This is an in-universe article with out-of-universe material.
Superman #169 is an issue of the series Superman (Volume 1) with a cover date of May, 1964.
Synopsis for "The Infernal Imp!"
The scene opens in the 5th dimension in which Mxyzptlk is playing a prank on the mayor. He makes the mayor's car fall apart and he begins to laugh so hard that his jaw locks up and remains stuck. The doctor informs him that it will remain locked for a week and Mxyzptlk decides that this will be the perfect time to visit Earth. Once on Earth, he immediately begins to make a nuisance out of himself. When Superman attempts to make him say his name backwards, the imp uses sign language to let him know that his jaw is locked and he is incapable of speech. Superman is at a loss as to how he can rid himself of Mr Mxyzptlk. Eventually Superman gets an inspiration. He disguises himself as a hat salesman and offers the Imp a fancy hat for his use. Mr Mxyzptlk sees through the disguise and uses sign language to communicate that he is incapable of saying KLTPZYXM. Superman then pulls out a device that speaks in the Imps voice and says his name backwards. Mr Mxyzptlk begins to disappear puzzled as to how Superman made him say his name backwards when his jaw was still locked. Superman then reveals the telepathy gadget which reads thoughts. It had been implanted in the hat that he gave the Imp. Superman goes on to reveal that the gadget was a gift from the planet Brrym that he had retrieved from his fortress for this occasion.
Appearing in "The Infernal Imp!"
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Synopsis for "The Man Who Stole Superman's Secret Life!"
Ned Barnes, a double for Clark Kent and a thief, falls into company with Sally Selwyn, who takes him for "Jim White", the identity under which an amnesiac Superman once fell in love with her.
Ned had lived in Smallville at the same time as Superboy. When he was disfigured in a fire, he asked to have his new face look like Superboy, his idol. Things did not work happily, as bullies enjoyed tormenting him because he didn't have Superboy's powers.
Superman/Clark Kent is aware of Ned's deception, but he holds off; hoping Ned will have conscience enough to confess on his own.
Ned is killed protecting Sally from old criminal friends of his, and Superman decides not to approach Sally; as the incident has redoubled his then-belief that any wife of Superman would be a permanent target for his enemies.
Appearing in "The Man Who Stole Superman's Secret Life!"
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- Ned Barnes (Single appearance)
- Big Tony (Single appearance)
- Gunner (Single appearance)
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Synopsis for "The Bizarro Invasion of Earth!"
Superman is dismayed when the Bizarros come to Earth saying that they will do him the favor of destroying the planet, not knowing they mean the advertising globe on top of the Daily Planet building.
Appearing in "The Bizarro Invasion of Earth!"
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Notes
- "The Infernal Imp!" was reprinted in Superman Family #168.
- "The Bizarro Invasion of Earth!" was reprinted in Superman #202 and Superman in the Sixties.
- "The Bizarro Invasion of Earth!" was part of "The Great DC Contest!" detailed earlier in this issue. The story had been specifically written to eliminate the letters 'D' and 'C' after the opening panel. Contestants would have to locate the one 'D' and one 'C' that had been left in the story to enter. The reprint in Superman #202 includes the contest rules in the opening panel, and also reveals the answer on the final page.
- However, the original story accidentally included two extra 'D's, somewhat ruining the attempted contest.
Trivia
The Mr.Mxyzptlk story contained medical misinformation t hat readers commented on at the time. Lockjaw is when your mouth is locked shut, not open.