By the 1970s, the stories began to reflect growing social awareness: Lois became less fixated on romance and more on current issues. In the controversial story “I Am Curious (Black)!” in #106 (November 1970), Lois uses a machine that allows her to experience racism firsthand as an African American woman. The series saw the debut of the Silver Age heroine “Rose & The Thorn” in a backup feature that ran from #105 (October 1970) through #130 (April 1973). Editor E. Nelson Bridwell had several characters and plot concepts from Jack Kirby‘s “Fourth World” appear in issues #111–119 (July 1971 – February 1972). Lois’ sister, Lucy Lane, was believed to have died in issue #120 (March 1972) but the character was later revived.
In 1974, the title ended, as Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen had earlier that year. Both would be merged into The Superman Family, which chronologically continued from the elder title, premiering with issue #164 (April–May 1974). The release of the last issue of Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane was delayed for several months due to a nationwide paper shortage.


