"Id"
"Magic"
Writer: Clint Carpenter
Artists:Tom Derenick(p), Adam DeKraker(i), Guy Major(c); Kano, Trish Mulvihill(c)
Publisher: DC
A superior issue in every respect, Smallville holds a fan's attention from the first feature and never lets it go. Smallville is not really a comic book. It is a magazine in comic book format, and because of this it is slightly higher priced than a normal comic book. However, if you are a fan of the show, this is an issue not to miss.
Smallville begins with an informative interview with John Schneider, who portrays Johnathan Kent. He speaks about his character and his interaction with the rest of the cast as well as the method of acting. Fans of the show will enjoy his insights, and budding thespians may learn a few things about getting the small things right.
The comic book portion of the presentation offers a startling improvement from the meager pickings of last issue. There is also a greater attention to the story's existence. An attractively photographed enhanced continuity page places the story between two eps and catches up the reader if she should have missed those episodes.
"Id" equally divides its time between Lex and Clark. Lex speaks of his time on the island where his madness gets the better of him, and Clark during a fitting, quick display of meting out justice learns his actions have consequences that are sometimes unforseen.
Clint Carpenter creates in this story more of a solid premise on which to lay his foundation. He fits the story plausibly between the two proposed continuity points and forwards the central theme of the mythology in the series while translating the performances of the actors to the comic book page.
Tom Derenick takes a decidedly realistic approach and mostly recreates the cast's look in pencil. The on-model look does not get in the way of the dramatic delivery nor the dynamic depictions of Clark in action. "Faster than a speeding bullet," and in more ways than one. The inking of such a subject can often take away the depth of reality, but Adam DeKraker' inks help define the portraits of the stars while the colors by Guy Major all look natural and subdued until with a flash the story becomes a job for Superman.
After a more meaty edition of "Sullivan's Travels" written by the fictional character Chloe Sullivan, Mr. Carpenter entertains with a spotlight on Pete Ross--essayed on the series by Sam Jones. Mr. Carpenter does not purposely fit the story between two specific episodes. Such is its stand-alone nature that it could fit anywhere after Pete learns Clark's secret. At that point, Pete's portrayal as something of a ladies man had already been established, and Mr. Carpenter uses these two nuggets of continuity to propel a light-hearted look at Pete's comeuppance.
Clark isn't the hero this time. He enters the story as a favor to the friend and surprisingly stays neutral. The real champion this time comes in the form of Chloe Sullivan. The change easily fits and allows readers to experience that first season Chloe-love that has sadly been diminished. Allison Mack wasn't just stealing the show. She was leaving behind a glove with a C on it in each scene that she happened to be in.
Due to the comedic nature of the story, Kano's artwork quite well fits the story. Mr. Kano has greatly improved since his days on the Superman titles, and he has developed a winning style that produces excellent caricatures of the Smallville denizens. The way in which he conveys Chloe's emotions matches Alison Mack's expression--and of all the cast she is the one with the most overt range.
After last issue's complete disregard for style or substance, I did not expect much from future issues of Smallville. This issue represents amazing improvement and the utmost professionalism.
What did you think of this book?
Have your say at the Line of Fire Forum!