The Mysterious Misdemeanors of the Prankster

[cyberghostface]

 

From Superman Family #184.

The Prankster is trolling Superman by committing crimes that are technically illegal per outdated laws like capturing birds at a cemetery in Idaho. Superman wonders what is going on.

Comments

[alicemacher]

"Don't make fun of me, or I'll take my ball smash a wall and go home! Waaah!"

It may have been the Bronze Age (the issue came out in 1977), but the Superdickery and over-the-top convoluted scheming here are the very essence of DC's Silver Age. Thanks for posting this!

[crinos]

You know Superman, there is such a thing as taking being Lawful Good too far.

I mean Jeez, I mean I don't think "Sticking pennies in your ears" is wall punch worthy.

[fungo_squiggly]

Good lord, but Superman comes off looking terrible in this.

The best part is him smugly congratulating himself for not being "petty," after letting himself be repeatedly manipulated into arresting the Prankster on bogus charges and then throwing a ridiculous public tantrum.

He probably could have foiled the plan just as easily by doing nothing.

"Ha ha! Look at me! I'm sticking pennies in my ears in Hawaii! Call the six o'clock news! Because, pennies! In my ears! Hello? Is anyone even listening? Ooh, I really didn't think this one through, did I..."

[thosefew]

I wish this was how the Injustice universe started.

[mesmiranda]

Slow day at the DC comics office?

[jaxjyls]

Always wondered what the context behind that cover was

[donnblake]

What level of force does Superman reckon he can use that won't risk permanent damage but will leave the Prankster concussed for days?

Also, how did the Prankster communicate this code and the deal to Toyman, and mightn't it have been easier just to give him the location by that method of communication?

[gnarll]

This story made me see Kryptonian psychology in a different perspective. I kind of formulated a theory on how it works.

Non-human and far more rigid than human psychology. Operating on levels, as opposed to gradients. Imprinting on a set of norms and rules very early in life, and not quite as adaptable in relation to changes of them as human psychology.

This actually fits into the pre-crisis portrayal of superman as having had his powers since he was a baby but demonstrating inhuman restraint.

[q99]

Prankster has reeeeally never worked for me as a character.

Trickster has, both of 'em. But Pransker? Not in a series I've read.

[zylly]

I think Kurt Busiek came up with the best take on the Prankster. Superman distractor for hire.