DC’s Superwoman Officially Has Her Very First Nemesis

One of Superman's most iconic enemies is officially is wife's very first nemesis, and all for one heartbreaking reason.

After a disastrous encounter with a future Darkseid that left her unable to stand in the way of Radiant's attack on Metropolis, Lois Lane finds herself only able to mourn the grievous injuries suffered by her close friend, Jimmy Olsen. As seen in the pages of Superman #23, Lois isn't the only one grieving, although Silver Banshee's feelings have boiled over into rage rather than sorrow. Silver Banshee is so heartbroken over Jimmy's condition that she doesn't even let Superman's presence keep her from declaring her hatred for Superwoman, nor her plans to uncover the hero's secret identity and exact a brutal revenge.

Superman #23

• Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
• Art by DAN MORA
• Colors by ALEJANDRO SÁNCHEZ
• Letters by ARIANA MAHER
• Main cover art by DAN MORA
• Variant covers by GUILLEM MARCH, NATHAN SZERDY, DAVE JOHNSON, DAN PANOSIAN, and KAARE ANDREWS

First seen in the pages of 1987's Action Comics #595 by John Byrne, Keith Williams, Tom Ziuko, and John Costanza, the villainous Silver Banshee's first incarnation was that of Siobhan McDougal. Born centuries prior, Siobhan inherited the powers of the Silver Banshee as part of an ancient family ritual, which proved to be more of a curse than a gift after her ascension drove less progressive clan members to violence. In the modern era, Silver Banshee proved to be a potent threat, frequently facing off against the Man of Steel and Metropolis' other heroes.

The current, post-New 52 Silver Banshee is Siobhan Smythe who, like her predecessor, is imbued with the powers of her mantle by way of an ancient family curse. Surprisingly, this Silver Banshee never really seemed all that interested in embarking upon a career as a supervillain, instead finding a fast friendship with Supergirl shortly after making her debut. The modern Silver Banshee has also found a kindred spirit and fiery romance with none other than Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen, who has helped Siobhan settle into a far more quiet lifestyle than what she is used to.

Lois Lane's newfound Kryptonian abilities came as a direct result of the events of 2024's Absolute Power crossover event. After the superpowers stolen by Amanda Waller's army of Amazo androids were released, many of the powers in question ended up making their way to entirely new owners rather than the people who originally wielded them. As such, Lois found herself suddenly capable of going toe-to-toe with her own indestructible husband. While Lois has made great use of these powers since receiving them, she has yet to discover to whom they truly belong, which just so happens to be the infamous General Zod.

Superman #23 is available now from DC Comics.

Source: DC Comics