Superman Homepage

Book Reviews

Book Reviews - "Smallville" Titles

Smallville: City

Writer: Devin Grayson
Cover Design: Don Puckey
Book Design: Charles A. Sutherland

Published by: Aspect and Warner Books (March 2004)

Reviewed by: Aaron Thall

Click to enlarge

Lex Luthor is summoned to Metropolis by Lionel to oversee several important matters while he is away. Inviting Clark along, the two friends soon arrive, and Lex begins introducing Clark to big city life.

Unfortunately, unbeknownst to the pair, danger lurks around every corner. A psychopathic would-be alien hunter is stalking them, convinced that one of them is an alien. And Lionel's absence soon stands revealed as having to do with a Yakuza plot to extract money from the senior Luthor... a plot with Lex square at the center.

However, Clark is having his own run-ins with the Yakuza as he tries to help people in a community far larger than Smallville, and these run-ins are going to cost lives, no matter what the future Superman does.

When the threats converge, it will take everything Lex and Clark have to survive this little excursion... including, perhaps, Clark's greatest secret.

Story - 5: Grayson's greatest achievement in this novel would have to be a realistic display of how someone from a small town would react to big city life. Clark's sense of being overwhelmed works, simply because there's so much to do to save the city in comparison to�Smallville. It's a big job, and he isn't ready for it.

The Lionel Luthor subplot in the story is fascinating as, for once, Lionel's not in complete control. Lex's ultimate victory over him is truly a sight to behold.

The alien hunter side story is fascinating as well, as the man, Agent Green, becomes increasingly murderous and deranged. His confrontation with his suspected alien is obvious, but amusing all the same.

Add in the nods to Superman history (Maggin Street, anyone?), and this is a satisfying novel. Plus, not much Lana. Means Neal will be happy. A good end to the adult line of Smallville novels.

Cover Art - 5: Lex and Clark, together. Just like in the story. Simple, but effective and gets the point across that it's their tale to tell.