The first issue of Lois Lane was a triumph: political, witty, action-packed, and full of promise. Lois Lane #2 avoids the second-issue-slump and proves that that debut wasn’t a fluke, as it raises the already-considerable stakes. 

The issue begins with Lois continuing to weather the rumors started by a photo of her kissing Superman and soon moves on to her investigation with Renee Montoya into the mysterious death of a Russian journalist. This leads them to a new lead in the form of an uncooperative, shady CEO--a lead that brings with it a new mystery.

Writer Greg Rucka captures Lois Lane perfectly--her voice, her drive, her willingness to get her hands dirty in service of the truth. The plot he’s set in motion here is clearly tightly constructed, though at this early point it’s too Byzantine to predict future developments.

Mike Perkins’ art is fantastic, keeping the frequent talking heads just as dynamic as The Question beating up a Russian baddie. Perkins also makes Chicago, Moscow, and Metropolis distinct and specific. Colorist Paul Mounts helps make that distinction clear as well, and letterer Simon Bowland makes the heightened patter between Lois and Perry White--and Lois and Renee, and Lois and Clark--seem as gritty and naturalistic as Perkins’ faces.

It seems difficult to believe that Rucka, Perkins, and Paul Mounts can continue this momentum for ten more issues, but the first two indicate that Lois Lane will be an instant classic. Jump onto this title now, don’t wait for the trade.

Grade: A+