Superman Homepage - News

November 7, 2009: Zatanna to Return to "Smallville"

TV Guide Magazine reports that Serinda Swan is set to reprise her role as Zatanna in an up-coming episode of Season 9 of "Smallville"...

"There was always the hint that she might return one day, so I was keeping my fingers crossed," Swan tells TV Guide Magazine. "I love the cast and I really like the character."

This time, Swan will appear in an early 2010 episode tentatively titled "Warrior." As for the why of Zatanna's return, the show is keeping super-silent. "But knowing the character and what she's capable of, it's going to be something pretty interesting," the actress teases.

Read the complete article at TVGuideMagazine.com.

November 7, 2009: Comic Books Good for Children's Learning

Science is finally catching up to something we've all known for a long time - comic books are a useful learning tool for children.

Researchers believe they can benefit from tales about the caped crusader, Superman and even Dennis the Menace in the same way they can from reading other types of literature, despite teachers and parents often being snooty about comics, experts say.

According to the research, critics say that reading comics is actually a "simplified version" of reading that doesn't have the complexity of "real" books with their "dense columns of words and lack of pictures".

You can read the entire article at the UK's Telegraph website.

November 6, 2009: Superman on TV, Nov. 7-13

By Barry Freiman

Last week, the second issue of the new Superman secret origin series titled, aptly enough, Superman: Secret Origin came out and revealed how Lex Luthor�s father was a nobody and Lex took a big life insurance policy out on his life. How unfortunate that DC didn�t incorporate more than just the Lionel Luthor name for Lex�s Dad in Superman�s new continuity. John Glover�s portrayal of Lex Luthor�s father � a character created just for the �Smallville� TV show � is iconic and the show�s billionaire Lionel with layers of secrets who�s ultimately done in by Lex for money, power, information, superiority, psychoses, revenge, hatred, insecurity, self-hatred, and envy, is infinitely more interesting than a drunk and abusive Lionel who�s ultimately done in by Lex just for the money.

I don�t think the TV Lionel excuses Lex Luthor for becoming a super-villain � lots of people have dysfunctional parental relations and don�t become green and purple armor wearing Superman hating evil billionaire scientists bent on world domination. But he does add layers of depth to Lex by showing how the best of intentions crippled by a multi-family generational secret can really mess with an already messed up kid�s head. �Smallville� Lex squandered all life�s gifts that were ever his � Clark Kent�s friendship, Lana Lang�s love, even the father�s respect that he always assumed he�d never had anyway. Ultimately, he squandered life�s greatest gift � life itself. But Lex Luthor is a cheater in any incarnation � he�ll be back if only to redeem Oliver Queen by having it revealed Lex wasn�t in the truck. Anyway, enough musings on �Smallville� � let�s get on with the listings.

First up is, well, what�d�ya know � more �Smallville�. Next Friday at 8 PM on the CW, Clark Kent is visited by twin siblings � with an affinity for purple -- whose attempts to help the Blur end up hindering the Blur. Well, it had to happen. Clark Kent meets Zan and Jayna, the future Wonder Twins of the Super Friends, in �Idol�. And on Friday the 13th too. Let�s hope �Smallville� does a better job of incorporating the Wonder Twins into its continuity than DC did a decade ago at the end of the run of the Justice League Extreme series. The zaniness could only be zanier if semi-regular �Smallville� hero Aquaman showed up too.

Click "Read More" to read this week's full "Superman on TV" column.

November 6, 2009: Superman Homepage "Speeding Bulletin" News Video

Here's the "Speeding Bulletin" video report for the week October 30 - November 5, 2009.

The "Speeding Bulletin" is your weekly Superman news video, recapping the latest events in the world of Superman. It also includes the "Bailey Planet" rant, Neal Bailey's thought of the week, brought to you in his own infamous style.

Oct 30 - Nov 5, 2009 (or YouTube version)

Subscribe to the "Speeding Bulletin" vodcast via iTunes or your favorite Podcatcher.

Merchandise seen in this episode:

Steve is wearing a Superman Biker Metal Thermal Longsleeve T-Shirt (available in Black and Blue only) from Amazon.com
Order Ruby-Spears "Superman" cartoons on DVD from Amazon.com
Get the 40% discount off DC Comics merchandise at WBshop.com
Purchase this week's Superman comics from TFAW.com
Purchase "Speeding Bulletin" and "Bailey Planet" merchandise from CafePress.com.

November 6, 2009: Wonder Twin Powers Activate! "Idol" Episode Images

The CW has released 14 images from "Idol", the 8th episode of Season 9 of "Smallville".

"Idol" is ccheduled to air in the U.S. at 8.00pm on Friday, November 13th on The CW.

November 6, 2009: Justin Hartley "Smallville" Interview

Fancast.com grabbed some time with Justin Hartley to ask him about his role as Oliver Queen (aka Green Arrow) in "Smallville", and what fans can expect from up-coming episodes of Season 9. Here's a couple of questions from the interview...

All of the fans are abuzz about the two-part Justice Society episode, coming in January. Geoff Johns Tweeted about how Green Arrow and Hawkman "don't get along. At all."

No, they don't. They don't. They have completely different views on just about everything you can imagine. Hawkman (played by 'Stargate's' Michael Shanks) has this sort of antiquated, conservative point of view, while Oliver is the "liberal bleeding heart." Together, they are a match made in hell.

Add in Clark, Stargirl and Doctor Fate, and it sounds like it will be a comic-book lover's dream come true.

It will be. You have Geoff writing it, and then there's the fact that it was originally one show, but when it came in the producers were like, "This is a feature film; we better make it two." They're not sparing any expense. In fact, this whole year has been really, really good. I think we're begging for a Season 10, with all that we've been doing.

Check out the entire interview at Fancast.com.

November 6, 2009: Will "Smallville" Ever Become "Metropolis"?

EW's "Ask Ausiello" column has three "Smallville" related questions this time around...

Question: Any chance that Smallville will segue into a new series called Metropolis?

Ausiello: If there was, executive producer Kelly Souders would know about it. And it sounds like she doesn't. "There's nothing official that I know of, but who knows? It's hard to say goodbye to this franchise. It's the show that keeps on going." Hmm... I think the key word there is "official."

Check out the "Ausiello Files" at EW.com to see what his answers were in regards to either Lex Luthor or Perry White returning to the show.

November 6, 2009: Cassidy Freeman "Smallville" Interview

Newsarama.com caught up with Cassidy Freeman to talk to her about "Smallville" and her role as Tess Mercer. Here's an excerpt from the interview...

Nrama: I've been told that you have a big role in the upcoming episode, "Pandora" and that you'll be kidnapping Lois. What can you tell us about that?

Freeman: Yeah! You know, Lois has been having these flashes ever since the beginning of the season and I figure that out. And I really want to know what they mean and what they're from and how to decipher them. So that's why I kidnap her. To try to figure that out. I think that it has something to do with the Kryptonians, and I think it has something to do with the Kandorians, and I think it has something to do with all these questions that I have. And if I can figure that out, maybe I can put the puzzle together.

You can read the complete interview at the Newsarama website.

November 6, 2009: From Crisis to Crisis: A Superman Podcast

Welcome to the 25th episode of From Crisis to Crisis: A Superman Podcast! This podcast has a simple premise; examine just about every Superman comic published between Man of Steel #1 in 1986 to Adventures of Superman #649 in 2006 in an informative and hopefully entertaining format.

Part index. Part commentary. Part history lesson. All podcast.

This week Jeffrey and Michael go over the Superman books that came out with the July 1988 cover date. Superman #19 leads right into Adventures of Superman #442 this month and we see a Superman stripped of his powers but all is not lost. Not only does he get some help from the Metropolis Port Authority but also a handful of super-heroes, such as Elongated Man, Captain Marvel, Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter. The villains? Psi-phon and Dreadnaught. All of this and e-mails too.

You can subscribe to the show in two ways. First there is the RSS Feed and there is also the iTunes link. You can also download the episode directly.

If you want to comment on the show or contact the hosts you can always private message Mike and Jeff, leave comments here or email them at fromcrisistocrisis@gmail.com. All questions, concerns, fears, trepidations and cheap shots are welcome.

November 5, 2009: "Super Friends: Season One, Volume One" DVD Artwork

Warner Home Video has released the back cover artwork for the "Super Friends (1973-74): Season One, Volume One" DVD collection.

SUPER FRIENDS! Season 1 Volume 1 showcases some of the greatest DC SUPER HEROES of all time including SUPERMAN, BATMAN, ROBIN, WONDER WOMAN, and AQUAMAN as they combine their special powers to save the world. The Fab Five along with the help of hero trainees Wendy, Marvin and WONDER DOG must focus their abilities on saving lives and stopping unthinkable disasters by the hands of evil villains. SUPER FRIENDS! Season 1 Volume 1 also features memorable appearances by PLASTIC MAN, THE FLASH and GREEN ARROW! Each exciting hour is packed with timeless adventures as these comic book heroes pave the way for a brighter future.

The Two-Disc Collector's Edition also features:
Over 20 minutes of bonus content complete with extra footage of the SUPER FRIENDS! series!
An interactive trivia game featuring everyone's favorite DC SUPER HEROES.

Not yet available for pre-order, "Super Friends: Season One, Volume One" will be released on DVD on January 5, 2010.

November 5, 2009: Vote "Smallville" as Your Favorite 2009 TV Show

TV Guide are asking fans to nominate their favorite TV show for 2009.

"Smallville" fans will want to click on over to the TVGuide.com website and post a comment. TV Guide will later roundup all the results and announce the fan's most beloved shows for the year.

Special Treat: For something a little different, here's a photo of the cardboard cutout from the "Crossfire" episode.

November 5, 2009: Retro Review - "Adventures of Superman" Episode Review

Superman Homepage reviewer James Lantz continues reviewing episodes of the 1950s "Adventures of Superman" TV series.

Check out his review of "Double Trouble", in which Superman helps recover stolen radium in a U.S. base in Germany.

November 4, 2009: Joe Ruby and Ken Spears Interview

Below you will find a Q&A with animation legends Joe Ruby & Ken Spears, the executive producers behind "Ruby-Spears Superman". The landmark series made its DVD debut yesterday, November 3, courtesy of Warner Home Video.

Also attached are a few new images from the series. The images include images from episodes "Cybron Strikes," "Destroy the Defendroids," "Fugitive From Space," "Graduation," "It's Superman," "The Supermarket" and "Triple Play."

ANIMATION LEGENDS JOE RUBY & KEN SPEARS DISCUSS WARNER HOME VIDEO'S RELEASE TODAY, NOV. 3 OF 1988 SERIES RUBY-SPEARS SUPERMAN

More than two decades after its television premiere, the popular Ruby-Spears "Superman" animated series returns to TV screens via Warner Home Video as a two-disc DVD collection of cartoons. The DVD is available now.

Debuting in 1988, the Ruby-Spears Superman series brought back some familiar foes and new unfriendly faces for battles against the Man of Steel. In addition to the thrills of Superman's weekly adventures, each episode included a mini-segment called Superman Family Album that told the "real" story of what it was like to grow up as the most powerful boy in Smallville.

Produced at Ruby-Spears Productions right next door to Hanna-Barbera Studios, and animated in Japan and Korea at Toei Animation and Dai Won Animation, the series benefited by a stellar production team of writers and artists (including supervising producer John Dorman, story editor Marv Wolfman, and production designer Gil Kane), solid voice acting, and an immediate link with Christopher Reeve's popular films via an opening theme score that was remarkably similar to John Williams' acclaimed Superman music.

Ruby-Spears Productions was founded in 1977 by veteran writers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears. The team started as sound editors at Hanna-Barbera Studios, branched out into writing, and eventually went on to create "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" In total, Ruby-Spears Productions produced 36 different TV series including the hit, "Alvin and the Chipmunks." They continue to be a creative force in the industry today.

Cybron Strikes
Destroy the Defendroids
Fugitive From Space

Joe Ruby and Ken Spears took a few minutes to reminisce about the creation, development and production of their landmark 1988 series in a recent conversation. Click "Read More" below to see what the animation veterans had to say...

November 4, 2009: Excitement Builds for Hawkman's "Smallville" Appearance

Fancast.com's "The Big Tease" with Matt Mitovich has a quick snippet about the up-coming "Society"/"Legends" double-episode of "Smallville"...

After reading the Huffington Post piece where Michael Shanks talks about 'Smallville's' Justice Society episode, I could not be more excited. What are you hearing about it?

One of my buds got a gander at Geoff Johns' script for the super-powered two-parter and in a word, he says, it is "amazing." And speaking of Shanks, the buzz is that Hawkman could be the most entertaining DC Comics import in 'Smallville' history. Is it January yet?

"Society" is scheduled to air in the new year on January 29.

November 4, 2009: "Smallville" Ratings Hit Season High

The CW sent out a Press Release regarding season high ratings for five of its shows this week. I've edited it down to the "Smallville" related details...

The CW saw five series (ONE TREE HILL, TOP MODEL, VAMPIRE DIARIES, SUPERNATURAL and SMALLVILLE) reach or match season highs in key demos for the week ending 11/01/09.

The CW continues to deliver year-to-year gains for the season, including 11% in women 18-34 (2.0/6), 7% in adults 18-34 (1.5/4), 7% in women 18-49 (1.6/4) and 9% in adults 18-49 (1.2/3), based on "most current" data (combining Live+SD and Live+7 for this season and last when available).

FRIDAY - 10/16/09

SMALLVILLE matched its season highs in adults 18-34 (1.2/5) and adults 18-49 (1.1/4), and reached a new season high with women 18-34 (1.0/4).

You can read the entire press release online at RBR.com.

November 4, 2009: Superman Homepage Caption Contest

Welcome to the Superman Homepage Caption Contest! The rules are simple. Just click on the Comments link below to leave a caption for the following image.

Leave as many captions as you can think of, but keep it family friendly. Captions deemed to be outside our Caption Contest Guidelines will be deleted at our discretion.

In the end, there can be only one winner. The winner will be decided by Jeffrey Taylor, your Caption Contest compere.

The Caption Contest will be updated fortnightly. The winner will be announced when the next new Caption Contest is posted. While there's no physical prize, the winner will gain the praise and admiration of their fellow Superman fans.

Speaking of which, the winner of the previous Caption Contest was:

JohnF79:

Lois: Ok seriously this is getting annoying, you can't keep posing like a model every single time we stop walking

Check out the Caption Contest Archives to see the list of runners-up.

Note: You need to be a member of the Superman Homepage to leave a comment, but it's free, so sign up and join the fun!

November 4, 2009: Win a Super Rabbit Framed Print

You could win an exclusive Great American Ink limited edition "Super Rabbit" giclee on canvas.

"Look, up there in the sky! It's a bird; it's a dive-bomber; it's Bugs Bunny, the 'Super Rabbit,' the rabbit of tomorrow!"

"Super Rabbit," 1943, directed by Chuck Jones, is a spoof of the Superman character and popular Paramount Superman animated cartoons. The cartoon ends with Bugs emerging as "a real Superman," a U.S. Marine.

With a retail value of US$895.00, this 26" x 32" framed print could be yours. Enter the Great American Ink contest now! (U.S. residents only).

Thanks to Ron Zaguli for the lead on this info.

November 3, 2009: Superman Comics Shipping This Week

Diamond Comics has released the list of comic books and other items shipping this week. Here are the Superman related items in that list...

Shipping This Week: November 4, 2009

The following products are expected to ship to comic book specialty stores this week. Note that this list is tentative and subject to change. Please check with your retailer for availability.

Click on the magnifying glass icon () next to a comic's title to view a sneak peek at the pages within.

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #9
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: SEARCH FOR KRYPTONITE TP

November 3, 2009: "Smallville" Season 9, Episode 7 - "Kandor"

The 7th episode of Season 9 of "Smallville" is scheduled to air in the U.S. at 8.00pm on Friday, November 6th on The CW. Titled "Kandor", here is the official (spoiler-filled) description for the episode...

JOR-EL APPEARS IN SMALLVILLE - Jor-El (guest star Julian Sands) mysteriously arrives at the Kent farm searching for his son, Kal-El, but meets Chloe (Allison Mack) instead. Convinced the Blur is Jor-El, Zod (Callum Blue) enlists Tess' (Cassidy Freeman) help in finding him to force him to reveal the secret to his powers. Clark (Tom Welling) realizes Jor-El is alive and on Earth and races to find him before Zod does. Erica Durance and Justin Hartley also star.

Jeannot Szwarc directed the episode written by Turi Meyer & Al Septien.

The CW has also released 25 images, an episode trailer (also available via YouTube), a "Kandor" preview webclip (also via YouTube), and a "Father" preview webclip (also via YouTube) for this episode.

Click "Read More" below to view all 25 images.

Meanwhile, TV Guide has the following description for this same episode...

Jor-El (Julian Sands) meets Chloe at the Kent farm while searching for Clark. Meanwhile, Zod sets out to track down Jor-El, whom he believes is the Blur, and Clark tries to find his father before Zod does.

November 3, 2009: Change of Costume for Clark on "Smallville"?

TV Guide Magazine asks "Smallville" executive producer Brian Peterson about whether or not we'll see Clark in the familiar blue and red costume soon...

"Given the Clark Kent everyone knows from our show, it would come out of nowhere to have him automatically start wearing the [Superman] suit," Peterson says.

But once Clark comes to embrace his human side this season (with a little guidance from costumed Justice Society guest heroes Hawkman, Dr. Fate and Stargirl in a January episode), Peterson says Clark can start wearing his classic red-and-blue. The season may even conclude with Clark building a new costume with a bit more color, much as Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker did in the first "Spider-Man."

Read more at the TV Guide Magazine website.

November 3, 2009: "Smallville" Season 9, Episode 9 - "Pandora"

The CW has released the official (spoiler-filled) description for "Pandora", the 9th episode of Season 9 (and final episode for 2009) of "Smallville", scheduled to air in the U.S. at 8.00pm on Friday, November 20th.

BACK TO THE FUTURE - Tess (Cassidy Freeman) kidnaps Lois (Erica Durance) to find out where Lois went after she disappeared for weeks. Lois' memory of the future depicts a Metropolis under Zod's (Callum Blue) rule and Clark (Tom Welling) powerless under the red sun, while Chloe (Allison Mack) forms a resistance group with Oliver (Justin Hartley). After learning of these future events, Clark makes an important decision about Zod.

Morgan Beggs directed the episode written by Drew Landis & Julia Swift.

The next new episode of "Smallville" airs this Friday night at 8.00pm on The CW, and is titled "Kandor".

Mild Mannered Reviews - Superman: Secret Origin #2

Mild Mannered Reviews - Superman: Secret Origin #2

Scheduled to arrive in stores: November 28, 2009

Cover date: December 2009

"Superboy and the Legion of Superheroes"

Writer: Geoff Johns

Penciller: Gary Frank

Inker: Jon Sibal

Reviewed by: Neal Bailey, Adam Dechanel and James Lantz

Mild Mannered Reviews - World's Finest #1

Mild Mannered Reviews - World's Finest #1

Scheduled to arrive in stores: October 28, 2009

Cover date: December 2009

"Book One: Nightwing and Red Robin"

Writer: Sterling Gates

Penciller: Julian Lopez

Inker: Bit

Reviewed by: James Lantz

November 2, 2009: "Smallville" Episode Guide and Review Update

Peter McDermott has updated the "Smallville" Episode Guide with his summary of the most recent season 9 episode: "Crossfire".

Neal Bailey and Douglas Trumble have written their reviews for this same episode in the Smallville: Episode Reviews.

Check them out!

November 2, 2009: The 2009 SHIELD Awards - Voting Now Open!

The Superman Homepage Indicator of Excellence in Literature and Design Awards

Welcome to our 9th annual awards ceremony for the world of Superman! The SHIELD Awards give you, the fans, the opportunity to voice your opinions about comics with a 2009 cover date, Superman related TV shows, and Superman merchandise released in 2009.

By voting in the 2009 SHIELD Awards, you automatically go into the draw for a chance to win a $100 Gift Certificate from SupermanSuperstore.com.

Voting ends midnight December 1st 2009.

VOTE NOW!

Mild Mannered Reviews - Superman #693

Mild Mannered Reviews - Superman #693

Scheduled to arrive in stores: October 28, 2009

Cover date: December 2009

"4437"

Writer: James Robinson

Penciller: Fernando Dagnino

Inker: Raul Fernandez

Reviewed by: Neal Bailey

November 1, 2009: SuperTrivia Quiz

Welcome to the Superman Homepage SuperTrivia Quiz! This is a monthly competition, updated at the beginning of every month.

There are three trivia questions. They're based on anything Superman-related, whether it be in the Comics, TV shows, Cartoons, Movies, etc...

Can you answer all three questions correctly? Click here to find out!

November 1, 2009: Centennial Park Superman Figurine

Eaglemoss has announced the release of a figurine of the Centennial Park Superman statue as part of its ongoing DC Comics Super Hero Collection.

Cast in lead, the hand-painted Centennial Park Superman figurine comes with its own slipcase and a detailed magazine.

Thanks to Bob Tilley for the lead on this info.

November 1, 2009: Laura Vandervoort Talks "Smallville"

Voices From Krypton have conducted an interview with Laura Vandervoort about her new role on the TV series "V", and asked her if she'd come back to play Supergirl in "Smallville" seeing as how she's currently in Vancouver. Here's an excerpt from the interview...

VOICES FROM KRYPTON: You are shooting in Vancouver - any chance that you might hop over to Smallville?

LAURA VANDERVOORT: Oh gosh, there's been a few background performers I did Smallville with, and they're coming up and saying, "So, are you coming back?" And I don't know. I mean, I'm in Vancouver, I don't know if they know I'm here, but it would be nice to hop over and be part of the show again. I loved Smallville. It was everything to me. You know, it was the first role that put me out there in front of America and the world - it's played all over the world - and it's helped me get in the door for other projects that were grittier and different, that I would have never been considered for because of the way you look, or the way they've seen you in the past. I owe everything to Smallville, and I'd love to go back, I don't know if they're going to have a storyline for me, I'm not sure what direction they're taking the show in, so fingers crossed. I'd love to go back before the show is done.

You can read the complete interview at SciFiTVzone.com.