ICv2 has learned that DC Comics is planning to publish a comic based on the hot new television series Smallville.  DC is still deciding on the best format and release time for the comic, but told ICv2 that a comic book based on Smallville will bow during 2002.  Smallville has been a surprise hit for the WB Network, which is great for pop culture retailers since ICv2 identified it as one of the few opportunities for independent retailers on the fall TV schedule  (see  'Primetime Prospects Are Slim').  Its debut episode actually attracted more viewers than the new Star Trek series Enterprise, and though its ratings have slipped some since its debut, Smallville remains one of the top rated shows on the WB, and it has consistently garnered more viewers than Buffy, The Vampire Slayer or Angel.   The first two episodes of Smallville will be rebroadcast on the WB on Thanksgiving Night (Nov. 22).

ICv2 also reported some time ago that DC is planning to create some Smallville collectibles, which will be released to pop culture retailers through the DC Direct program (see 'DC Direct Has A Full Slate').  But retailers who are anxious to capitalize on Smallville's current popularity should look for the Diamond Dateline, which solicits for the December 8th issue of TV Guide magazine.  Alex Ross, whose superb renderings of Superman in Kingdom Come are legendary, is painting four different Smallville covers for TV Guide.  The magazine will also contain a Smallville comic book-style story penciled by Terry (Harley Quinn) Dodson.