1955 Signed Noel Neill AND Al Plastino Original Superman Art Action Comics #201

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1955 Signed Noel Neill AND Al Plastino Original Superman Art Action Comics #201:
$2999.99

About the item:

This historically significant piece of original Golden Age Superman art is by the prolific Man of Steel artist Al Plastino. It is from Action Comics #201 (the last pre-Comics Code Authority issue of the series) which first appeared on newsstands in February of 1955. It is unique in that it is a page from one of the few comic stories adapted as a script for an episode of the classic George Reeves The Adventures of Superman television series (see below). The page features Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Perry White, a gangster named Benny, an inventory named Mr. Bates, and a few cave people. Suddenly and accidentally transported back in time, Superman hardly appeared in this story because it was “just” Clark – and not Superman – that went back in time- and so had to protect his secret identity. It measures approximately 14 by 22 inches and is in good condition with no tears or other significant wear. It is also autographed by Noel Neill who played Lois Lane opposite George Reeves in this classic episode. Ms. Neill signed her autograph at the bottom center of the page. It is also singed by the artist himself, Al Plastino.

A true rarity, this page - over half a century old - is one of the very few surviving original art pages from the mere handful of comics used by The Adventures of Superman producers as source material for television episodes. With almost certainty, it is the only page autographed by one of the original cast members - Neill - and the artist - Plastino.

Details on the historical significance of this page:

One of the most popular television series’ in TV history, The Adventures of Superman catapulted the Man of Steel before the world in a way he had never before enjoyed. More so than even the comics, radio series, and the Saturday Serials combined, the television series helped cement Superman as on of the most enduring fictional creations of modern times. The first two seasons, particularly the first one, dealt with more serious topics and put Superman into many “real life” scenarios. By the third season, however, a subtle attempt was made to mirror the tone then running through Superman stories appearing in the comics and to make it more kid-friendly. Three particular episodes stand out and were direct adaptation, albeit modified adaptations due to the special effects constraints of early Television, from previously published issues of Action Comics. Issue 188 (“The Spectral Superman”), 200 (“The Test of a Warrior”), and 201 (“The Challenge of Stoneman”), all of which were later adapted into episodes of the TV series (though “The Challenge of Stoneman” was renamed to “Through the Time Barrier,” and “The Spectral Superman” to “Superman in Exile”).

In “The Challenge of Stoneman,” a Metropolis gangster named Benny the Brute is accidentally transported into the Stone Age -taken with Daily Planet staffers Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Perry White, by an inventor named Mr. Bates and his most recent creation, a time machine. Benny, who does not know Superman is around in the guise of Clark Kent, swipes the idea of wearing an “S” on his chest and demands to be called Stoneman. Using a pistol and cigarette lighter, Benny tries to frighten the local cavemen into doing his offerding (and so he can remain in the past where there are no police – and, he thinks, no Superman, either). Clark finally tricks Benny into returning to the twentieth century and then, as Superman, apprehends him.

This issue of Action Comics this page appeared in is dated February, 1955 and is the last pre Comic Code Authority issue to be published. Al Plastino provided the cover and interior art for this story- other artists whose work appears in the issue are Ruben Moreira, Ed Smalle, Henry Boltinoff, and Jim Mooney. As the actual writer remains unknown there are several Superman scribes that could claim credit for the issue; Bill Finger (Batman co-creator) and Alvin Schwartz are two likely candidates. But it is most probable that Otto Binder wrote this particular issue, having written the majority of Superman stories during this period. Both Benny the Brute and Mr. Bates make their first and last comic appearances in this issue.

In “Through the Time Barrier,” The Adventures of Superman writer David T. Chantler took the basics of the 12-page Action Comics #201 tale and reworked it into a filmable script for the budgetary and special effects limitations of the times. It first aired on April 23, 1955 and is the first episode of Season Three – and, also, is the very first episode filmed in color. The recurring character of Professor Twiddle (played by Sterling Holloway and who also originally appeared as a character in the Superman Radio Series) replaces Bates as the goofy inventory and Turk Jackson (played by Jim Hyland) replaces Benny the Brute. Of course the episode featured George Reeves as Superman/Clark Kent, Noel Neill as Lois Lane, and Jack Larson as Jimmy Olsen. Chantler removes the tiger Superman has to fight and also does away with the “Stoneman” concept, preferring to leave the gangster as simply a gun brandishing goon. Much of the rest of the tale, however, remains true to the original comic book version.

Mort Weisinger surely had a hand in the selection of this comic book story as source material for the television episode. As fans of the TV series know, Weissinger served as the story editor of TThe Adventures of Superman. But he was also the long-time editor of DC Comics’ Superman line of titles and, as such, was the editor of the story this page appeared in. What was it, one wonders, that prompted Weissinger to select this particular story above the many others that appeared in Superman comics in and around this time period? Perhaps he just liked this story? We’ll never know, but no matter the reason, this page is a truly historic piece of original art thanks to its distinction as being one of the extremely few examples of comics stories that survives and was used for adaptation into a script for the much-beloved The Adventures of Superman.

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