I'm sure most of you Smallville fans have already seen this preview pic of Michael Shanks as Hawkman, taken from the upcoming Justice Society episode. So why am I posting it here?

Because that photo looks weird, man!

First off, I must say that I'm really looking forward to this Smallville two-parter, and I think Stargate's Shanks is a fine pick to play Carter Hall. Smallville has been a lot of fun to watch this season, and I hope the upswing continues through next year.

Now, back to that photo ... Why does it look like a still image from a video game? Is it a mostly CGI shot? Concept art? Did somebody switch the real photo of Shanks with a fan photo manip? I'm hoping that some of you graphic designer-types can tell me what's really going on here, because ... yeah ... that photo looks weird.

This image also gives us the chance to discuss a very geeky topic: How do you feel about costume-clad heroes showing up on Smallville? By now – with Clark sporting the Super "S" and Oliver's green hood getting more screentime than Ma Kent – we should be used to seeing the characters dress the part.

But Hawkman is an entirely different animal. This isn't a toned down version of a comic book superhero (like the Wonder Twins 2.0 from last week, or last year's colorful but not too crazy looking Legionnaires). This dude's got a ten-foot wingspan! And he's wearing that gold helmet and carrying a giant mace! He's pretty much the comic book character come to life.

Are you cool with that? Or would you have rather seen a more muted version of Hawkman on Smallville? Are you hoping the other Society members will look as fantastical? Or should Smallville's more heroic guest stars look a little more realistic?

Me? I'm liking the more fantastical approach. This is year nine. It's time for Smallville to turn the geek factor up to 11 and become a true super hero show. Anyone agree?

[via: TV Guide]