What do you think?
Rate this book
Smallville: Season 11 #2
Smallville Season 11, Volume 2: Detective
When we left Clark Kent at the end of Smallville Season 10, he had finally donned the iconic Superman suit and set out to defend Earth from Apokolips. Picking up six months later, Smallville Season 11 explores Clark's understanding of the true power of his Superman identity, its effect on those close to him and its ability to inspire the people of Earth.
In this collection, Superman discovers a vigilante is operating in Metropolis, hunting a killer. Only known as "The Batman," this vigilante will stop at nothing to find his parents killer, even if it puts him on a collision course with The Man of Steel.
In this collection, Superman discovers a vigilante is operating in Metropolis, hunting a killer. Only known as "The Batman," this vigilante will stop at nothing to find his parents killer, even if it puts him on a collision course with The Man of Steel.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2013
24 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Q. Miller
312 books63 followersBryan Q. Miller is an American television and comic writer most notable for his work on the CW’s “Smallville” and DC’s “Batgirl.” (with Stephanie Brown as Batgirl)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 13, 2023
Smallville: Season 11 Vol. 2: Detective
When the Batman discovers Joe Chill may be in Metropolis, he risks everything to question him. When Superman confronts him, they fight until the Prankster and Mr. Freeze shoot Superman with Kryptonite bullets and the Batman realises that Superman is a better ally than an enemy.
The story feels in keeping with the 'Smallville' sensibility and the characters' voices feel accurate to their screen counterparts. However, the key art is disappointing. Surely a graphic novel based on 'Smallville' should attempt to make their characters resemble the actors who portrayed them. Superman not only doesn't look like Tom Welling, there are pages where he doesn't even look like Superman.
When the Batman discovers Joe Chill may be in Metropolis, he risks everything to question him. When Superman confronts him, they fight until the Prankster and Mr. Freeze shoot Superman with Kryptonite bullets and the Batman realises that Superman is a better ally than an enemy.
The story feels in keeping with the 'Smallville' sensibility and the characters' voices feel accurate to their screen counterparts. However, the key art is disappointing. Surely a graphic novel based on 'Smallville' should attempt to make their characters resemble the actors who portrayed them. Superman not only doesn't look like Tom Welling, there are pages where he doesn't even look like Superman.
December 31, 2017
The writing is an improvement over the first volume. It feels like Miller is getting the swing of writing the Smallville characters. Most notably, he's managed to write what feels like a fresh (and enjoyable) take on both Batman and Nightwing! I'd love a Multiverse "Smallville" Batman, Mattel... don't make me go to ebay for a custom!
The big drawback of this series remains the art. The likenesses are lazy and half-hearted. And by that, I mean the likenesses of humans, much less the actors who portrayed the characters. It's markedly bad. There are panels where Lex resembles Sloth from the Goonies more than Michael Rosenbaum. Or perhaps that was intentional as some sort of outside-the-box Donner homage?
The big drawback of this series remains the art. The likenesses are lazy and half-hearted. And by that, I mean the likenesses of humans, much less the actors who portrayed the characters. It's markedly bad. There are panels where Lex resembles Sloth from the Goonies more than Michael Rosenbaum. Or perhaps that was intentional as some sort of outside-the-box Donner homage?
July 2, 2017
I loved this: Batman vs Superman. And then they were working together, and I saw a different version of Barbara. I really enjoyed reading it, still wish the show was still on though.
January 31, 2014
During the decade that Smallville was on the air, that television program (and others to a lesser extent) was denied the use of various characters from the Batman franchise. This was largely because Christopher Nolan, the producer of the Dark Knight Trilogy, and other DC Comics' execs, didn't want the characters to appear in too many adaptations. The fear was of a saturation of Batman-related media that might take away an appetite for the future films. I think the fear was pure bunk, as Batman never ceased selling well in any adaptation, but oh well.
Now that said films are over, the writers of the comic-book continuation to the Smallville series are now able to finally make use of the character. It isn't the same thing as having Bats on the small-screen, but it is neat. The interpretation is a mix of Christopher Nolan's and John Byrne's concept of Batman, with the modern camaraderie from the past fifteen years of stories thrown into the mix.
In Smallville, Season 11: Vol. 2, Detective, Superman and Batman cross paths investigating shipments of weapons to the crime bosses at Intergang. Such weapons shipments have been causing horrible chaos in both Gotham City and Metropolis. At first, instead of working together, Batman and Superman trade blows due to a misunderstanding, as Bruce is desperate to find the man chiefly involved with the weapons shipment to Intergang, Joe Chill, the man who murdered his parents. Upon hearing about this, Clark agrees to help Bruce, and a partnership is born.
This was actually a nice representation of Batman here. I listed several influences I could see in the development of the character and his relationship with Superman. I would say that the comic Batman: Year 100 also had an impact in the more utilitarian way that Batman dresses and uses gear. It's a weird desire on the part of the writers of the Smallville comic to take the most realistic treatments of Batman, and the most fantastic ones, and mix them together. Surprisingly, it really does work well.
I'm a tad disappointed to see Barbara Gordon as Nightwing (not Batgirl), and to see Robing nixed altogether (at least so far), but the moments we see of her and her friendship with Bruce are nice, and she works in this continuity quite well.
Clark played a serviceable role as the main character and the more idealistic foil for Bruce. He kind of took a less prominent role given the nature of the comic in introducing Batman to the Smallville universe. Or at least he was outwardly less idealistic, as Clark seems to realize that Bruce is just as idealistic as he is, but just can't show it on the outside yet. It seems Clark is hoping to draw that side out of Bruce.
I won't say too much more, other than that it was nice to see Green Arrow and Chloe in action more, and to see Lois doing some reporter, and kick-butt stuff again. The first volume had them acting as entirely too much peripheral, and not enough supporting, cast. It's funny to see Ollie jealous of the attention Batman gets, and to be considering allowing Mia to become Speedy in response to Batman having a sidekick. On the villainous side, the weird goings-on of Lex Luthor (and Tess who, though heroic, seems to be trapped in his head) is fascinating as well.
This comic has had a reasonably good start so far, and here's hoping they continue to do well and put out great stories.
Now that said films are over, the writers of the comic-book continuation to the Smallville series are now able to finally make use of the character. It isn't the same thing as having Bats on the small-screen, but it is neat. The interpretation is a mix of Christopher Nolan's and John Byrne's concept of Batman, with the modern camaraderie from the past fifteen years of stories thrown into the mix.
In Smallville, Season 11: Vol. 2, Detective, Superman and Batman cross paths investigating shipments of weapons to the crime bosses at Intergang. Such weapons shipments have been causing horrible chaos in both Gotham City and Metropolis. At first, instead of working together, Batman and Superman trade blows due to a misunderstanding, as Bruce is desperate to find the man chiefly involved with the weapons shipment to Intergang, Joe Chill, the man who murdered his parents. Upon hearing about this, Clark agrees to help Bruce, and a partnership is born.
This was actually a nice representation of Batman here. I listed several influences I could see in the development of the character and his relationship with Superman. I would say that the comic Batman: Year 100 also had an impact in the more utilitarian way that Batman dresses and uses gear. It's a weird desire on the part of the writers of the Smallville comic to take the most realistic treatments of Batman, and the most fantastic ones, and mix them together. Surprisingly, it really does work well.
I'm a tad disappointed to see Barbara Gordon as Nightwing (not Batgirl), and to see Robing nixed altogether (at least so far), but the moments we see of her and her friendship with Bruce are nice, and she works in this continuity quite well.
Clark played a serviceable role as the main character and the more idealistic foil for Bruce. He kind of took a less prominent role given the nature of the comic in introducing Batman to the Smallville universe. Or at least he was outwardly less idealistic, as Clark seems to realize that Bruce is just as idealistic as he is, but just can't show it on the outside yet. It seems Clark is hoping to draw that side out of Bruce.
I won't say too much more, other than that it was nice to see Green Arrow and Chloe in action more, and to see Lois doing some reporter, and kick-butt stuff again. The first volume had them acting as entirely too much peripheral, and not enough supporting, cast. It's funny to see Ollie jealous of the attention Batman gets, and to be considering allowing Mia to become Speedy in response to Batman having a sidekick. On the villainous side, the weird goings-on of Lex Luthor (and Tess who, though heroic, seems to be trapped in his head) is fascinating as well.
This comic has had a reasonably good start so far, and here's hoping they continue to do well and put out great stories.
July 28, 2014
Smallville season two continues with this latest "episode" with a fanstic guest star
Following from the events of volume 1, Lois and Clark are unable to spend time together due to Lex's tracking of Superman's radiation signature. With Clark unable to clock off, he's spending more and more time keeping down crime in the city of Metropolis. In doing so he comes across a criminal gang using expensive and advanced technology
Meanwhile in Gotham city, the Batman and his sidekick Nightwing break up a gang of criminals using advanced weaponry. Interrogating the crooks points Batman to Joe Chill the man who murdered his parents and currently incarcerated in Metropolis. This ets the stage for Batman and Superman to meet for the first time in the Smallville pantheon
Detective is a great story with the dynamic duo getting the Smallville treatment. Bruce Wayne/Batman is a much the same as his DC comics counterpart, but a little less dark. Barbara Gordon/Nightwing is his fun-loving, wise cracking polar opposite.
The initial meeting between the two plays out much like you'd expect. Neither trusts the other or likes his methods. That said there's some great moments in this book.
3.5/5
Following from the events of volume 1, Lois and Clark are unable to spend time together due to Lex's tracking of Superman's radiation signature. With Clark unable to clock off, he's spending more and more time keeping down crime in the city of Metropolis. In doing so he comes across a criminal gang using expensive and advanced technology
Meanwhile in Gotham city, the Batman and his sidekick Nightwing break up a gang of criminals using advanced weaponry. Interrogating the crooks points Batman to Joe Chill the man who murdered his parents and currently incarcerated in Metropolis. This ets the stage for Batman and Superman to meet for the first time in the Smallville pantheon
Detective is a great story with the dynamic duo getting the Smallville treatment. Bruce Wayne/Batman is a much the same as his DC comics counterpart, but a little less dark. Barbara Gordon/Nightwing is his fun-loving, wise cracking polar opposite.
The initial meeting between the two plays out much like you'd expect. Neither trusts the other or likes his methods. That said there's some great moments in this book.
3.5/5
February 11, 2014
Finally, what every fan wanted to see on the screen has happened on the pages. Smallville's Superman teaming up with Batman. To say I was stoked, would have been an understatement, but after a few read throughs, I left the pages feeling a little let down. It seems to me that they did such a great job of creating Green Arrow on the show that Batman wasn't as unique a character due to them making GA more Batmanesce (since that was what they really wanted to do originally). Yes, he's brooding and more direct and not as snarky as Oliver, but he has fun toys (all of which Oliver is jealous of). The story is typical Batman. All in all it just seemed OK. But the one saving grace of the trade paperback is Barbara Gordon. She is such a breath of fresh air. Her comedy and personality set against Bruce's bland persona was amazing, and the relationship that happens between her and Lois is awesome and made it all worth while. Enjoy!
August 1, 2013
It took them forever, but they finally got Batman into Smallville. It's just a shame the story wasn't more epic after the long, long wait.
October 5, 2025
Batman was a character the writers on Smallville wanted to incorporate into the show for many years. However, the higher ups at DC were against it, so they ended up adding Green Arrow as a supporting character, instead. Fans have always speculated about what the Smallville version of Bruce Wayne/Batman would be like.
Unfortunately, this really didn't work for me. Mileage will vary, of course, but I've never been a fan of this sort of violent, angry, almost frothing-at-the-mouth type of Batman. He nearly loses it entirely at the mere mention of "Joe Chill." Unlike Clark, I'm not convinced that this Batman wouldn't have "crossed that line."
Anyway, we also have "Barbara Gordon" as Nightwing which is an odd choice for many reasons. I love Barbara, but the reason I say she's an "odd" choice for Smallville specifically is because Chloe Sullivan is already such a Barbara Gordon-esque character.
Also, I don't see the point of calling her "Nightwing" - this was a name from Kryptonian culture in the original stories, so it makes no sense that she has it here, before meeting Clark/Superman. If Miller was so opposed to the name "Batgirl" (odd since he actually wrote Batgirl comics for DC) he could have had a girl Robin like Carrie or Stephanie.
Oh, this is also a real waste of potential for the villain Mr. Freeze, who is unceremoniously shoe-horned into the plot.
The pencils in this volume are done by five different artists, so there are some inconsistences and, again, none of the characters really resemble their on-screen counterparts.
This time around, I would say Chloe comes out the best. It seems the artists have given up on trying to capture Tom Welling's appearance and are giving us "generic Superman" in a lot of panels. They even insist that he has blue eyes, making a point to drive it home in the dialogue for some reason - like???
I know the original Superman has blue eyes in the comics, but Tom Welling doesn't and since this is supposed to be the Smallville version of the characters, why would you go to such lengths to be wrong?
Of course, there are no on-screen references for the Smallville versions of Batman and Nightwing, but they also manage to be drawn inconsistently from one comic to the next. This is especially noticeable and glaring with the interpretation of Bruce Wayne, who looks like two completely different characters between issues #5 and #8.
In the end, this was, disappointingly, only okay. To be fair, it had a lot to live up to, as this is something fans had been wanting to see for years, when this came out in 2013. On the plus side, there is a cool Batmobile chase scene, Lois gets to be more of an active character, and there are some cute Chloe/Oliver moments.
Unfortunately, this really didn't work for me. Mileage will vary, of course, but I've never been a fan of this sort of violent, angry, almost frothing-at-the-mouth type of Batman. He nearly loses it entirely at the mere mention of "Joe Chill." Unlike Clark, I'm not convinced that this Batman wouldn't have "crossed that line."
Anyway, we also have "Barbara Gordon" as Nightwing which is an odd choice for many reasons. I love Barbara, but the reason I say she's an "odd" choice for Smallville specifically is because Chloe Sullivan is already such a Barbara Gordon-esque character.
Also, I don't see the point of calling her "Nightwing" - this was a name from Kryptonian culture in the original stories, so it makes no sense that she has it here, before meeting Clark/Superman. If Miller was so opposed to the name "Batgirl" (odd since he actually wrote Batgirl comics for DC) he could have had a girl Robin like Carrie or Stephanie.
Oh, this is also a real waste of potential for the villain Mr. Freeze, who is unceremoniously shoe-horned into the plot.
The pencils in this volume are done by five different artists, so there are some inconsistences and, again, none of the characters really resemble their on-screen counterparts.
This time around, I would say Chloe comes out the best. It seems the artists have given up on trying to capture Tom Welling's appearance and are giving us "generic Superman" in a lot of panels. They even insist that he has blue eyes, making a point to drive it home in the dialogue for some reason - like???
I know the original Superman has blue eyes in the comics, but Tom Welling doesn't and since this is supposed to be the Smallville version of the characters, why would you go to such lengths to be wrong?
Of course, there are no on-screen references for the Smallville versions of Batman and Nightwing, but they also manage to be drawn inconsistently from one comic to the next. This is especially noticeable and glaring with the interpretation of Bruce Wayne, who looks like two completely different characters between issues #5 and #8.
In the end, this was, disappointingly, only okay. To be fair, it had a lot to live up to, as this is something fans had been wanting to see for years, when this came out in 2013. On the plus side, there is a cool Batmobile chase scene, Lois gets to be more of an active character, and there are some cute Chloe/Oliver moments.
November 3, 2019
Batman has now moved from Offscreensville to Smallville - er, Metropolis. Honestly, this gets a big fat sigh from me. I'm not totally The Batman (really?)'s biggest fan so for him to show up and show off his most annoying traits right off the bat (heh), left me cold as always. Having Barbara be Nightwing is an inspired choice (if we ignore the whole Dick getting the idea of becoming Nightwing from Clark himself). Her characterization is very much in the vein of Burnside, even though this predates it slightly.
This batch of issues is just an excuse to introduce Batman into the world of Smallville so he can play a part in the upcoming Crisis. This section of the story is very much filler and not the best kind where the overarching plot is weaved into it. This crisis is barely mentioned that I almost forgot about it and I'm assuming Miller may have too with how it was just kind of shoehorned in.
This batch of issues is just an excuse to introduce Batman into the world of Smallville so he can play a part in the upcoming Crisis. This section of the story is very much filler and not the best kind where the overarching plot is weaved into it. This crisis is barely mentioned that I almost forgot about it and I'm assuming Miller may have too with how it was just kind of shoehorned in.
December 29, 2020
As a fan of Smallville, watching from when the pliot first aired to the series finale the one question I wanted answered was "When is Batman showing up?" It's finally answered here.
It's bittersweet. On one hand its great to Smallville Clark meet Batman but the other hand is disappointing that it isn't the live action meeting Smallville fans were hoping for.
The story works, love the villain combo, and the introduction of Barbara Gordon as Nightwing was pretty cool. The artwork is much improved with Criss Cross. The characters much more resemble the tv show actors.
The one problem I had was the continuing use of Oliver and Chloe. They feel very forced into the story and their presence seem to be used only to connect the show to the comic.
Otherwise a great graphic novel.
It's bittersweet. On one hand its great to Smallville Clark meet Batman but the other hand is disappointing that it isn't the live action meeting Smallville fans were hoping for.
The story works, love the villain combo, and the introduction of Barbara Gordon as Nightwing was pretty cool. The artwork is much improved with Criss Cross. The characters much more resemble the tv show actors.
The one problem I had was the continuing use of Oliver and Chloe. They feel very forced into the story and their presence seem to be used only to connect the show to the comic.
Otherwise a great graphic novel.
May 20, 2024
The Dark Knight arrives in the Smallville Universe
This second volume of Smallville Season Eleven introduces us to the dynamic duo of this universe, Batman and Nightwing, making an alliance with Metropolis' Superman to fight against a common threat.
It is cool to finally see a version of this characters in this universe, and how they deal with each other. Luthor is kind of softening to his new right hand man, and trying to piece together his recurring episodes.
Overall good action, a functional Batman for this universe and a progression of some stories laid out in the previous volume. Still this is just for fans of the TV show.
This second volume of Smallville Season Eleven introduces us to the dynamic duo of this universe, Batman and Nightwing, making an alliance with Metropolis' Superman to fight against a common threat.
It is cool to finally see a version of this characters in this universe, and how they deal with each other. Luthor is kind of softening to his new right hand man, and trying to piece together his recurring episodes.
Overall good action, a functional Batman for this universe and a progression of some stories laid out in the previous volume. Still this is just for fans of the TV show.
February 23, 2018
Well, the things I enjoyed about the first volume of this continuation of the Smallville TV series are almost completely missing in the second volume. The introduction of Batman into this mythos is a fine idea but it was poorly executed here. The storyline read like a 60s Batman TV series in terms of corniness without the nostalgia. The art seemed like it was from ideas instead of a script and storyboard. Almost seemed like art and writing weren't matched up. Overall, this was a sad disappointment.
August 4, 2018
These are so hard for me to rate and review. I love finding out what happened next in the Smallville universe, but I'm really not a fan of the art (sorry) and some of the characters don't seem like themselves.
It was cool to see Batman, but it feels a little early to be introducing him - almost like the author is already running out of ideas.
I'll still try the next one, but I might call it quits on this series if it doesn't improve after that.
It was cool to see Batman, but it feels a little early to be introducing him - almost like the author is already running out of ideas.
I'll still try the next one, but I might call it quits on this series if it doesn't improve after that.
June 23, 2023
Another solid thriller with an interesting handle on the Clark/Bruce relationship. Personally I'd like more Lois and Clark, and less Ollie/Chloe. Just not feeling the latter couple at all. Maybe it would help to have seen the later seasons of the show when Ollie is introduced (also if Allison Mack didn't recruit people for a creepy cult, a fact that has always kept Chloe in the sidelines of my interest).
January 24, 2025
Review is for the first 8 arcs in the Smallville Season 11 line
The tone and style of the main characters is there, and the storylines feel like they belong in the same 'verse, but two many gaps in the flow, to many unestablished new players, to many jumps back and forth between plots and present/past tales makes for an individually enjoyable but overall unsatisfying read.
The tone and style of the main characters is there, and the storylines feel like they belong in the same 'verse, but two many gaps in the flow, to many unestablished new players, to many jumps back and forth between plots and present/past tales makes for an individually enjoyable but overall unsatisfying read.
August 6, 2022
So much stronger than the first volume. Plus I like seeing the Superman I grew up with interact with Batman. I also like Barbara as Nightwing, that’s pretty different. Looking forward to the next volume.
June 2, 2024
Awful art, way too much pointless chatter. Batman just magically has a suit ready for Superman. It’s all too silly. Volume 1 ended with a hook (Batman) but all we get here is Chloe is preggers (will she sex traffic this baby?)
October 27, 2024
LOVED the story and art!!! ive been waiting for SO LONG for clark and bruce interact, and I'm so happy with this issue!!!! ofc some plot pts are. HDSJFHASHJDSKJ?!?!??!? but other than that. THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 13, 2018
Tess is imaginary to lex. Like bats and sups assessment of each other. The story is lame, trying to figure out who is providing guns. Battles prankster and mr freeze
May 2, 2018
Love me some Smallville! I wish the series never ended but these graphic novels are pretty good too!
June 1, 2018
Even better than the first one. I'm loving these so far.
September 18, 2018
Velice zajímavé čtení pro fanoušky DC a seriálu Smallville. Setkání dvou ikonických postav je dobře napsané, hezky nakreslené a má zajímavé dějové linky. Za mě jsou to solidní 4 hvězdičky z 5.
January 14, 2020
I love it…
January 9, 2021
bruce and clark besties 3
February 26, 2021
Creative S vs B story
July 26, 2021
Painful to read.
November 10, 2024
3.5 ★
i wish we could’ve met batman on the show this was soo good
i wish we could’ve met batman on the show this was soo good
March 8, 2025
way better than the last one! a bit hard to follow, but I enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews