COMICS: Bryan Q. Miller On Batman's SMALLVILLE: SEASON 11 Introduction And More

Bryan Q. Miller discusses Batman's introduction in the digital comics continuation to the cancelled CW series, commenting on the decision to use Barbara Gordon as Nightwing, the Caped Crusader's armoured appearance and the chances of Wonder Woman appearing!

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By Josh Wilding - 8/16/2012
In a lengthy interview with IGN Comics, writer Bryan Q. Miller has talked more about the introduction of Batman and Nightwing to the Smallville universe. While the show ended its run with a disappointing finale last year (most fans were left fuming that after ten years they didn't get a proper look at Tom Welling in full costume as the Man of Steel) the series has continued in the form of a digital comic book series. The full interview and more artwork can be found by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.


On The Decision To Replace Stephanie Brown With Barbara Gordon As Nightwing:

The editorial staff wanted a more "iconic character" in this case. Given the nature of our female Nightwing’s use in the story, of the available replacements, I leaned toward having Babs wielding the charged-escrima. That really was the beginning and the end of it. he story itself only featured Steph as a supporting player, and was never directly about her, so the adventure was and remains a Superman/Batman World’s Finest action-packed romp in which Bruce is accompanied by a strong, positive, female apprentice.


On The Relationship Between Superman And Batman In The Series:

You will most certainly meet a Batman who is knee-deep in his career within the first 10 pages of the arc. Intergang’s been shipping high-tech anti-hero weaponry to any city with a "cape problem." Batman and Nightwing’s run-in digs up a connection to his parents’ murder, lo, those vaguely many years ago. In Season 10, we saw Clark finally begin to use the knowledge he gained over the course of the entire series to help deal with certain situations. Now that he’s finally in the cape and has taken to the skies, he’s much more in command of how he approaches confrontations/team-ups like these. Clark’s grown up a lot – he isn’t going to immediately jump to the "You’re a villain!" place when another cape passes through. Metropolis is Clark’s city. He’s the superhero sheriff, as far as he’s concerned. If Batman (or any other vigilante) rolls into town, Superman is the one who’s going to strive to take the driver’s seat and set the ground rules. Now, how Batman responds to these "rules" may not be to Superman’s liking.


On The Decision To Gove Batman A Far More Armoured Appearance:

He’s very much just a man, and a smart one at that. And he’s also quite wealthy. Batman doesn’t take his war on crime lightly, and does his best to equip himself for any situation. This isn’t Year One for Batman. We’re somewhere between year 5 and 10 for him. You’ll see a Nightwing who’s far less armored – literally armed with escrima, a few gadgets, and a ton of moxie. She’s the scout. She’s the dancer. Batman – he’s the tank. And Gotham criminals don’t play fair. So Bruce is going to carry around as much with him as possible.


On His Decision To Explore The Relationship Between Batman And Green Arrow:

There’s definite friction between the two, but much more in an Arrow-Batman direction. Bruce in no way takes Ollie seriously. Green Arrow pretty much isn’t on Batman’s radar as either an ally or a threat. This will prove to be a big "growing up" year for Oliver, so that’s only going to help him along.


On The Chances Of Introducing Wonder Woman And Whether Batman Will Reappear:

I wonder if that’s in the cards. It’s really a wonderful idea. Editorial-willing, we’ll definitely see him return for at least 2 more stories this season, but he won’t be around as a fixture. We’ve got our hands full with our ensemble, plus we’ll be revisiting old friends and meeting new allies and enemies. Lots of things to do!




Source: IGN Comics
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50 Comments
G3n3r4lzZoD9 - 8/16/2012, 4:39 PM
That armor sucks but more importantly don´t [frick]ing change Nightwing!
DeMoNaSsDiZ - 8/16/2012, 4:51 PM
shit comic. shit show. cancel this shit.
Nick56 - 8/16/2012, 4:57 PM
I understand the point of Batman having armour but this just looks like Batman Forever/Batman and Robin shit.
AnditsOn1 - 8/16/2012, 5:05 PM
DeMoNaSsDiZ, I pretty much want to say "**** you". The show has flaws but it's overall very enjoyable. And the comic series is just great. Without budget constraint, new ideas (within this universe) have been bigger and better.
MJPETTY7 - 8/16/2012, 5:09 PM
Looks awesome! I can't wait!
TheGambitFreakIsBatmanOfCBM - 8/16/2012, 5:09 PM
Okay guys, I think this wll answer everything,... Why?
snufkins - 8/16/2012, 5:12 PM
I usually hate the trolls and haters on this site... but I'll have to agree with DeMoNaSsDiZ with this one.
The writers really shit on the series, and I know Bryan Q. Miller's a decent enough writer, but it just seems like he's trying to clear the shitstain that the TV show left on the Superman name.
AnditsOn1 - 8/16/2012, 5:13 PM
If batman should become a fixture Im f**king done! (This is a superman comic series after all!)
talesofcrimealley - 8/16/2012, 5:14 PM
@DeMoNaSsDiZ

Im with you on that.
JohnnyKrypton - 8/16/2012, 5:15 PM
"The show has flaws but it's overall very enjoyable. And the comic series is just great."

That's your opinion...having been a Superman fan long before Smallville, my opinion is that the show started ... OK. Within a few years in degenerated into a sad disgrace...and got worse from there.
talesofcrimealley - 8/16/2012, 5:17 PM
Bring on the smallville reboot....
Scabsallover - 8/16/2012, 5:22 PM
Oh god that's horrible!

@scabs_all_over
AutobotCommander84 - 8/16/2012, 5:25 PM
I hate Batman's costume in this.
ComicsBornAndBred - 8/16/2012, 5:29 PM
Why are all of you so f[rick]ing mean? Smallville was the lingest running sci-fi/superhero show in history. You dont stay on televsion for TEN years if u suck. The comic is decent. Its not great but its good. This is Miller's take on Superman and its good. The armour doesnt look that bad. What do you want? This is Smallville's Batman. Although, i hate how Miller says Batman's been around between 5 and 10 years as an urban myth, but this "myth" wasnt mentioned on Smallville. Wouldnt the Daily Planet have a story on such? But, Nolan and his boys made sure Bats couldnt be mentioned so i understand. Appreciate Smallvile for what it was, an American classic. The early years were CLASSIC. It apart of pop culture. There's no other show of its kind. The comic is doing a great continuation. SHUT THE F*** UP! You're just hating to hate. Stop being mean.
damntree - 8/16/2012, 5:48 PM
Hey Baywatch lasted 12 years and as shitty as it was at least it had boobs. Smallville started out alright, stumbled over stupid and then dived head first into [frick]ing retarded.
magni - 8/16/2012, 5:57 PM
@Magnus your argument holds as much water as if its not a good movie then why did it make all this money. Come on really show blew
halvor311 - 8/16/2012, 6:03 PM
Smallville did what Superman Returns failed to do-Made Superman relatable. I didn't get into comics until I started watching Smallville and it only got better as it went along. I like how the comic is keeping to the original feel of having its own interpretation and version of things i.e. Perry White being an alcoholic before being a world-renowned journalist. I can't wait!!
boulton666 - 8/16/2012, 6:04 PM
Titties?
AtomicChipmunk - 8/16/2012, 6:07 PM
Reading smallville comic is like trying to clean a shitstain with shit.
AtomicChipmunk - 8/16/2012, 6:08 PM
Also, shitty art.
AtomicChipmunk - 8/16/2012, 6:11 PM
After ruining Superman, they are now ruining another icon, Batman.
storyteller - 8/16/2012, 6:22 PM
So let me get this straight. You needed a more iconic character, so you chose to replace DICK GRAYSON......with Barbara Gordon as Nightwing? I'm honestly not understanding the logic because you have basically taken a piss on both these characters.

Just admit that you wanted some T&A even though this is a comic book. You don't need to compensate for shoddy effects with T&A!
talesofcrimealley - 8/16/2012, 6:24 PM
@AtomicChipmunk

lmao!
MJPETTY7 - 8/16/2012, 6:24 PM
Dear lord the asses on this site...

Seriously guys, Smallville lasted longer than any other sci-fi/superhero/comic book series EVER!!! Why? Because people watched and enjoyed it! If you don't like the show, don't click on the article and act like a dumb-ass just because you didn't like the show (and probably didn't even read the comic). If you enjoy the show, awesome! I do too! Here would be the place to comment on it but, again, if you don't, don't be a troll, especially on an article that is about the show. Gosh, people are stupid...
MJPETTY7 - 8/16/2012, 6:27 PM
@magni Movies are a lot different then TV shows dude. A movie is a one-time thing in the theater, a TV series had a season. Smallville had 10 and a comic because the fans wanted more, so actually your argument is invalid. :)
talesofcrimealley - 8/16/2012, 6:29 PM
This is complete shit... looks like a horrible hollister advertisement.

Photobucket
G3n3r4lzZoD9 - 8/16/2012, 6:34 PM
@MJPETTY7
So the only ones that have the right to comment on something are the ones that enjoyed it, the rest shouldn´t voice their opinions?

Photobucket
magni - 8/16/2012, 6:36 PM
@mjpetty is that how tv series work cause I wasn't quite sure. My point was by your view because a show runs a long time makes it good. Great series like deadwood, Rome and jericho lost viewership to garbage like this and American idol.
MJPETTY7 - 8/16/2012, 6:36 PM
@G3n3r4lzZoD9 Absolutely not, but you don't have to mindlessly babble about how stupid it is when 1. You probably haven't seen more than a season of the show. 2. You give no reasons to why it's "bad" (in your opinion) and 3. When you're just looking for a fight.

I don't mind disagreement, but when there's no reason given as to why you hate it, it's just mindless babble and very very pointless! THAT is what I hate.
MJPETTY7 - 8/16/2012, 6:38 PM
@magni It's all based on how many people tune in to watch it. I LOVED Jericho, but it only went 2 seasons (only 30 episodes). Luckily it's a comic series now (Season 3 comic is done, Season 4 has just started), so obviously people demanded it.
IgnurRant - 8/16/2012, 6:50 PM
horrible as was everything Smallville.
PirateOpossum - 8/16/2012, 7:08 PM
should have canceled after season 4
Optimus83 - 8/16/2012, 7:22 PM


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hope420 - 8/16/2012, 7:32 PM
That Batman looks like a toy reject from the 90's!
MetropolisKid - 8/16/2012, 8:03 PM
Smallville was kinda pointless...even though I had started watching it during the 2nd half of season 8...I was hoping to one day see him in full costume and when I just saw him run up the camera I was left like woooooooow that's it??!...sucks for everybody who spent 10 years waiting to see the man of steel and got a glimpse ha.

And now batman and a female nightwing are in on this??
No sense to me..all of this is pointless.

But that's just my opinion.
BatSlam - 8/16/2012, 8:25 PM
i tried to watch smallville when it got into the later seasons, but it just never got me interested. i could understand how someone could enjoy it, but i couldn't. I think it is because of how it just seemed to be totally different from an actual superman story.
Drewbee87 - 8/16/2012, 8:39 PM
I love Smallville, still have hopes that WB will release the first 5 seasons on Blu-ray. But I know it's something that will never happen. I despise the comic though, don't really know why. lol
AEStark - 8/16/2012, 9:23 PM
This show was cancelled for a reason. Let it die. This passionate bastardization of DC's continuity is bordering on the insane. Compound on that the fact that their main protagonist is a man who refused to wear the suit they continue to draw him in, and you have a recipe from disaster from inception to conclusion.
Drewbee87 - 8/16/2012, 9:56 PM
@AEStark The show wasn't canceled, it was the producers decision to end it. If the show was canceled, it wouldn't have had a Series Finale.
ManofSteel91 - 8/16/2012, 11:29 PM
@ Mjpetty7 & Magnushero22 thank you Im sick and tired of these ass holes who diss on the show I think the show was fantastic and it's my fav sure when Clark finally put the suit on it sucked but I'm not gonna let one stupid moment ruin the whole series the show ran for 10 long years obviously it was doing something right so anyone who hates smallville just shut up and don't watch it!!
darkmetal - 8/17/2012, 2:23 AM
Smallville had it's ups and downs as any show with a 10 year run will.
But of it's 218 episodes, it had maybe 12 or so episodes that didn't hit the high marks.
It's pretty lame and increasingly predictable how "fanboys" rant against Superhero franchises such as Smallville and Raimi's Spider-Man after they've concluded.

And what is also becoming the predictable norm is each time we get a "REBOOT" (which is a word we must now hear every day) Fanboys jump on the new Reboot ship and slam the past versions as horrible.
What's missing from the "That sucks" critiques is any details as to what was supposedly wrong with the subject of critique.
The fact is: Smallville was a great TV show, especially seasons 1-3, 5-7.
Smallville had a great cast. Tom Welling was perfect as a young Clark Kent. Michael Rosenbaum was the best Luthor we've ever and that's not a knock against Hackman but Hackman's Luthor had no Arch or complexity. He was just a bad guy maginificently done by Hackman but the part just wasn't written as well as Smallville's.
And John Glover was brilliant as Lionel Luthor.

So despite the best efforts of a few Haters, all the Anti Smallville rants and Anti Raimi rants are wasted on those who know better. And the only thing your rants convince anyone of is that you don't know what the hell youre talking about.
SUPERSHADOWBAT - 8/17/2012, 6:43 AM
I'm a fan of Superman since the sixties, and I enjoyed Smallville even though it wasn't true to Superman lore. The show truest to Superman canon was the Adventures of Superman with George Reeves, and probably the closest we will ever see. Smallville, like many other series and CBMs are the director's interpretation and vision of these characters. Would I and others like to see truer interpretations of our beloved heroes? of course we would, but unfortunately we don't have that control. WB/DC should have more input on their heroes, but I guess the trade off is that if you want the film or show produced you have to let them have a little creative vision.
That being said I enjoyed Smallville for what it was and was happy to have some version of the Superman legend on tv. Was it perfect? no it wasn't. It was entertaining most of its run, though it disappointed in things like the fight with Doomsday and Welling refusing to wear the iconic suit in the finale. I always take these new interpretations of our heroes as alternate universe versions. By looking at it that way I'm able to enjoy it, but it doesn't mean I'm not hoping for a truer interpretation someday.
MJPETTY7 - 8/17/2012, 8:32 AM
@u84l582 Honestly, I've read Superman comics all my life and have watched every episode of Smallville at least twice, and there aren't that many "plot-holes" in the show. One could argue that Lois & Clark had many "plot-holes" as well as Superman: The Animated Series. The thing is, Smallville (as well as the other 2 Superman shows I mentioned) is an Elseworld's. It's not going to be just like the comic, in fact, I HATE it when people complain that "It's not like the comics so it's stupid", if you want a FREAKING comic book, go read one and get out of our way!

Dude, I'm not telling you to like Smallville or not to, I enjoy the show very much. I am a die-hard fan, but to say that it's not faithful to Superman lore is complete and utter crap. It was a lot more faithful than Superman Returns was, and didn't just take from the Donner era, it grabbed from every good Superman story/arc and mixed it all together with their own spin. So, is it 100% accurate to the comics? NO! No form of media based off a comic book is! But does it honor the stories that came before it and pay homage to them while still following the Superman mythos? Absolutely yes!

Again, not telling you to or not to like the show, but as a fan of BOTH Smallville AND Superman comics, I have to completely disagree with that statement. Thanks!
Odin - 8/17/2012, 9:08 AM
This batman sucks!! I don't count season 11 as part of offical Smallville canon.
marckos - 8/17/2012, 9:53 AM
looks like shit :)
TurdFergunson - 8/17/2012, 10:35 AM
that circle jerk pic made me lol
JaySin420 - 8/17/2012, 11:26 AM
So Batman wearing armor is ridiculous?

But he could fall 10 stories off a building....catch a woman in mid-air....land on a car....smash through that car with no armor....and then walk away like nothing happened?

I think Bruce Wayne being Batman for less than 2 years, and then quitting to run off with Catwoman, who he just met, is far more ridiculous.
Blair2012 - 8/17/2012, 1:36 PM
Wasn't cancelled, smart people. Just because a show ends, doesn't mean it was cancelled.
tylersimms - 8/17/2012, 9:56 PM
A shit show that went for 10 seasons and now is a shit comic.... so what classifies shit? success=shit i guess...
The show was far from perfect but come on people you sound like asshole trolls going on and on about how shitty the show was even after 10 full seasons...
Pooh - 8/20/2012, 7:18 PM

I've seen just about every Smallville episode, except for season five.

There was some great writing on Smallville, mostly during the first two seasons.

If your balls are just too sweaty to see that, then that's your loss.

San Dimas High School football rules.

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