Superman #47 is an issue of the series Superman (Volume 1) with a cover date of July, 1947.
Synopsis for "The Toyman's Castle"
The Toyman arrives in prison as the warden is handing out work assignments. He pretends to be a reformed criminal and offers to build a series of toys that discourage crooks from turning to a life of crime. In actuality his toys turn out to be animated plans for actual crimes that assist criminals. His scheme is uncovered by Superman but the Toyman manages to build one final toy that explodes and allows him to escape through a damaged stone wall. The Toyman then approaches a socialite by the name of Mrs. Thwart who is planning a large party. She is looking to surprise her guests and the Toyman offers to build her a unique toy that will entertain and fascinate the people at her party. He demonstrates a fortune telling Swami character that gives out advice. The Swami is activated when a person writes their signature on a pad and the signature is then replaced by a written message. The Toyman demonstrates how it works by signing the pad but he then receives a mysterious message telling him to “Beware of one who flies through the air” The night of the party arrives and the mechanical swami is a hit at the party. The party is covered by Lois Lane who is there to write an article about the social event. The party comes to an end and the Toyman observes the guests as they leave. He reveals that he will use the collection of signatures to transfer bank accounts. He is then spotted by Lois Lane and the Toyman has no choice but to abduct her since he is still a wanted man. The Toyman then proceeds to collect the roll of paper containing all the guest signatures but he is interrupted by Superman who easily apprehends him. The Toyman requests that Superman take him by his secret castle before he is taken to prison. Superman is curious about the secret castle and agrees to take the Toyman there on the way to prison. When they arrive, Toyman reveals that he has Lois Lane trapped there as a hostage. She is strapped to a throne surrounded by wires that will trigger deadly traps if they are disturbed. Superman admits defeat and asks if he can give Lois a present to help her pass the time. He constructs a jack in the box in Toyman's workshop. When the Toyman opens the box to check it, the Jack in the Box knocks him out. Superman then races to protect Lois Lane as her booby trap is activated. Superman endures a number of deadly assaults but Lois is safe in the end. Toyman is sent back to prison where he is given the mundane task of breaking rocks with a hammer.
Appearing in "The Toyman's Castle"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Toyman
- Kid Kale (Single appearance)
- Zip (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Mrs. Thwart (Single appearance)
- Pison Warden (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Metropolis
- Daily Planet
- Metropolis State Prison
- Pierre's (Metropolis greatest jewelry shop)
Items:
- Crime-does-not-pay (electronic board game)
- Convict doll (Destroyed)
- Mechanized swami
Vehicles:
- A Cable Car
Synopsis for "Susie Reforms"
Susie, Lois' niece, does romps.
Appearing in "Susie Reforms"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Crawley (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Tambu (Single appearance)
- Kadir (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Metropolis
- Daily Planet
- Zoo
- Ritz Plaz Apartments
- Swank Annual Fashion Show
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "Superman's Unlucky Day"
Superman goes through a series of misunderstandings and misfortunes when trying to do heroic deeds.
Appearing in "Superman's Unlucky Day"
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- A bull
Other Characters:
- Willie, explorer (Single appearance)
- Maude, his wife (Single appearance)
- Mr. Randall (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Metropolis
- Daily Planet
- Movie set
- Wild West Rodeo
- Metropolis China Shoppe
Items:
Notes
- Susie Reforms:
- Susie apparently comes alone to Metropolis by train; at that time, minors traveling alone were not the concern of the authorities.
- "Sahib" is a word of Arabic origin meaning "companion" and is used in several other Middle East and Indian languages.
- Superman's Unlucky Day:
- The film Battle of the Planets have no relation with the homonymous anime.
See Also