Growing up with Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows, and later Angel and Spike on Buffy, we knew these undead dudes had otherworldly abilities, but nothing like their kindred on The Vampire Diaries. There are actually some eerie similarities between the Salvatore brothers—especially Damon (Ian Somerhalder)—and the young Man of Steel, Clark Kent (Tom Welling) on Smallville.
To begin with, they’re immortal, possess super strength, lightning-quick speed, and instant healing. Going a few steps further:
Affected by the sun: Clark draws his strength from it; while vampires normally flame out.
The eyes have it: Clark shoots fire and has x-ray vision; Damon’s “glamour” stare can control thoughts
Wear my ring: Clark can time-travel with his Legion of Superheroes ring; Damon and Stefan can be exposed to daylight with their unique signets
One weakness: Clark…and kryptonite. The vamps…and vervain.
Gothic threads: Both Clark and the vampires prefer to dress in black.
Mortal romance: Clark fixated on Lana, then Lois. The Salvatores are hooked on Katharine doppelganger Elena.
It’s a secret: Heard the one about hiding their true identities from the world?
Tragic history: Clark’s planet was destroyed; while Damon and Stefan were changed into ageless monsters.
A few more odd coincidences? When Somerhalder guest starred as “Adam Knight” for seven episodes of Smallville, his character was brought back to life…using Clark Kent’s blood! On The Vampire Diaires, Damon’s arrival is often accompanied by a crow or fog. Smallville High’s mascot—a crow. And Tom Welling’s first film role lead? You guessed it…The Fog.
