Every week, I will spotlight strange but ultimately endearing comic stories (basically, we're talking lots and lots of Silver Age comic books). Here is the archive of all the installments of this feature. Feel free to e-mail me at bcronin@comicbookresources.com if you have a suggestion for a future installment!
Today we look at a strange Superman tale that is made even stranger by the fact that it was written by Superman's co-creator, Jerry Siegel. Read on for the story of "The Case of the Living Trophies," from 1947's Superman #45 by Siegel and artist John Sikela (and maybe inker George Roussos)...
The issue opens with Superman doing a lot of super stunts, making himself a total show-off. We eventually find out why he's acting like such a ham - some alien is showing up and kidnapping notable figures around the world (like a famous boxer, a famous scientist, famous reporter Lois Lane, etc.) and he has to get the alien's attention...
They battle, but the alien gets the upper hand and throws out a bizarre pun as he chokes Superman out...
So the alien shows him off to all of his friends...
This leads to Superman out of nowhere debuting two powers, made all the weirder since it was Superman's co-creator who came up with this! I mean, telepathy?! What the heck?!?
Shapeshifting?!?!
And now Superman plays on the alien's stupidity in a brilliant "plan"...
The day is now saved. Superman then destroys the interdimensional traveling device (even as a rich guy offers him millions for it).
What a bizarre story. Less than ten years into Superman's existence! And by his co-creator!