When the decade-long origin story Smallville left Superman fans wanting more, the series continued in a comic book sequel. By the time it ended, Smallville: Season 11 turned out to be one of the most fascinating alternate universes within the DC Multiverse.
Just as the original series took many liberties with Clark Kent’s journey to become the Man of Steel, the comic book sequel continued such trends. Following Smallville’s finale, Clark fully embraced his destiny as Superman and consequentially went on adventures that a TV budget couldn’t bring to life. No longer confined to The CW, Smallville was reinvented yet again as Superman returned to his original format.
In Smallville: Season 11, the DC Universe looks different from the version that fans know. When Superman finally crosses paths with Batman, it’s revealed that Barbara Gordon is Nightwing and Carrie Kelley is Robin. The changes in Nightwing and Robin’s identities reflect many quirky changes throughout the series. However, seemingly random alterations feel right in line with the sort of liberties taken during the show’s ten year run. Additionally, each new hero comes with their own costume stylized to what they might have looked like in the context of Smallville.
Although Hal Jordan is considered to be the first Green Lantern in the mainstream DC Universe, John Stewart is the first human Green Lantern who Superman meets. Soon becoming a Green Lantern himself, Clark’s destiny turns out to involve more than one superhero alter ego. In a storyline that feels authentic to the original series, a Green Lantern ring is mysteriously drawn to Clark, recruiting him against his will as a Kryptonian member of the intergalactic police force. Also unlike her traditional comic book incarnation, Wonder Woman is considerably more human than normal. Diana Prince’s introduction practically implies that she went through her own extended Smallville journey to become a superhero. Starting off her time as a hero with a military lite look, Diana later wore her iconic Amazon armor, connecting her with the place she came from. Working as an agent for the DEO, she is constantly pursuing justice and protecting humanity.
Expanding on the founding members of the Justice League in the original series, Season 11 sees many new recruits, including Batman, Wonder Woman, John Stewart’s Green Lantern, and a female version of Red Tornado. Although the roster is closer to the comics than the team in the show, it has a distinct spirit of its own. Similarly, Smallville: Season 11 also introduces a new take on the Teen Titans, led by Conner Kent AKA Superboy, who first appeared in live action. Joined by other guest heroes from the initial run, his teammates include Speedy, Blue Beetle, the Wonder Twins, and Stargirl. The comics also bring in Raven and Miss Martian, making this version of the Teen Titans different from most, with some overlapping members. For fans of Smallville, the series’ expansion in comics is an underrated corner of the DC Multiverse that had fun with its source material.
