476 – Superwoman Yet Again

A panel from Action Comics #156, March 1951
A panel from Action Comics #156, March 1951

In Action Comics #156 (March 1951), Lois Lane has her third outing as Superwoman in “The Girl of Steel”. This time, it’s not a fever dream, or Superman faking her powers. No, this time Lois Lane actually acquires the powers of Superman thanks to a machine that Luthor invented which uses “vivanium”. She disguises herself with a blonde wig (no worse than glasses, I suppose) and fools Superman. Perry White wonders if she might be a Kryptonian relative, foreseeing Superman’s actual cousin years in advance:

Perry foreshadows Supergirl years in advance, Action Comics #156, March 1951
Perry foreshadows Supergirl years in advance, Action Comics #156, March 1951

Naturally, being new to the superhero game, Lois makes some mistakes along the way. Superman uses the opportunity to put her in her place and when the effect of vivanium wears off, Lois is essentially back to being a meek female sidekick:

Lois back to normal in Action Comics #156, March 1951
Lois back to normal in Action Comics #156, March 1951