New Lois Lane, New Mystery to Solve || ARC Review: Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge

Lois Lane is one of my favorite characters in DC Comics, so I was really excited to pick this one up!

Title: Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge
Author: Grace Ellis
Publisher: DC Zoom
Release Date: August 11, 2020
Genres: MG Contemporary Graphic Novel

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Official Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Grace Ellis (Lumberjanes) and artist Brittney Williams (Goldie Vance) comes a new story about 13-year-old Lois Lane as she navigates the confusing worlds of social media and friendship.

It’s the first day of summer break in the sleepy town of Liberty View, and young Lois Lane bursts onto the scene with what she knows is a sure-to-go-viral video channel. Okay, maybe her platform only receives two views a week (thanks, Mom), and maybe her best friend, Kristen, isn’t quite as enthusiastic about social media, but when Lois sets her mind on something, there’s no turning back.

At the end of the week, the big neighborhood barbecue and bike race will be the perfect backdrop to Lois and Kristen’s #friendshipchallenge video. But when the girls find out the annual fireworks are missing, Lois doubles down on her efforts for fame, testing her friendship in ways she couldn’t imagine.

With Kristen leaving for sleepaway camp after the barbeque and a new girl on the block taking all of Kristen’s attention, will Lois be able to find the missing fireworks, celebrate the summer, and post the best #friendshipchallenge the internet has ever seen? Or will she have to face her challenges IRL?

Lasting Impressions

I want to take a moment to gush about the art. THE ART. Oh my word, I loved it. It’s so bright and colorful, and the characters are so expressive! The outfits are super fun. I loved looking at each panel and page, soaking in the details. Brittany Williams totally outdid herself here.

In this brand new Lois Lane story, we see her as a young teen who is excited and anxious to spend the best last few days with her friend before her friend goes to summer camp… but at the same time she’s really preoccupies with going viral on social media. I really liked seeing these dual goals from Lois, since they are pretty relevant today, but I had a hard time enjoying her growth and journey as she learns to not be so focused on what others think of her. She comes off as insensitive and uncaring, and at one point starts bullying a person who is new in her neighborhood. I’m used to a Lois Lane who is inquisitive and resourceful, always looking for justice instead of just someone to blame. It was hard to match these two characters up as the same person. Lois eventually learns to listen to those around her and she becomes less judgmental. In the end, I liked seeing that growth and getting a peak of the Lois Lane I’m more used to seeing in other stories.

The other characters in the story, including Lois’s best friend Kristen, a college girl named Henri, and new friend Isabella are the best. Even when Lois doesn’t treat them the best, they try and help her through her issues—though sometimes they stand their ground and tell Lois what’s what. These friendships are so positive, and I really loved that part of the novel.

Quick Thoughts

• The big fluffy cat is so cute and funny!

Overall Feelings

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

This is a fun graphic novel with lively, beautiful art and interesting themes that will feel relevant and relatable to young readers.