DC Officially Incorporates Nintendo’s Infamous Superman Game Into Canon After 24 Years in an Unexpected Twist

Warning: Spoilers for Superwoman Special #1! DC Comics has made a stunning announcement for 2024 with the introduction of Lois Lane as the new Superwoman. This significant change alters the dynamics within the Superman family. Adding another layer to this revelation, the creative team behind Superwoman Special #1 has cleverly incorporated Easter eggs that link Lois’s journey to a notorious video game that has been widely regarded as the worst in Superman’s history.

Superwoman Special #1, crafted by Joshua Williamson, Edwin Galamon, Laura Braga, Nikola Čižmešija, Rex Lokus, and Dave Sharpe, chronicles how Lois Lane suddenly acquires her own Kryptonian superpowers following the events detailed in Absolute Power by Mark Waid and Dan Mora. No longer relegated to the sidelines while others save the day, Lois is excited to harness her new abilities, showcased beautifully in a delightful training montage alongside Clark Kent.

Comic book panels: Lois Lane tests out her new superpowers with Clark's help, flying through green hoops.

Notably, sharp-eyed readers will recognize one of Clark’s challenges for Lois as a familiar task: she must navigate through a set of starry green rings. This task is a direct homage to the infamous video game flop Superman: The New Superman Adventures, more commonly known as “Superman 64”.

The Infamous Superman Video Game Makes Its Comic Debut

Lois Lane’s Journey to Superwoman: Mastering Superman 64’s Ring Levels

Launched in 1999 for the Nintendo 64, Superman 64 was intended to tie in with the widely beloved Superman: The Animated Series. Unfortunately, the game is notorious for its rushed production and subpar graphics, which developers tried to excuse with a “kryptonite fog”. Players were often frustrated by the requirement to fly through rings, often compounded by strict time constraints leading to repeated failures.

Despite possessing a myriad of powers seemingly perfect for video games, the Man of Steel has consistently experienced disappointing results in his gaming ventures. Numerous titles were released from 1999 to 2006, including Superman: Shadow of Apokolips and Superman Returns. Unfortunately, these games suffered from many of the same issues that plagued Superman 64, offering lackluster worlds and struggling to create meaningful gameplay with a character that is practically invulnerable. To date, Superman’s most successful appearances are confined to fighting games like the Injustice series and MultiVersus.

A Nostalgic Easter Egg that Unites Superman Fans Across Generations

Superwoman Special #1 Appeals to Fans of All Ages

Comic book page: Lois Lane fights crime as Superwoman alongside Supergirl and Lana Lang's Superwoman

While the ring-flying mechanic from Superman 64 was criticized for its gameplay flaws, it surprisingly fits into Lois’s training seamlessly within the narrative. The technology for projecting such rings aligns well with current storylines, and the obstacle course devised for Lois serves as an effective means to gauge her proficiency with her recently acquired flight abilities. This clever nod not only winks at informed readers but also cleverly translates the notion of gamifying Superman’s powers into comic book continuity—minus the need to explain away the “kryptonite fog”.

If all goes as planned (and that’s always a matter of speculation), Superwoman Special #1 heralds a new chapter in Superman’s saga, showcasing Lois and Clark as equal partners in heroism. The creative team has cleverly woven in 25 years’ worth of inside jokes regarding Superman’s troubled video game appearances, emphasizing a commitment to bridging generational gaps between new and longtime fans. This integration offers both humor and reflection on past missteps while paving the way for Lois Lane to guide the Superman franchise forward.

Superwoman Special #1 is now available from DC Comics.

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