Fans of actor Michael Shanks won't have to wait until the next Stargate DVD movie/telefilm to see him back on the small screen. The SG-1 alum has landed the role of Hawkman on the upcoming Justice Society episode of Smallville.

Shanks' Hawkman won't be the only classic DC Comics hero making an appearance in the episode. Dr. Fate, played by Brent Stait, and Stargirl, played by Britt Irvin, will also appear in the ep, penned by comic book writer Geoff Johns. More Justice Society characters are expected to appear.

Johns wrote last season's "Legion" episode that featured members of DC Comics' Legion of Super-Heroes. "Legion" was one of the best episodes of Smallville's eighth season. Johns' script was heavy on the inside jokes and comic references, and the actors did a fine job portraying some of DC's more obscure heroes.

I'm expecting another winner from Johns with the Justice Society ep, and Shanks has enough hero and heart in him to pull off Hawkman. The episode is slated to air in January.

[Via: IGN]