Professor Phineas Potter is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, primarily in association with Superman.
| Professor Potter | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #22 (August 1957) |
| Created by | Otto Binder (writer) Curt Swan (artist) |
| In-story information | |
| Full name | Phineas Potter |
| Supporting character of | Superman Jimmy Olsen |
Publication history
editPhineas Potter first appeared in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #22 (August 1957) and was created by Otto Binder and Curt Swan.
Fictional character biography
editPre-Crisis
editThe original incarnation of Professor Potter is the uncle of Lana Lang and first encounters the Man of Steel during his teenage years as Superboy.[1] A professor and eccentric scientist, Potter often invents odd or fantastical devices for the betterment of humanity. However, he rarely considers the potential downsides of his inventions. While several of his devices are harmless, many others are not and cause chaos when activated.
Potter befriends three newspaper reporters from the Daily Planet: Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Clark Kent. Olsen is often the victim of Potter's inventions, being transformed into a variety of bizarre forms.[2][3][4][5] Potter later creates a serum that gives Olsen elasticity, enabling him to become the superhero Elastic Lad and an honorary member of the Legion of Super-Heroes.[6]
Post-Crisis
editFollowing Crisis on Infinite Earths, which reboots DC's continuity, Clark Kent's history is revised so that he does not become a superhero until adulthood, and thus never operates as Superboy. Potter appears as a S.T.A.R. Labs scientist uninvolved with Superman.[7]
In other media
edit- Professor Pepperwinkle, a character similar to Professor Potter, appears in Adventures of Superman, portrayed by Phil Tead.
- Professor Potter appears in The Adventures of Superboy.
References
edit- ^ Adventure Comics #291 (December 1961). DC Comics.
- ^ Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #22 (August 1957). DC Comics.
- ^ Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #27 (March 1958). DC Comics.
- ^ Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #32 (October 1958). DC Comics.
- ^ Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #33 (December 1958). DC Comics
- ^ Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #89 (December 1965). DC Comics.
- ^ Superboy (vol. 4) #19 (September 1995). DC Comics.
External links
edit- Professor Potter at DC Wiki
- Supermanica: Professor Potter Supermanica entry on the Pre-Crisis Professor Potter.
- Supermanica: Professor Pepperwinkle Supermanica entry on the Pre-Crisis Professor Pepperwinkle.