13 September 2023
Jerry Ordway‘s beautiful illustration of Pete Ross®, Ultra Boy®, Lana Lang®, Laurel Kent®, and Superboy® (Legionnaires® all, to one degree or another) in Smallville® makes me suspect that he might be the secret lovechild of Curt Swan and Kurt Schaffenberger (peace be upon the memories of both). It also makes me yearn for sequential art. Pretty is pretty and all, but storytelling means continuity, so get with it, Jehr! We’ll give you money! Work with us!
Some readers wonder whether Superboy’s time-travelling descendant might be too much of a reveal to Lana Lang, who long sought to divine his secret identity. Laurel’s being a look-alike for her ancestress Lois Lane® makes no difference, as Lana and Lois had not yet met, so the resemblance is meaningless. Also, as an enthusiastic participant in these confabulations, I’ve developed the habit of figuring out what’s not been seen or said. Obviously, Legionnaires who are onto Clark’s secret would not betray his trust. Laurel was likely introduced as Superboy’s Kryptonian kin from the 30th Century, “Laur-el.”
The imaginary concepts of Pete Ross®, Ultra Boy®, Lana Lang®, Lois Lane®, Laurel Kent®, Superboy®, The Legion of Super-Heroes®, and Smallville® are alleged to be private property and are held de jure by DC Comics® and WarnerCom®.
Used without permission.