WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for SUPERMAN #23!Superman-level milestone, firmly establishing her as a true superhero. Yet, despite this rite of age, it’s the last thing Lois wanted. This isn't a victory to celebrate; it’s an inevitability that comes with the weighty responsibility of being one of Earth’s protectors.

There are undoubtedly many noteworthy milestones in a hero’s career, from donning their first suit to saving their first life, and even facing their first crisis that threatens the fate of the world. While Lois has embraced her new role as Superwoman with enthusiasm, achieving various milestones along the way, she has now reached a significant turning point: the acquisition of Silver Banshee as her self-proclaimed archenemy in Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora’s Superman #23.

This is a major development, as most comic lovers know that heroes are defined by their villains just as much as by their heroic deeds.

Who Is Silver Banshee & What Role Does She Play in Williamson’s Superman Run?

Cover F Mikel Janín Variant for Superman 2023 Annual #1

Silver Banshee is the moniker of two supervillains primarily known as antagonists of Superman, recognized for their sonic scream, death stare, spiritual possession, and other superhuman abilities. The first Silver Banshee, Siobhan McDougal, made her debut in John Byrne’s Action Comics #595 (1987), while the second iteration, Siobhan Smythe, emerged during the New 52 in Supergirl vol. 6 #7 (2012). It is the latter, Siobhan Smythe, who is part of the current continuity and has recently declared herself the "archenemy" of Superwoman.

In Joshua Williamson’s Superman run, Siobhan Smythe plays a recurring role, often seen alongside her boyfriend and iconic Superman character, Jimmy Olsen. This is noteworthy for DC, as it not only provides Jimmy with a significant romantic connection (a rare occurrence) but also one who is a well-established character with a villainous past. This also marks a departure from Silver Banshee’s typical role in Superman narratives, where she usually serves as a straightforward antagonist rather than being part of the inner circle. However, it seems Silver Banshee may soon revert to her villainous ways after declaring herself Superwoman’s “archenemy” in the latest issue of Williamson’s Superman.

“You Have Your First Archenemy.”: Superwoman Hits Major Hero Milestone

Cover B Gabriel Rodríguez Variant for Superman #4 (2023)

Superman #23 features an intense battle as Superman and Superwoman intervene between Radiant and Doomsday, the former seeking revenge against the latter. Amidst the chaos, Jimmy Olsen, desperate to capture a shot of Superwoman in action, ignores warnings to stay away from the fight. Unfortunately, he ends up caught in the crossfire and is critically injured, with later revelations showing that his hands were severely damaged, leaving him in a coma. Since Jimmy was hurt while trying to photograph Superwoman, Silver Banshee personally blames the hero for his condition.

This blame becomes evident when Siobhan confronts Superwoman in her Silver Banshee form, unleashing her sonic scream to accuse the heroine: “This is your fault! The man I love is in a coma because he was trying to get a picture of you.” Though Siobhan refrains from further attacking Lois, she ominously declares, “Just know this. You have your first archenemy.” As she flies away, Superman dismisses Siobhan's declaration toward his wife with, “Let her be upset,” but there lingers a sense of foreboding. Silver Banshee may soon take action against Superwoman, especially since she remains unaware that Lois Lane is Jimmy's boss and one of his closest friends.

Does Silver Banshee Have What It Takes to Be Superwoman’s Ultimate Archenemy?

Cover B Nathan Szerdy Variant for Superman #23 (2025)

While Silver Banshee couldn’t have been clearer in declaring herself Superwoman’s enemy, the question remains whether Williamson will truly follow through on this declaration. Given that Siobhan is grappling with the intense emotions surrounding Jimmy’s coma, this outburst may simply be a heat-of-the-moment reaction rather than a commitment to vengeance. Furthermore, once Jimmy wakes up and recovers from his injuries, Silver Banshee may be less inclined to seek retribution for something that truly wasn’t Lois’ fault. It will be interesting to see if Silver Banshee ultimately becomes Superwoman’s first archenemy.

SUPERMAN #23 is available now from DC Comics!