Smallville Season 11 #2 Review

Lex Luthor tries to convince General Lane that Superman is dangerous weapon, while Lois and Clark debate the merits of telling the world he’s an alien, in Smallville Season 11 #2.

Smallville Season 11 #2

Amid all the fanfare “Superman” is receiving for saving the Russian satellite, Clark reopens the discussion with Lois about revealing his true nature as an alien to the world.  At the same time, Lex Luthor tries to convince General Lane that his new project, “Guardian” a space-based weapons system meant to defend Earth from more alien invasions, has merit.  Later, Lex and Clark run into each other just as Lex begins seeing the ghost of his murdered sister Tess.

First off, I just have to say that the pacing of this comic has been very good.  I am amazed by the amount of story Miller was able to fit into such a limited format.  Three scenes, two of which establish the status quo, and one “game changer” as Clark and Lex meet again for the first time. 

The first scene with Lois and Clark was suitably entertaining.  The couple’s relationship was one of the highlights of the show’s last season, and it’s great to see it carried on here.  Portrayed as a loving couple who have just a little too much on their plates to really enjoy spending time together, but who still respect each other’s choices is wonderful.  No melodrama about the two not spending time together or anything.  This is a grown-up couple with real responsibilities. 

I said last week that I was waiting to see how Miller played “real” Clark as opposed to Superman, and I’m glad I withheld judgment.  Both with Lois and Lex, Clark came off pitch-perfect, maintaining that reserved, nice-guy personality that works so well for the mild-mannered reporter.  Although I’m glad that we are still getting a little of this forward-thinking Superman Miller displayed last issue, what with Clark’s new suit being upgraded with lead shielding to protect him from Kryptonite, specifically K-bullets.

After years of dragging his feet, this forward thinking, over reaching Superman is a welcome if unaccustomed change.

I’m still a little unsure exactly what Tess’s poison did to Lex in the last episode.  Supposedly it erased his memory, for example he only knows of his friendship with Clark from what he’s read in press clippings and such.  But he still seems to have maintained his personality and obviously his memory of how to run a multi-billion dollar company.  It feels kind of lazy to cherry pick stuff like that.  Basically, he just doesn’t remember Clark is Superman? 

The idea of Lex seeing a vision of Tess haunting him may seem odd, but then you remember that SMALLVILLE Lex has had multiple issues with hallucination resulting from brain damage.  So actually, it’s right on point.  And if I’m being honest, Lex forgetting Clark is Superman is also pretty standard for this universe, seeing has how he’s learned and forgotten Clark’s secret about a dozen times so far.

Overall, I’m very pleased with how the comic is going along.  No Superman this issue, but there was a lot of character-work done, which really is the most important thing at this stage.  I’m still liking this more than most of the New-52 Superman family books.  Kudos.

Tags: Bryan Q. Miller Comic Book TV Smallville Smallville Season 11 Superman