Reign of the Supermen #175: Pseudo-Superman

Source: Action Comics #6 (1938)
Type: ImpostorFrom the desk of Nick Williams, Superman's manager: How to make money off the Superman brand. First, find an actor that is willing and able to play Superman in a variety of ads. He need not have the correct hair color, because really, how many people have actually met Superman? Appropriate products should recall the various vehicles Superman is compared to - planes, locomotives, that kind of thing.
It's the 1930s, so no need to cater to green issues yet. In any case, Superman and "green" was never a healthy mix.
But don't forget to develop the brand by licensing a broad range of items that might appeal to fans.
You should avoid letting your Superman actor talk with the media, especially the more discerning journalists of the Metropolis Daily Star. Be warned that even demonstrations will not be enough to fool these experts.
Certainly, you should avoid throwing such journalists out the window when the interview takes a wrong turn.

Additional exercises for your actor:
You may be just a good super-handshake away from making big licensing bucks! Good luck!

Comments

Matthew Turnage said…
I've always thought it was cool how Jerry Siegel was dreaming up all the licensing opportunities for Superman so early in the character's history. This story almost seemed like an excuse to say, "Look what a goldmine this character is!" Brilliant!
Siskoid said…
Superman was the very definition of instant hit.