Warning! Spoilers for Superman: For All Seasons
The best Superman graphic novel could have easily been adapted by Smallville. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s Superman: For All Seasons is the perfect source material for the decade-long origin story.
Although Loeb and Sale are known for Batman tales such as Batman: The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory, the creative duo has also come together to tell a story about the Man of Steel. The often underrated graphic novel Superman: For All Seasons has inspired The CW’s Superman & Lois, and could have easily been incorporated into Smallville. If the series were to return with a reunion episode, the premise would be the perfect way to incorporate nostalgia while revealing the Superman that Clark Kent eventually became following the finale.
Set between the rural Smallville and the busy Metropolis, Superman: For All Seasons shows the charm of Clark’s small town upbringing. Although many Superman stories attempt to modernize the last son of Krypton or elaborate on his powers, Loeb and Sale’s book reminds readers of Clark’s heart. While it isn’t a conventional origin story, it provides the backstory that fans need to understand how Clark became Superman. As Clark revisits high school girlfriend Lana Lang, there are a few subtle nods to his heroic destiny. Similarly, Clark’s relationship with his adoptive parents shines a light on the man he has become since leaving home. The smaller scale story might not be flashy, but it does bring things into perspective as one of the most human Superman stories ever told.
Set to the various seasons throughout the year, readers can see Clark’s story told through the eyes of supporting characters, Jonathan Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Lana Lang. All crucial members of the Smallville cast, they provide insight into life in Smallville and Metropolis — the two settings which coincide with the changing seasons. While Superman is often depicted as an invulnerable hero in the DC Universe as the leader of the Justice League, his time back in Smallville shows a more sentimental side to him that doesn’t get explored often enough.
Instead of dealing with matters of life and death, Superman: For All Seasons tackles similar themes to the early seasons of Smallville as it chronicles the relationships that come and go. Clark Kent might be fully grown, but his move from small town Kansas to the big city makes this feel like a ‘coming of age’ story. As Clark becomes Superman, he realizes the world needs some of what he gained on Kent Farm in Smallville: compassion.