Superman & Lois writer Jai Jamison revealed one of his inspirations for the TV series— a Terminator comic.
In an exclusive interview with CBR, Jamison discussed his enthusiasm for Steel and how it shaped his vision for John Henry Irons. "I tried to hit as many various incarnations of Steel as he's existed in the comics. So of course, the Death of Superman run, as well, was my starting point. I mean, that's what I grew up on. I remember I bought the black sleeves, just like Wolé did, back in the day and all that." The writer added, "I went and I checked out the New 52 run, Grant Morrison. One really interesting book that I really enjoyed was the Superman/Terminator crossover," he said.
Jamison detailed the Terminator comic's role and impact on his John Henry Irons, "John Henry, as an engineer, [if] you're fighting some robots and cyborgs, it'd be good to have John Henry on your side. So that was one that I really enjoyed that I found when I was doing this research. So yeah, I would just talk through it," said the writer.
With access to a large portion of the DC Comics library, Jamison looked at many runs for insight. "The way that I've approached it -- a lot of the writers have this -- is we take bits and pieces from our favorite runs for these characters to create an amalgamation that is our own take on them. So it's definitely pulled from a bunch of various sources to craft this John Henry," Jamison explained.
In the comics, Steel is known as a genius engineer, who develops a mechanized suit which replicates Superman's abilities. Wielding a sledgehammer, the hero eventually becomes Superman's comrade after the Man of Steel's resurrection. On Superman & Lois, Wolé Parks portrays Steel, although he was originally known as Captain Luthor until the major reveal in the series' "Man of Steel" episode.
Superman & Lois stars Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, Dylan Walsh, Alex Garfin, Jordan Elsass, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Inde Navarrette and Wolé Parks. The series airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.