The Man Who Sold Superman

Superman's exploits have become pretty well-known thanks to Clark Kent, who has been specially assigned to deal with all Superman-related news. Imagine how surprised he is when he's introduced by his editor to... Superman's personal manager!

As it turns out, the charlatan has been selling Superman's name for commercial use, and making a pretty penny doing so. There's a Superman radio show, Superman brand gasoline, the Superman Streamline Special ("America's Favorite Automobile"--a variation of this will appear in the Slam Bradley comic in Detective Comics #28), and he's licensed "Superman bathing suits, costumes, physical development exercises, and movie rights." In fact, he has "even made provisions for him to appear in the comics!" Imagine that.

Well, Clark is pretty stunned by all this, so he jumps at the chance for an interview with this supposed Superman. When Lois hears of it, she isn't about to let Clark be the only one to meet Superman face to face. She approaches him, much to his surprise. When he asks why she's had a change of heart, she declares: "It's really quite simple! I've come to my senses and appreciate you at last, that's all!--will you take me out tonight, Clark, to celebrate it?" Clark agrees, of course, but tells Lois that she'll have to accompany him on his assignment, too.

Aren't they both just snakes? They deserve each other. Honestly, I'm not sure if Clark actually likes Lois or just enjoys toying with her.

Anyway, they go to a club, where a singer performs a new song, "You're a Superman!", which wastes a whole page and convinces me Siegel should never write song lyrics. Afterward, Lois drugs Clark so that she can take his place interviewing Superman.

When Lois arrives, she encounters a phony Superman who tries to impress her with fake feats of strength. She's not taken in, given that she's met Superman previously. They decide to throw her out a window to preserve their secret, and Superman arrives just in time to catch her as she falls. He apprehends the would-be murderers and sees them safely behind bars.