Smallville Season One: The Official Companion by Paul Simpson
pub: Titan Books. 159 page soft cover. Price: £12.99 (UK), $14.95 (US). ISBN: 1-84023-795-3.

check out website: www.titanbooks.com and www.dccomics.com

I've commented in the past that what publisher Titan really need with these episode books is some colour. I have to say this first season episode guide of 'Smallville' has gone some way to resolving this with a 16 page colour photo insert.

The episode story is concise but not left cliff-hanging so much guessing as to what happens next which is just what these books should be doing if they are to become a useful historical reference book. There is also a lot of background info per episode. Warner Bros really invested a lot of money in ensuring this series got off the ground and it reflects in the budget invested in it. This info comes through from both the creators and production staff.

There are also loads of snippet info from the actors of how they joined the company and how they enjoy working together. If such productions are going to last, having everyone get along is essential. It's also nice to see they acknowledge the Kryptonite 'freak of the week' was to establish an identifiable trait of the show while at the same time realising that viewing figures were equally good if not better when they focused on other problems Clark Kent was having.

Saying that, I hope Season 2's book tries to come to terms with how Lana Lang can run a coffee shop, go to school, get her homework done and still have time for fun with a social life not to mention the variable distances between Smallville and Metropolis.

If I have to be overtly critical, then I wish there were a more varied selection of photos to include more of the guest stars rather than so many close-ups of the main cast but I don't think will stop you adding this book to your collection.

Congratulations to Titan and writer Paul Simpson for putting together such an informing book.

GF Willmetts

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