace, undermining and gaslighting minorities in the workplace, the truth behind a lot of women being blacklisted anywhere, abusive men in positions of power knowing and enabling each other, abusive men in positions of power are more cartoonishly evil than 'Captain Planet' villains, and the importance of breathing exercises (with other people, too) in moments of stress - it is also a cute, touching and well developed story about friendship. It is about seeking truth, outward and inside yourself. It is about life, and how it doesn't go to plan, and how it goes outside of one's determined, well thought out control. It is about learning to stop and look around you, to appreciate the people you meet on your journey; your goal of reaching your dreams, which may or may not change overtime.
It is about many important things.
The artwork is bright, colourful, clean, hyper, and brilliantly expressive. I love it.
Sadly, the comic isn't pristine perfect. It isn't quite what I'd call "great", nor "breathtakingly fantastic and revolutionary". One fatal flaw is the romance between Lois and the darkhaired, glasses-wearing, hunky nerd boy Noah (does it exist to show she has a type, or what?). While it is cute and funny when it shows up, it is but a little footnote. It isn't needed, and could easily have been cut out entirely and not affect anything. I'd thought we'd gotten past the cultural notion that every story has to have a romance in it years ago.
Another flaw: side characters and their relationships are underdeveloped, including a sapphic one, which shockingly feels tacked on. Most of Lois's new friends kind of fizzle out towards the end, though they still show up in groups in panels, so they're not outright forgotten. This could be due to the limited Lois-central-POV narrative choice.
Despite these weaknesses, 'Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story' is a vital DC YA graphic novel; a relevant Lois Lane writing and art piece for the 2020s. There are no superheroes here. No Superman. No supernatural and/or sci-fi elements whatsoever are present. Just the very human Lois, and her friends. In the real world, or real world adjacent.
It is the origin of Lois Lane: the world's greatest reporter; not Lois Lane: Superman's girlfriend.
(It really could have done without the romance she has with some other guy, I swear.)
Lois is kind, caring, thoughtful, friendly, determined, diligent, stubborn, strong, moral, and incorruptible. She will become all of these things fully, anyway - for she is young, and has lots to learn yet.
Keep writing. Keep writing your truth, girl. Never be silent. Never hide. Never give up taking back your voice, and the voices of others who are marginalised.
I see it now. I understand and appreciate her more now: Lois Lane has the power to awaken and inspire others, young and old, without being a superhero.
(And race-swapping, and talking about race, remain critically important and societally relevant. Fuck you, racists.)
Final Score: 3.5/5
EDIT: Adding to the cute factor: one of Lois's friends, Jasmin, creates comics about mermaids, and Lois drinks a unicorn-themed sugary coffee, or "cappufrappacinno".
But with 2023's 'Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story', written by Sarah Kuhn and illustrated by Arielle Jovellanos, I can rectify that. And after reading, I can conclude that it has earned its place on my DC comics bookshelf, among other stories about awesome and badass female DC characters. Lois is unique: she doesn't have to be a superhero to be super - ordinary humans are just as capable of amazing feats and achievements, in order to save and change the world. Perseverance, resolve, self-confidence, a circle of loving and caring support, and speaking your truth are key. The long, arduous, exhausting, frustrating, overwhelming, and painful road to success - filled with so many of life's disappointments - may well be worth it in the end.
That's what intrepid, fiery, hardworking young aspiring reporter Lois Lane learns. Things will certainly not be easy for this biracial woman in the patriarchal society.
In this 21st century reimagined origin, for YA audiences, Lois is half Japanese from her mother's side, and this is important to the story being told. Racism and sexism are put under a planet-sized magnifying glass and examined and shed light on. It's heartbreaking to see her having to deal with so many racist dickshits throughout her life, and she being made to hide her pain and never show how much it affects her - be the perfect model minority, and "bounce back", and justify her existence, in a world that will refuse to see her no matter what she achieves. It isn't healthy, and it isn't making her happy. She shouldn't have to put up with this. It is systematic bigotry and abuse, plain and simple.
Lois is a writer, an exposer of truth and justice, an unmasker, not a coffee girl. Not the token exotic Asian intern.
Is this still happening in 2023? After MeToo and Times Up??? Holy shit, white people are terrible, monstrous human beings. When will this pattern, this systematic prejudice, end? I could tell Sarah Kuhn put some of her own personal experiences into 'Girl Taking Over'; it is raw, heartwrenching and anger-inducing to read about.
Lois's friends and cohorts are all POC. Asian racism and sexism are centralised, but that doesn't mean other, interconnected, severely outdated brands of racism and supplementary prejudices are ignored. Everyone, and everything, is important. Intersectional feminism and all that.
For feminism is freedom. For everyone.
Even with 'Girl Taking Over''s serious subject matters and issues - including cultural appropriation, conglomerate company takeovers, diversity performance in the workplace, undermining and gaslighting minorities in the workplace, the truth behind a lot of women being blacklisted anywhere, abusive men in positions of power knowing and enabling each other, abusive men in positions of power are more cartoonishly evil than 'Captain Planet' villains, and the importance of breathing exercises (with other people, too) in moments of stress - it is also a cute, touching and well developed story about friendship. It is about seeking truth, outward and inside yourself. It is about life, and how it doesn't go to plan, and how it goes outside of one's determined, well thought out control. It is about learning to stop and look around you, to appreciate the people you meet on your journey; your goal of reaching your dreams, which may or may not change overtime.
It is about many important things.
The artwork is bright, colourful, clean, hyper, and brilliantly expressive. I love it.
Sadly, the comic isn't pristine perfect. It isn't quite what I'd call "great", nor "breathtakingly fantastic and revolutionary". One fatal flaw is the romance between Lois and the darkhaired, glasses-wearing, hunky nerd boy Noah (does it exist to show she has a type, or what?). While it is cute and funny when it shows up, it is but a little footnote. It isn't needed, and could easily have been cut out entirely and not affect anything. I'd thought we'd gotten past the cultural notion that every story has to have a romance in it years ago.
Another flaw: side characters and their relationships are underdeveloped, including a sapphic one, which shockingly feels tacked on. Most of Lois's new friends kind of fizzle out towards the end, though they still show up in groups in panels, so they're not outright forgotten. This could be due to the limited Lois-central-POV narrative choice.
Despite these weaknesses, 'Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story' is a vital DC YA graphic novel; a relevant Lois Lane writing and art piece for the 2020s. There are no superheroes here. No Superman. No supernatural and/or sci-fi elements whatsoever are present. Just the very human Lois, and her friends. In the real world, or real world adjacent.
It is the origin of Lois Lane: the world's greatest reporter; not Lois Lane: Superman's girlfriend.
(It really could have done without the romance she has with some other guy, I swear.)
Lois is kind, caring, thoughtful, friendly, determined, diligent, stubborn, strong, moral, and incorruptible. She will become all of these things fully, anyway - for she is young, and has lots to learn yet.
Keep writing. Keep writing your truth, girl. Never be silent. Never hide. Never give up taking back your voice, and the voices of others who are marginalised.
I see it now. I understand and appreciate her more now: Lois Lane has the power to awaken and inspire others, young and old, without being a superhero.
(And race-swapping, and talking about race, remain critically important and societally relevant. Fuck you, racists.)
Final Score: 3.5/5
EDIT: Adding to the cute factor: one of Lois's friends, Jasmin, creates comics about mermaids, and Lois drinks a unicorn-themed sugary coffee, or "cappufrappacinno".
May 23, 2023
Lois is my favorite character and I really wanted to like this - maybe I hoped for too much, but the book reminds me a lot of the Supergirl show - it's heart is in the right place and it wants to say something meaningful, but everything is so on point that every plot point is hammered home with no subtlety or nuance. I'll admit, I may be in a cultural place where it isn't intended for me - the overall reviews seem positive, so I'm glad it's connecting with other readers.
March 13, 2023
Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story
Written by Sarah Kuhn, Illustrated by Arielle Jovellanos
208 pages
Release Date: April 4, 2023 by DC Comics
5/5 Stars
*An ARC of this title was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Receiving a copy in no way influenced my review*
Two important things you should know before I start the review: 1. I am not the demographic for this graphic novel (pretty obvious but thought I should put this out there)2. I am a very tradition comic nerd, so when you change a character from who they have been in the past, I normally will not read it/give it a chance/will complain to my long-suffering wife over it (she will not watch comic movies with me for obvious reasons).Now, onto the review:
Lois Lane, an Asian student who has not fit in to the small town that she grew up in, has big plans for her summer. In fact, this is her Big Plan. She has an excellent internship job at CatCo where she can write articles instead of fetching coffee that will lead to her being able to skip some of the classes in college and will impress those at the Daily Planet so she can get a job there where she will write amazing articles and win Pulitzer(s). Not that she has big dreams or anything.
Now if this is how everything turned out, we would have a really boring story. First, when she gets to the apartment she is staying in by herself, she finds her old best friend who abandoned her already there. Turns out, there mothers had planned to try to get them back together as friends by forcing them to live together this summer. Then, her amazing bosas/mentor Cat Grant is fired from her own newspaper after it is purchased by a corporation. Now, Lois is not writing articles, she is fetching coffee and and watching her boss yell at people every day. This is not her Big Exciting Summer that she was suppose to have. Can she somehow save the summer?
While I normally prefer the darker style graphic novels, this very bright and dedicated to the eighties feeling artwork fit well within the story to where it was natural. Like I said, I am a traditional comic nerd, so the idea of Lois not being from Smallville and not being in Metropolis was very different and would normally have turned me away before I started reading, but luckily Netgalley forced me to and I had the chance at an interesting, if not at times overdone, story.
This will hit you over the head. Kuhn pulls no punches on her intentions with the story or what she is trying to say through Lois and Miki's storyline on dealing with being Asian, a kid and female. But, she makes it work and after a little bit, I found myself drawn into the ride-or-die gang and their struggle and friendship they developed. Kuhn's writing for the comic is very natural, which is great for a typical novelist (let's face it, they often want to say too much and forget that a lot is said by the artist). Jovellanos's illustrations add to the flair and struggle of the two girls, definitely bringing out the personality and fun of the character of Miki.
While this is not the traditional Lois Lane, nor is it in the canon universe that we see of DC Comics, it is a fun, engaging tale that speaks to some issues that we have in our society right now and does so in a fun and engaging manner.
Written by Sarah Kuhn, Illustrated by Arielle Jovellanos
208 pages
Release Date: April 4, 2023 by DC Comics
5/5 Stars
*An ARC of this title was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Receiving a copy in no way influenced my review*
Two important things you should know before I start the review: 1. I am not the demographic for this graphic novel (pretty obvious but thought I should put this out there)2. I am a very tradition comic nerd, so when you change a character from who they have been in the past, I normally will not read it/give it a chance/will complain to my long-suffering wife over it (she will not watch comic movies with me for obvious reasons).Now, onto the review:
Lois Lane, an Asian student who has not fit in to the small town that she grew up in, has big plans for her summer. In fact, this is her Big Plan. She has an excellent internship job at CatCo where she can write articles instead of fetching coffee that will lead to her being able to skip some of the classes in college and will impress those at the Daily Planet so she can get a job there where she will write amazing articles and win Pulitzer(s). Not that she has big dreams or anything.
Now if this is how everything turned out, we would have a really boring story. First, when she gets to the apartment she is staying in by herself, she finds her old best friend who abandoned her already there. Turns out, there mothers had planned to try to get them back together as friends by forcing them to live together this summer. Then, her amazing bosas/mentor Cat Grant is fired from her own newspaper after it is purchased by a corporation. Now, Lois is not writing articles, she is fetching coffee and and watching her boss yell at people every day. This is not her Big Exciting Summer that she was suppose to have. Can she somehow save the summer?
While I normally prefer the darker style graphic novels, this very bright and dedicated to the eighties feeling artwork fit well within the story to where it was natural. Like I said, I am a traditional comic nerd, so the idea of Lois not being from Smallville and not being in Metropolis was very different and would normally have turned me away before I started reading, but luckily Netgalley forced me to and I had the chance at an interesting, if not at times overdone, story.
This will hit you over the head. Kuhn pulls no punches on her intentions with the story or what she is trying to say through Lois and Miki's storyline on dealing with being Asian, a kid and female. But, she makes it work and after a little bit, I found myself drawn into the ride-or-die gang and their struggle and friendship they developed. Kuhn's writing for the comic is very natural, which is great for a typical novelist (let's face it, they often want to say too much and forget that a lot is said by the artist). Jovellanos's illustrations add to the flair and struggle of the two girls, definitely bringing out the personality and fun of the character of Miki.
While this is not the traditional Lois Lane, nor is it in the canon universe that we see of DC Comics, it is a fun, engaging tale that speaks to some issues that we have in our society right now and does so in a fun and engaging manner.
April 30, 2023
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Content warning for depictions of racism and sexism.)
-- 3.5 stars --
Eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, Lois Lane is about to have the summer of her life; her LIFE PLAN says as much, after all. After turning down a much-coveted internship at THE DAILY PLANET, Lois is instead moving to National City, where she'll be mentored by none other than Cat Grant, founder of CatCo. (The promise of doing actual journalism instead of fetching coffee orders is what sealed the deal.) Next up: journalism school and ALL the Pulitzers.
But things take a dive as soon as she sets foot in her new apartment - which her mom neglected to mention she'd be sharing with none other than Miki Mihara, her ex-best friend who she hasn't spoken to in four years. And on her first day at CatCo, she interrupts a gross scene: Cat Grant, being fired from her own media company, now that it's been acquired by Comet News Group Media Corporation, Inc. Lois quickly nicknames the new guy Triple B: Big Bad Boss. Instead of writing special interest pieces on local clog cobblers, Lois is demoted to an errand girl.
When all of the young writers on staff are unceremoniously fired, Lois gets an unexpected opportunity to impress Triple B. But her research into the "youth scene" in National City reveals a scandal: Miki's own mentor, Dante Alexander, assistant director at the theater company the Cleave, is stealing his protege's ideas and passing them off as his own, in secret, underground shows. This includes Miki's own one-woman show, "I am not your Orientalist Construct," about the racism and misogyny she encounters ... as an Asian woman. (It kind of goes without saying, but Dante is a white man.)
Lois brings her scathing exposé to her boss at CatCo, who rejects it outright (he's friends with Dante and a donor to the Cleave, as it turns out). So, with a little encouragement from Miki, they launch their own clandestine news site, Novice Nooz. But can two eighteen-year-old Asian women take on the patriarchy ... and win?
I really like the iteration of Lois Lane as an Asian woman. Growing up, Lois and Miki both had different ways of coping with being two of the few of the nonwhite faces in Macville, their "podunk" town. Lois tried to blend in and not make a scene - unless she was being recognized for her academic excellence, of course. Her LIFE PLAN very much revolves around being the best - at everything! - to show up at the racists in Macville. Meanwhile, Miki was loud and exuberant and kind of extra. This conflict around the supposed protective powers of the "model minority" cloak is one part of the wedge that drove them apart in eighth grade - so it's fitting that the issue is explored (and resolved, as much as it can be) here.
The friendship between Lois and Miki is messy and complicated - but ultimately beautiful and supportive. The end point is an excellent model for young women to aspire to. Ditto: Miki's relationships with her theater posse, Remy, Calla, Bitz; and Lois's budding friendship with tech intern Jasmin. I love how these young people hold each other up and champion one another. (Feeling very much like reading Lane Moore's YOU WILL FIND YOUR PEOPLE atm.) I also really enjoyed the scenes between Lois and her mom ("Breathe.")
The caper that kicks off Lois's investigative career feels relatively low-stakes (at least by supe standards; I'm sure Miki would disagree, and I can't really argue), but somewhat realistic for a recent HS grad. It's entertaining enough (reader, I gasped at Dante's pop up show), even if the huge twist I half-expected never came.
-- 3.5 stars --
Eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, Lois Lane is about to have the summer of her life; her LIFE PLAN says as much, after all. After turning down a much-coveted internship at THE DAILY PLANET, Lois is instead moving to National City, where she'll be mentored by none other than Cat Grant, founder of CatCo. (The promise of doing actual journalism instead of fetching coffee orders is what sealed the deal.) Next up: journalism school and ALL the Pulitzers.
But things take a dive as soon as she sets foot in her new apartment - which her mom neglected to mention she'd be sharing with none other than Miki Mihara, her ex-best friend who she hasn't spoken to in four years. And on her first day at CatCo, she interrupts a gross scene: Cat Grant, being fired from her own media company, now that it's been acquired by Comet News Group Media Corporation, Inc. Lois quickly nicknames the new guy Triple B: Big Bad Boss. Instead of writing special interest pieces on local clog cobblers, Lois is demoted to an errand girl.
When all of the young writers on staff are unceremoniously fired, Lois gets an unexpected opportunity to impress Triple B. But her research into the "youth scene" in National City reveals a scandal: Miki's own mentor, Dante Alexander, assistant director at the theater company the Cleave, is stealing his protege's ideas and passing them off as his own, in secret, underground shows. This includes Miki's own one-woman show, "I am not your Orientalist Construct," about the racism and misogyny she encounters ... as an Asian woman. (It kind of goes without saying, but Dante is a white man.)
Lois brings her scathing exposé to her boss at CatCo, who rejects it outright (he's friends with Dante and a donor to the Cleave, as it turns out). So, with a little encouragement from Miki, they launch their own clandestine news site, Novice Nooz. But can two eighteen-year-old Asian women take on the patriarchy ... and win?
I really like the iteration of Lois Lane as an Asian woman. Growing up, Lois and Miki both had different ways of coping with being two of the few of the nonwhite faces in Macville, their "podunk" town. Lois tried to blend in and not make a scene - unless she was being recognized for her academic excellence, of course. Her LIFE PLAN very much revolves around being the best - at everything! - to show up at the racists in Macville. Meanwhile, Miki was loud and exuberant and kind of extra. This conflict around the supposed protective powers of the "model minority" cloak is one part of the wedge that drove them apart in eighth grade - so it's fitting that the issue is explored (and resolved, as much as it can be) here.
The friendship between Lois and Miki is messy and complicated - but ultimately beautiful and supportive. The end point is an excellent model for young women to aspire to. Ditto: Miki's relationships with her theater posse, Remy, Calla, Bitz; and Lois's budding friendship with tech intern Jasmin. I love how these young people hold each other up and champion one another. (Feeling very much like reading Lane Moore's YOU WILL FIND YOUR PEOPLE atm.) I also really enjoyed the scenes between Lois and her mom ("Breathe.")
The caper that kicks off Lois's investigative career feels relatively low-stakes (at least by supe standards; I'm sure Miki would disagree, and I can't really argue), but somewhat realistic for a recent HS grad. It's entertaining enough (reader, I gasped at Dante's pop up show), even if the huge twist I half-expected never came.
November 24, 2023
Today's review is on Girl Taking over: A Lois Lane Story by Sarah Kuhn and Arielle Jovellanos (Illustrator). It is 185 pages long and is published by DC Comics. The cover is green with Lois pushing the title from the right. The intended reader is someone who likes Lois Lane and new origin stories. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this graphic novel. The story closely follows Lois. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- Can Lois Lane scrap her entire life plan for an unpredictable summer of ride-or-die friendships, swoony romance, and writing her truth? Ambitious small-town girl Lois Lane tackles a summer in National City with gusto, but a cavalcade of setbacks-including an annoying frenemy roommate, a beyond-tedious internship at a suddenly corporatized website, and a boss who demotes her to coffee-fetching minion-threatens to derail her extremely detailed life plan. And, you know, her entire future! When Lois uncovers a potentially explosive scandal, she must stand up and speak out for the future she deserves without destroying everything she’s worked so hard to create. From beloved author Sarah Kuhn (Shadow of the Batgirl, Heroine Complex), with lively art by Arielle Jovellanos, comes a charming YA story about the strength it takes to embrace the messiness of life.
Review- A fun new origin story for Lois Lane. Lois has her whole life planned out, including future Pulitzers. But when local paper she was interning for is bought out, everything changes. She has to learn to make herself be heard and try to help others speak up too. Kuhn nails Lois, a gutsy, proud leader who takes no crap from anyone. The art is fun and joyful, tapping into the fun of summer and friends and big dreams. The road blocks to Lois' success are not a bad boss but herself and she overcomes them. I would recommend this graphic novel, especially if you are a Lois Lane fan, like me.
I give this graphic novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library.
From the back of the book- Can Lois Lane scrap her entire life plan for an unpredictable summer of ride-or-die friendships, swoony romance, and writing her truth? Ambitious small-town girl Lois Lane tackles a summer in National City with gusto, but a cavalcade of setbacks-including an annoying frenemy roommate, a beyond-tedious internship at a suddenly corporatized website, and a boss who demotes her to coffee-fetching minion-threatens to derail her extremely detailed life plan. And, you know, her entire future! When Lois uncovers a potentially explosive scandal, she must stand up and speak out for the future she deserves without destroying everything she’s worked so hard to create. From beloved author Sarah Kuhn (Shadow of the Batgirl, Heroine Complex), with lively art by Arielle Jovellanos, comes a charming YA story about the strength it takes to embrace the messiness of life.
Review- A fun new origin story for Lois Lane. Lois has her whole life planned out, including future Pulitzers. But when local paper she was interning for is bought out, everything changes. She has to learn to make herself be heard and try to help others speak up too. Kuhn nails Lois, a gutsy, proud leader who takes no crap from anyone. The art is fun and joyful, tapping into the fun of summer and friends and big dreams. The road blocks to Lois' success are not a bad boss but herself and she overcomes them. I would recommend this graphic novel, especially if you are a Lois Lane fan, like me.
I give this graphic novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library.
March 22, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC!
I'll be honest. I'm not much of a Superman fan. As such, I don't have a lot of reference for Lois Lane. The only Lois Lane I'm even vaguely familiar with is from the TV show "Lois & Clark." My main memory of her in that iteration, was that she could do better then Clark Kent. Much to my delight and surprise, Clark Kent/Superman isn't a part of this story!
First of all... this Lois lane is Asian American. I know so little about Lois, that I had to check to see if this was a new change or something that had just been white washed away over her man incarnations. And it is a new take. That doesn't bother me, but I know some folks will be upset cause its an "unnecessary" change. However, this change is integral to this story. Yes they could have just forgone the name of Lois Lane, But, if the goal is to get kiddos reading and learning about other folks pov and experiences, I understand using a Big Name to get folks to even pick up the story.
The story itself is solid. But I find the little moments to be more meaningful. It's great.
The artwork is out of this world! I'm not much of a bold color person, but my goodness. I felt like I stepped into the 70s, or into a Lisa Frank piece. The illustrations felt modern, but yet some panels felt as if they could have been lifted from Golden Age comics.
I'll be honest. I'm not much of a Superman fan. As such, I don't have a lot of reference for Lois Lane. The only Lois Lane I'm even vaguely familiar with is from the TV show "Lois & Clark." My main memory of her in that iteration, was that she could do better then Clark Kent. Much to my delight and surprise, Clark Kent/Superman isn't a part of this story!
First of all... this Lois lane is Asian American. I know so little about Lois, that I had to check to see if this was a new change or something that had just been white washed away over her man incarnations. And it is a new take. That doesn't bother me, but I know some folks will be upset cause its an "unnecessary" change. However, this change is integral to this story. Yes they could have just forgone the name of Lois Lane, But, if the goal is to get kiddos reading and learning about other folks pov and experiences, I understand using a Big Name to get folks to even pick up the story.
The story itself is solid. But I find the little moments to be more meaningful. It's great.
The artwork is out of this world! I'm not much of a bold color person, but my goodness. I felt like I stepped into the 70s, or into a Lisa Frank piece. The illustrations felt modern, but yet some panels felt as if they could have been lifted from Golden Age comics.
April 27, 2023
Lois Lane is from a small town, but she has a detailed life plan to get her out of it. She won't let setbacks derail that plan, which begins with a summer internship in the big city. She uncovers a scandal, then publishes her own website for young women. When she's caught in a scandal of her own, it might destroy everything she’s worked so hard to create.
In this comic, Lois Lane is of Asian descent, and part of the diaspora. She's excited and pushed herself to do anything and everything so she would look good enough for the University of Metropolis, hoping to one day work for the Daily Planet. The first hurdle is finding out that her summer roommate is her former best friend Miki; their parents are still friends and hope this will get them friendly again. Her dream internship at Catco for Cat Grant is now for the Comet Media Group, and her internship becomes fetching coffee. She soon realizes that the sliver of opportunity she was trying to squeeze through was never going to be more than that, and only because her new boss needed the optics of looking like he cared about diversity.
The art is bright and colorful, with National City reminding me of a very clean and not quite as populated New York City. The comic deals outright with the microaggressions Lois went through as an ethnically Japanese girl to even earn the internship, then the overt aggressions in her new boss. We see the same fire from the grown Lois of other comics, movies, and animated series: never backing down, always taking notes in a notebook, and searching for the actual truth no matter what. The underlying message is to keep aiming for the truth and to be authentic. Lois gets her reward for doing this, and we get a chance to see how every step toward authenticity is freeing. It's a great message for kids, and especially for minority kids to see.
In this comic, Lois Lane is of Asian descent, and part of the diaspora. She's excited and pushed herself to do anything and everything so she would look good enough for the University of Metropolis, hoping to one day work for the Daily Planet. The first hurdle is finding out that her summer roommate is her former best friend Miki; their parents are still friends and hope this will get them friendly again. Her dream internship at Catco for Cat Grant is now for the Comet Media Group, and her internship becomes fetching coffee. She soon realizes that the sliver of opportunity she was trying to squeeze through was never going to be more than that, and only because her new boss needed the optics of looking like he cared about diversity.
The art is bright and colorful, with National City reminding me of a very clean and not quite as populated New York City. The comic deals outright with the microaggressions Lois went through as an ethnically Japanese girl to even earn the internship, then the overt aggressions in her new boss. We see the same fire from the grown Lois of other comics, movies, and animated series: never backing down, always taking notes in a notebook, and searching for the actual truth no matter what. The underlying message is to keep aiming for the truth and to be authentic. Lois gets her reward for doing this, and we get a chance to see how every step toward authenticity is freeing. It's a great message for kids, and especially for minority kids to see.
April 30, 2023
The Review
As a lifelong fan of Lois Lane, I loved this new take on the iconic character from DC Comics. The way the author was able to incorporate elements of DC lore and characters into the narrative without making this a typical superhero-driven story was great to see, as it allowed Lois and the cast of characters to shine in their own light. The book had a great balance of both character and narrative development, giving readers equal time to enjoy this modern take on this small corner of the DC Universe while also giving time for these characters to shine.
To me, the heart of this story rested in the retconned character development and the important themes the narrative brought to life. Lois Lane became the perfect character to voice these themes, having been a longtime icon of journalistic integrity and a voice for the truth in DC Comics. The emphasis on issues such as racism, sexism, and the complications of modern friendships in different cultures made this story flow smoothly, while the new take on Lois as an Asian-American young woman just starting out on her path to becoming a journalist allowed both her character to grow and the importance of her Asian culture to shine through in this brilliant story. Combined with the warm and creative artwork of Arielle Jovellanos made this a captivating graphic novel.
The Verdict
Memorable, iconic, and entertaining, author Sarah Kuhn and illustrator Arielle Jovelianos’s “Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story” is a must-read graphic novel of 2023 and one of my contenders for the top graphic novel of the year. The heartfelt commentary on the battle between overall acceptance in our society versus the “anti-woke” proponents and the overall message to give people the voice to speak their truth made this a captivating and thoughtful DC Comics graphic novel.
As a lifelong fan of Lois Lane, I loved this new take on the iconic character from DC Comics. The way the author was able to incorporate elements of DC lore and characters into the narrative without making this a typical superhero-driven story was great to see, as it allowed Lois and the cast of characters to shine in their own light. The book had a great balance of both character and narrative development, giving readers equal time to enjoy this modern take on this small corner of the DC Universe while also giving time for these characters to shine.
To me, the heart of this story rested in the retconned character development and the important themes the narrative brought to life. Lois Lane became the perfect character to voice these themes, having been a longtime icon of journalistic integrity and a voice for the truth in DC Comics. The emphasis on issues such as racism, sexism, and the complications of modern friendships in different cultures made this story flow smoothly, while the new take on Lois as an Asian-American young woman just starting out on her path to becoming a journalist allowed both her character to grow and the importance of her Asian culture to shine through in this brilliant story. Combined with the warm and creative artwork of Arielle Jovellanos made this a captivating graphic novel.
The Verdict
Memorable, iconic, and entertaining, author Sarah Kuhn and illustrator Arielle Jovelianos’s “Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story” is a must-read graphic novel of 2023 and one of my contenders for the top graphic novel of the year. The heartfelt commentary on the battle between overall acceptance in our society versus the “anti-woke” proponents and the overall message to give people the voice to speak their truth made this a captivating and thoughtful DC Comics graphic novel.
February 12, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and DC Entertainment for the advanced copy.
Not going to lie, I was not going to request this but then DC auto-approved me on NetGalley (my first and boy was I stoked!) after I requested the new Robin book. I tend to find Superman and Lois a bit boring compared to my superhero favorites of X-Men and the Batfam, but this looked appealing to the me I was as a kid - big into mysteries and the unapologetically feminine girl power persona of the iconic Spice Girls. I get a little annoyed sometimes with all the in-your-face girl power stuff these days because so much of feels patronizing because it's clearly just execs throwing out buzz words to make a quick buck... but Girl Taking Over has a strong team of women behind it and you can tell.
Sarah Kuhn's Lois Lane is unapologetically (sorry not sorry for using that again) ambitious, reminding me strongly of my own high school self. I also don't think I knew Lois is Asian, but props to DC for hiring not just a woman, but an Asian woman, to write her. That own-voices experience lends to a more genuine and authentic voice for Lois and Miki for sure.
The art by Arielle Jovellanos is bold, colorful, and full of fun energy. Cartoony in a Fairly Odd-Parents way that I enjoyed, and which gave the story a slightly demented feeling that amused me lol The story itself leans more cartoony and childish, like the stuff of 90s cartoons, which I didn't hate!
Honestly, I thought the whole thing was adorable and heartwarming, even if it's a bit cheesy and childish at times. This is definitely something the target audience will very much enjoy!
*And I kind of want to read a whole series of this*
Not going to lie, I was not going to request this but then DC auto-approved me on NetGalley (my first and boy was I stoked!) after I requested the new Robin book. I tend to find Superman and Lois a bit boring compared to my superhero favorites of X-Men and the Batfam, but this looked appealing to the me I was as a kid - big into mysteries and the unapologetically feminine girl power persona of the iconic Spice Girls. I get a little annoyed sometimes with all the in-your-face girl power stuff these days because so much of feels patronizing because it's clearly just execs throwing out buzz words to make a quick buck... but Girl Taking Over has a strong team of women behind it and you can tell.
Sarah Kuhn's Lois Lane is unapologetically (sorry not sorry for using that again) ambitious, reminding me strongly of my own high school self. I also don't think I knew Lois is Asian, but props to DC for hiring not just a woman, but an Asian woman, to write her. That own-voices experience lends to a more genuine and authentic voice for Lois and Miki for sure.
The art by Arielle Jovellanos is bold, colorful, and full of fun energy. Cartoony in a Fairly Odd-Parents way that I enjoyed, and which gave the story a slightly demented feeling that amused me lol The story itself leans more cartoony and childish, like the stuff of 90s cartoons, which I didn't hate!
Honestly, I thought the whole thing was adorable and heartwarming, even if it's a bit cheesy and childish at times. This is definitely something the target audience will very much enjoy!
*And I kind of want to read a whole series of this*
February 24, 2023
Oh my god. I loved this graphic novel so, so much. I'm usually really picky about how Lois is written (in my defense, it's often by men who haven't interacted with a woman besides their own mother), but this? This is my new favorite rendition of her. Kuhn's writing perfectly captures Lois' spirit and her desire for the truth, without turning her into a two-dimensional prop for Superman (who wasn't even in this!). Don't get wrong, there have been some great Lois Lanes, but this one just really fleshed her out into her own person. Jovellanos's art worked so well for this story too. She perfectly captured Lois as a teen, with perfect expressions, outfits and body language. All of the side characters had such great designs too, each one was uniquely their own person, which is something that get lost sometimes. Miki, Jasmin, Noah, and the whole ride-or-die gang were so much fun, and had such nice connections to one another.
The story is an excellent coming of age story, tackles some difficult subjects (racism, sexism, ex-friends), and made me cry a few times because of how heartwarming some of the moments in it were. It's something that teen me would have loved, and I'm so happy that it's going to be out there for other teens to read now. Kuhn and Jovellanos did an excellent job, and I'm really hoping that we'll see either a sequel from them, or have the two team-up to work on another project together.
EDIT: Also this is the best rendition of Cat Grant that I've ever seen by a long shot, it was such a breath of fresh air to see her this way
The story is an excellent coming of age story, tackles some difficult subjects (racism, sexism, ex-friends), and made me cry a few times because of how heartwarming some of the moments in it were. It's something that teen me would have loved, and I'm so happy that it's going to be out there for other teens to read now. Kuhn and Jovellanos did an excellent job, and I'm really hoping that we'll see either a sequel from them, or have the two team-up to work on another project together.
EDIT: Also this is the best rendition of Cat Grant that I've ever seen by a long shot, it was such a breath of fresh air to see her this way
April 1, 2023
GIRL TAKING OVER continues the DC INK's track record of reimagining classic characters as diverse, contemporary teens. Sarah Kuhn's Lois Lane is everything DC's ace reporter would be if introduced today. Recommended for junior high, high school and public libraries.
Lois Lane knows exactly where her life is going. She will be the best student, daughter, reporter and summer intern CatCo (think news/lifestyle startup with Teen Vogue vibes). Her internship will propel her career and speed up the timeline to becoming the Daily Planet's best reporter. As an Asian American, the idea that she must be the best to make it has always been a part of her. Lois embodies the success, struggle and stress of the "model minority" myth.
Lois's summer plan to fast track her life plan is thrown out the window when her mom and aunt arrange for her to share an apartment with her seemingly aimless, artsy cousin Miki. And then there's the hostile takeover of CatCo by an exec who is the embodiment of the patriarchy. Her dream of writing about how the banalities of life reveal our ideals and great societal structures is replaced with picking up coffee.
By rolling with the punches, meeting new people and rekindling familial connections, Lois's life plan will be replaced with something better. Along with a ragtag group of data nerds and indie actors, Lois and Miki will build a social justice movement within the local art scene. For teen and adult readers, GIRL TAKING OVER will have you dusting off your megaphone, discovering your voice and dedicating yourself to righting wrongs.
Lois Lane knows exactly where her life is going. She will be the best student, daughter, reporter and summer intern CatCo (think news/lifestyle startup with Teen Vogue vibes). Her internship will propel her career and speed up the timeline to becoming the Daily Planet's best reporter. As an Asian American, the idea that she must be the best to make it has always been a part of her. Lois embodies the success, struggle and stress of the "model minority" myth.
Lois's summer plan to fast track her life plan is thrown out the window when her mom and aunt arrange for her to share an apartment with her seemingly aimless, artsy cousin Miki. And then there's the hostile takeover of CatCo by an exec who is the embodiment of the patriarchy. Her dream of writing about how the banalities of life reveal our ideals and great societal structures is replaced with picking up coffee.
By rolling with the punches, meeting new people and rekindling familial connections, Lois's life plan will be replaced with something better. Along with a ragtag group of data nerds and indie actors, Lois and Miki will build a social justice movement within the local art scene. For teen and adult readers, GIRL TAKING OVER will have you dusting off your megaphone, discovering your voice and dedicating yourself to righting wrongs.
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September 11, 2023I’m a fan of Heroine Complex, so you can imagine how excited I was to read Shadow of the Batgirl back in 2020 (review here!) — Shadow of the Batgirl was just a ton of fun. So naturally, I had to read Girl Taking Over by Sarah Kuhn. Not just because I’m loving what DC Comics is doing in the YA graphic novel space, but because I’m a huge fan of Arielle Jovellanos’s art.
Lois Lane is having a bit of a moment right now, especially with the new cartoon out. So it was fun to get into spirit by reading this particular Lois Lane story. It’s a delightful, Asian American take on the scrappy teen reporter. Superman and Clark Kent are nowhere in sight, and the focus is solely on Lois Lane’s story and her beginnings.
Lois and her once upon a time childhood friend who’s not so friendly now discover that they’re roommates for the summer while they pursue their passions. Of course, their summers don’t go as planned, and the two Japanese American teens find themselves taking on injustice in their own unique ways to make their voices heard.
The art is colorful, high-energy, and so much fun. It goes hand-in-hand with Lois Lane’s story and I really hope Jovellanos illustrates more DC comics in the future. The story is fairly straightforward and, like superhero stories tend to, requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. But if you’re looking a fun, feel-good, inspirational story, this is it.
Get this wonderful graphic novel soon if you’re interested in Lois Lane’s story or just want a fun, hopeful YA graphic novel read for your summer.
Recommendation: Get it soon!
Lois Lane is having a bit of a moment right now, especially with the new cartoon out. So it was fun to get into spirit by reading this particular Lois Lane story. It’s a delightful, Asian American take on the scrappy teen reporter. Superman and Clark Kent are nowhere in sight, and the focus is solely on Lois Lane’s story and her beginnings.
Lois and her once upon a time childhood friend who’s not so friendly now discover that they’re roommates for the summer while they pursue their passions. Of course, their summers don’t go as planned, and the two Japanese American teens find themselves taking on injustice in their own unique ways to make their voices heard.
The art is colorful, high-energy, and so much fun. It goes hand-in-hand with Lois Lane’s story and I really hope Jovellanos illustrates more DC comics in the future. The story is fairly straightforward and, like superhero stories tend to, requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. But if you’re looking a fun, feel-good, inspirational story, this is it.
Get this wonderful graphic novel soon if you’re interested in Lois Lane’s story or just want a fun, hopeful YA graphic novel read for your summer.
Recommendation: Get it soon!
November 14, 2023
I love Lois Lane stories, but this one is a bit different for me. Here, high school senior Lois is a success-driven, goal-oriented Asian American teen excited to start her summer internship at CATCO in National City (she's planning on eventually getting to the Daily Planet with this on her resume). She discovers her roommate is Miki, her former middle school bestie, now a performance artist. Their meddling mothers put them together hoping they'd mend their rift. The two get involved in investigating when Miki's new play is not produced and Lois discovers that the theater's artistic director isn't planning to produce any of the summer students--but instead, steal their work and pass it off as his own! Lois also gets fired from her internship and there's more to that that I won't spoil; she meets a cute guy in the CATCO IT department who's a nerdy type (shades of Clark Kent of course), and he and another intern help Lois and Miki create their own website to anonymously publish their scoops. The main theme of the story is "dreams are great but be ready to adapt them when things go wrong," and, "stand up for yourself!" I liked it okay, it just wasn't *my* Lois type of story, but for a YA graphic novel introducing this feisty reporter character to today's teens, this was an excellent book. Very modern, progressive, and feminist, which I definitely liked. The art is pretty good too, full color.
April 24, 2023
In "Girl Taking Over: a Lois Lane Story" Sarah Kuhn presents a compelling YA tale while re-envisioning the iconic titular character. The overall result is a fun and engaging story that is true to the main character's roots and also touches on themes of exclusion, xenophobia and systemic racism in a way that is appropriate for tween readers.
Key to Kuhn's novel is the portrayal of Lois as a driven young woman with Asian roots. Some other reviewers have chosen to describe this as a retcon, which is unfortunate since reinterpreting characters is a pretty standard and often rewarding approach in modern graphic novels. Most essentially, though, the portrayal of Lois is not a reinterpretation as much as it is an expansion. Lois remains the same fearless seeker of truth and justice that we have come to expect over the years.
In any case, Lois' Asian American identity in this book reinforces and emphasizes many of the traits the character is known for. Faced with an insensitive boss who degrades her and uses her ethnic identity in a cynical attempt to promote himself she doubles down, risks the destruction of her future career and becomes a champion for the oppressed and the voiceless. Could we expect anything less? The fact that her main opponents in this book are not comic book gangsters or death-ray wielding mad scientists, but misogynistic self proclaimed hetero, cis-male, white men in powerful positions may make some readers uncomfortable, but it should ring true for many, many others.
Finally, this book may seem a little heavy handed in its treatment of it villains, but when was Lois Lane ever subtle? Would we the readers even want her to be or recognize her if she was?
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher, DC Entertainment, which provided me with a eARC in exchange for my Honest feedback.
Key to Kuhn's novel is the portrayal of Lois as a driven young woman with Asian roots. Some other reviewers have chosen to describe this as a retcon, which is unfortunate since reinterpreting characters is a pretty standard and often rewarding approach in modern graphic novels. Most essentially, though, the portrayal of Lois is not a reinterpretation as much as it is an expansion. Lois remains the same fearless seeker of truth and justice that we have come to expect over the years.
In any case, Lois' Asian American identity in this book reinforces and emphasizes many of the traits the character is known for. Faced with an insensitive boss who degrades her and uses her ethnic identity in a cynical attempt to promote himself she doubles down, risks the destruction of her future career and becomes a champion for the oppressed and the voiceless. Could we expect anything less? The fact that her main opponents in this book are not comic book gangsters or death-ray wielding mad scientists, but misogynistic self proclaimed hetero, cis-male, white men in powerful positions may make some readers uncomfortable, but it should ring true for many, many others.
Finally, this book may seem a little heavy handed in its treatment of it villains, but when was Lois Lane ever subtle? Would we the readers even want her to be or recognize her if she was?
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher, DC Entertainment, which provided me with a eARC in exchange for my Honest feedback.
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