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JOURNAL OF MODERN MYTHOLOGY AND POP CULTURE INTRODUCTION PAGE 62
In the earliest comic book stories Lois is a tough, resourceful, assertive reporter determined to beat her rival, Clark Kent, to a story. In the early 1940s Lois Lane carries a small pistol in her purse for self-defense and forcing information from criminals. She seems to have abandoned the practice by the end of 1942; editorial reasons, or because of Superman's constant attentions?
Left: The first meeting of Lois and Superman. Right: 1958 issue of Lois's comic book, cover illustration by Curt Swan and Stan Kaye.
Lois becomes very popular with fans, and in 1958 earns her own comic book, Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane. Like other female characters, however, such as Maid Marian and Wonder Woman, Lois's character goes through a change because of cultural attitudes toward women. In the 1950s and 1960s she is involved (for the most part) in stories centering on her infatuation with Superman. She competes with rival Lana Lang (and sometimes Lori Lemaris, a mermaid) for Superman's love, going to extreme and sometimes bizarre schemes to force the Man of Steel into marrying her.
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