Judging by the pile of questionable entries over the past few decades, it’s very difficult to make a good Superman movie. James Gunn has become the leading creative mind behind the DC Universe’s cinematic efforts, and he’ll begin his tenure with his greatest challenge. Many bemoan the adventures of Clark Kent. His invulnerability and godlike powers could render him unrelatable and uninteresting. The obvious solution is to give equal weight to his mild-mannered alter-ego. Steve Lombard will be one of the key supporting characters in Clark Kent’s day-to-day life.
One of James Gunn’s greatest gifts as a creator of comic book movies is his love for lesser-known characters. Any hardcore fan knows that every face on the printed page is someone’s favorite. James Gunn seems to have thousands of favorites prepared for every project he picks up. Instead of dropping these names in as winks and nods to hardcore fans, Gunn applies the love and care necessary to make new viewers enjoy these D-listers as much as he does.
Who is Steve Lombard in DC Comics?
|
Full Name |
Steven Lombard |
|---|---|
|
First Appearance |
Superman #264 |
|
First Appearance Date |
June 1973 |
|
Created by |
Cary Bates and Curt Swan |
Steve Lombard is one of Clark Kent’s coworkers at the Daily Planet. First introduced in DC Comics’ Bronze Age, Steve added a slight adversarial element to Clark Kent’s mild-mannered day job. Writer Cary Bates took a bit of Ted Baxter, the self-centered proto-Ron Burgundy character from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, to create Steve. Penciler Curt Swan based Steve’s physical design on legendary quarterback Joe Namath. At the time, Clark Kent worked for media mogul Morgan Edge, who acquired the Daily Planet. Kent was a news anchor for Galaxy Broadcasting. Lombard joined the team as the network’s leading sportscaster after a failed football career. He previously played quarterback for the Metropolis Meteors, but a brutal injury sustained while saving a baby’s life left him sitting out the Super Bowl. Lombard underwent experimental radiation treatment that cured him, but it also somehow spawned an energy-based clone that wore his football uniform. The mysterious being attacks the city, prompting Lombard to publicly disavow his doppelgänger and let Superman sort him out. Steve became a sportscaster and settled into several years of pranking Clark Kent and reading football scores.
Steve’s personality changed over the years. In the early days, he was an arrogant prankster with a heart of gold. He frequently tried to embarrass Clark, only to have the gag fall apart as his coworker quietly applied superpowers to win the encounter. Nevertheless, he frequently puts himself in harm’s way to help others. He once tried to save Clark’s life when a former college roommate came seeking vengeance for Steve’s non-stop practical jokes. Post-Crisis Steve Lombard emerged in the 2000s. This iteration of the character is the sports editor for the Daily Planet. He’s still an arrogant prankster, but the lighter aspects of his personality were less prominent. He does still sometimes help others, once putting aside his differences with one coworker to save another’s life. He’s more of a bully, and his treatment of Lois is unpleasant. He did once take a bullet trying to protect the Daily Planet from a crazed gunman. Lombard is still, generally, Clark’s workplace adversary. He’s ignorant, crude, and weirdly sexist, but he’ll take charge when push comes to shove.
Other versions of Steve Lombard
Steve Lombard is a frequent side character in adaptations of the Superman comics. Most versions stay very close to the source material. Here are a few examples of Lombard in DC media:
- My Adventures with Superman: Vincent Tong portrays this fun-loving reporter who often assaults his coworkers with a football.
- DC Super Hero Girls: Though he doesn’t have a voice, this iteration of Steve appears while still in his football career.
- Young Justice: David Kaye lends a voice to the host of the “Steve Lombard Sports Show,” an in-universe radio series.
- DCAU Films: The DC Animated Universe depicts Lombard in The Death of Superman and Reign of the Superman. Max Mittelman provides his voice without credit in both films.
- Man of Steel: Zack Snyder’s 2013 Superman film cast House of Cards and Jack Ryan star Michael Kelly as Lombard in brief Daily Planet scenes.
Who will play Steve Lombard in James Gunn’s Superman?
Legendary Saturday Night Live performer Beck Bennett will portray Steve Lombard in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. Bennett joined the main cast of the long-running sketch show in 2013 and left the series in 2021. Bennett has several fun roles outside of his excellent comedy performances. His brief appearance in Bill & Ted Face the Music was enjoyable. He lends his voice to many animated projects, including Nimona and The Mitchells vs. the Machines. Superman will be his first dip into a major superhero franchise.
Steve Lombard is a relatively minor character in the Superman canon, but his contributions add a lot. The upcoming film could live or die on its portrayal of Clark Kent’s life outside the cape. Like a lot of superhero movies, James Gunn needs to capture a personal story with sincere stakes. Steve can be a fun and engaging part of Clark Kent finding his way in the career fans know and love.
