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24 July, 2001
Smallville
A preview of this series based on the early days of Clark Kent before he became Superman was shown at this year's San Diego Comic Con. Our Hollyfeld was in attendance and filed this report:
After the Powerpuff presentation, a 3-4 minute preview of Smallville followed, and I have to admit that it looks pretty darn good. The extended trailer begins in 1989, and Smallville has just won a big sports game. The Kents are driving back to their farm when a huge meteor storm hits the city, accompanied by a certain, famous spacecraft. The town is heavily damaged by the meteors, which leave at least two casualties: Lana Lang's parents and Lex Luthor's bright red hair. (Luthor is seen running through a cornfield away from one of the meteors, and then laying on the ground, passed out, bald.) The Kent's truck is turned over in avoiding one of the rocks, and as they are trying to escape their wreckage, they see a young boy walking towards them. Although we don't see the classic image of young Clark actually lifting the car, are signs lead to it's inclusion.
Cut to the present day: Clark is in High School, coming to terms with his extra-ordinary abilities. He is a bit of a wallflower, and although desperately wishes to do normal things like join the football team, his father doesn't seem to allow it, for fear that he would let his abilities get away from him. But does Clark even know about his powers? He also has a large crush on Lana Lang, but like a typical nerd gets physically ill every time he gets near her… or does that have something to do with that strange green necklace she always wears?
The rest of the preview featured Clark becoming aware of his gifts, including getting hit by a speeding sports car at 80 miles per hour. The driver? An adult Lex Luthor, whose life Clark quickly saves from the aftermath of the crash. Judging from the rest of the footage shown, it would appear that Clark and Lex become fast friends, although Lex's more insidious side shows through in rather impressive fencing match. Clark finally confronts his father about his past, proving that he knows of his powers by shoving his arm inside a thresher, and pulling it out completely unscathed.
The final image of the teaser was a haunting one, guaranteeing my television will be tuned in to Smallville for at least the first few weeks: Clark Kent, tied to a scarecrow, all but crucified, in the middle of field, with Lana's kryptonite necklace hanging from his neck. Dying, and praying for help…
You can read the entire report from the Con here.
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