"New Status Quo" for Superman, Leaves Lois Lane's Fate in Question

Will Lois Lane and Jonathan Kent be erased from existence?

With Brian Michael Bendis' first Superman story coming in the pages of Action Comics #1000, it is expected to lead into his 6-part mini-series THE MAN OF STEEL. On social media, Bendis has mentioned "new characters" and a "new status quo". Now that we have the FULL solicits available for the weekly mini, starting the last week of May, things are starting to become a little clearer.

And some fans may not be happy.

Something has happened to Lois Lane and Jonathan Kent. Based on the solicitations Superman must come to grips with what happened. Then he struggles to keep it a secret. Then there's no mention of them at all, until the final issue when their fate is revealed.

All the while the "merciless killer and zealot calling himself Rogol Zaar" has been causing a whole seperate set of problems for Superman. Brian Michael Bendis is clearly poised to reimagine Superman and truly deliver a new status quo for a world that exists post-Action Comics #1000. Based on the solicits, it could be a strange occurance that erases Lois and Jonathan, while making Superman still aware that they existed. Whether they are dead, or just gone, this is a new status quo. So while nothing in comic books is permanent, for the time being, and probably for the duration of Bendis' run we could be seeing a Superman and Clark Kent who operates without the intrepid reporter by his side.

Many fans may have grown warm to their son, Jonathan Kent, since his introduction but he never really felt earned as he just sort of appeared in another mini-series that took place between the New 52 and Rebirth. Eventually when Superman's world was merged, it became canon that he had a son. Even though throughout the entirety of the New 52, Superman was in a serious relationship with Wonder Woman. A relationship that many fans still hold out hope that they will see again. I don't know that Bendis' intention is to allow Superman to explore other options, but throughout his history there is plenty of canon that shows relentless flirtations with Wonder Woman.

It's early in the process, but its possible Bendis sees Superman as a more intriguing character when he's not being tied down by family life; dragging his son on every adventure with him. Once we get our first solicitations for July, we'll be able to have a better understanding about the "new status quo" and what's on the horizon.

DC has brilliantly aligned a cast of superstar artists so Bendis can weave his tale in a weekly series, to allow it to develop without any monthly gaps. At the end of the series, Bendis will have set the landscape for his work on both Action Comics and Superman which are expected to return in July.

The Man of Steel #1

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS • Art by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO • Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

A new era begins for Superman as a threat from his earliest origins reemerges to destroy the Last Son of Krypton. As Superman struggles to come to grips with what has happened to his wife and son, he must also face a new threat that’s determined to burn down Metropolis!

The Man of Steel #2

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS • Art by EVAN “DOC” SHANER • Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

With an arsonist loose in Metropolis, Superman’s powers are almost useless in finding the culprit. And back at the Daily Planet, everyone wants to know what’s going on with Lois Lane. How can Clark hold on to the secret of what happened to Lois and Jon much longer?

The Man of Steel #3

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS • Art by RYAN SOOK • Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

The merciless killer and zealot calling himself Rogol Zaar has searched the cosmos for Superman—and when he reaches the Fortress of Solitude, his actions will cut Superman to the core.

The Man of Steel #4

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS • Art by KEVIN MAGUIRE • Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

Rogol Zaar has committed a string of atrocities across the cosmos that have led him to the Fortress of Solitude—and now Superman and Supergirl plan to crush his schemes! But are even two Kryptonians enough to stop his sinister machinations?

The Man of Steel #5

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS • Art by ADAM HUGHES • Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

Beaten by Rogol Zaar, his city burning at the hands of an unknown arsonist and the secret of what happened to Lois and Jon drawing closer to revelation—even Superman feels powerless against all that stands before him.

The Man of Steel #6

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS • Art by JASON FABOK • Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

The fate of Lois Lane and Jon Kent is revealed! Metropolis’ survival hangs in the balance! And Superman must somehow put an end to Rogol Zaar’s rampage! It’s do-or-die time for the Man of Steel in the final chapter of this explosive miniseries!

The covers for each issue combine for a beautiful landscape image of Superman throughout his history to current events within the series!