UPDATE: According to several sources, the CW will be airing the two episodes back-to-back on one night as a two-hour movie, titled Smallville: Absolute Justice. Also changing is the air date for the movie, which will now be seen on February 5^th, instead of Jan 29^th. And scroll down below for a larger version of the picture of Michael Shanks as Hawkman (and, no…being bigger doesn’t help it look any better…)

TVGuide Magazine’s Michael Keck has the first look at Michael Shanks as Hawkman in the upcoming two-part Justice Society themed episodes of Smallville, as well as a great Q & A with the actor.

Now, as I’ve mentioned in a recent post that I am a HUGE Hawkman fan and have been really looking forward to this particular character coming to life on the small screen. Factor in my geeky appreciation of all things Michael Shanks, and, man…this has winner written all over it.

Maybe.

The picture does not leave me feeling as optimistic as I hoped. Hawkman is supposed to be big and muscle-laden, with these great big wings. I know that something like that is difficult to translate to live action television, but based on this picture…I think they have totally missed the mark. Shanks appears way to scrawny; the wings small and cheesy. And what’s with the funky mace? Okay, I will give them this…that helmet is SICK. I want one of those!

Shanks did take the time to answer a few questions regarding the character and the episode, including some info about the costume.

From TVGuideMagazine.com

Are you exposing your chest as Hawkman did?

No nudity. The way the harness is designed they needed to create a bronze chest plate. The helmet is also more of a bronze-tone than a big yellow gold thing. My whole upper torso becomes a big immobile object.

Shanks also talks more about Carter Hall, a few teases about the plot, character interactions and a certain red headed heroine who has a connection to Hawkman. Head over to TVGuideMagazine.com for the full interview.

Now, I am not thrilled based on this picture, but I’m still going to reserve judgement. I learned my lesson after spending months bitching about the one picture I saw of the new Enterprise from this summer’s Star Trek, only to see it on the screen and realize how cool it really is (though those damn nacelles are STILL too big! But I digress.) This is just one picture and the angle might be funny, the lighting might be bad…who knows. I’m going to hold on to hope until I see more pictures.

Hell, it’s Hawkman on Smallville. They’re going have to work pretty damn hard to disappoint this geek!