How Superman Comic Books and Films Have Influenced Smallville

As a die-hard comic book fan, Smallville has impressed me. For the last seven years, the show has done what many who follow sci-fi and fantasy thought was impossible; breathed life back into the failing Superman franchise. A new take on a classic story with fresh actors and stories has transformed a 70-year-old tale into one that is not only intriguing, but also engaging for comic fans and regular viewers alike. How was this done? By focusing more on characterization and plot than on random heroes and super powers. While we see many super feats throughout the seasons, the producers have stated time and again that they have a strict "no tights, no flights" policy to help keep the show grounded. So with these limitations, how do the writers keep the more die-hard fans of the show engaged? Why, with Smallville allusions to Superman comic books and cameos, of course!

According to the Internet Movie Data Base (www.imdb.com), several super heroes have recently graced the Smallville set. The writers moved slowly, and cautiously, in terms of introducing heroes. Some were shown without costume, while others had their appearances altered drastically. In 2004 the episode "Velocity" aired, in which a character named Bart Allen could move with super speed that outmatched even Superman's. While there have been multiple Flashes in the comics (Starting with Jay Garrick in the 1940s) this Flash was Bart Allen, the youngest and, until last year, the latest Flash to speed through the comics.

Some heroes have been fortunate enough to have costumes, or at least something that resembles them. The episode "Aqua" featured a young Arthur Curry, better known as Aquaman. While he was missing his scaled wetsuit, Arthur wore a green and orange outfit through the entire episode, alluding to his comic garb. Later on in the episode "Cyborg" the hero of the same name made his debut. While half machine and sporting major mechanical parts on his face and body in the comics, we see a young man in a blue jumpsuit throughout the episode, however, the writers were kind enough to toss us a wink with Clark's (Superman's) X-ray vision, which revealed that under his skin, the comic form of his body had prevailed.

While these are notable appearances, and some others like Green Arrow and Black Canary have been strikingly direct, others weren't even noticed right away except by the most die hard fans. In one episode, it didn't even occur to me that the quiet man in the corner eating Oreo cookies was supposed to be the Martian Manhunter until later on when we see him use his mental abilities to help Clark. For little winks like this, the show has gained a notable following by the fans.

According to the IMDB, these winks also extend to the casting choices for the series. Clark's mother is played by Annette O'Toole, who played Clark's girlfriend Lana Lang in the movie Superman III. The former Man of Steel himself also appeared in the series before his passing. Christopher Reeve played Dr. Virgil Swan in two episodes and was in talks to be a semi-regular before his death. His arch rival Zod, from Superman II is also present. Terrance Stamp took a less overly dramatic role in Smallville as Jor-El, Clark's biological father in the series. On top of this, actors from other DC comic projects have begun to wander in as well. The most notable so far has been Lynda Carter, who played Wonder Woman in the same-titled 1976 series. She has recently signed on as the mother of Chloe Sullivan, a main character in the series. As far as other actors from other projects, the possibility is still there, but remains to be seen as the show continues.

One big question in all of this is, if the writers are getting more and more daring in introducing other DC characters, both heroes and villains (Brainiac, Myxlplyx and most recently Supergirl have also appeared in episodes), it leaves one to wonder; how long before the other major heroes from DC, namely Batman and Wonder Woman, finally make an appearance? Unfortunately, the reason for this is licensing. As long as Batman is starring in his own incredible Batman Begins trilogy, his character is for the most part tied up. Wonder Woman on the other hand doesn't currently have a movie out, however the film is in heavy development and is currently rumored for 2010 (however this is heavily subject to change). These issues didn't stop an extremely strong rumor a few years ago about Tom Welling (Clark on Smallville) making a cameo in Batman Begins, however, this idea was scrapped in production.

Warner Brothers knows the value of tossing in heroes, and DC knows how to tell a decent story. For all of the fans wanting more, I wouldn't worry. Smallville has stuck around for seven years and is still considered a fan favorite. I admit, at times it is annoying trying to guess when or if the writers will be kind enough to toss another subtle (or not so subtle) nod our way concerning a hero or villain. I believe the payout so far has been worth the wait, and I will patiently await the next big wink on my favorite superhero show.