Superman: The Magnetic Telescope (1942) Max Fleischer’s Superman – Episode 6 --- Director: Dave Fleischer Studio: Fleischer Studios / Paramount Pictures Voices: Bud Collyer (Superman / Clark Kent), Joan Alexander (Lois Lane), Jackson Beck (narrator), Julian Noa (Perry White) Release Date: April 24, 1942 Runtime: ~8 minutes (one reel) Format: Technicolor | Mono | Sound | Animated Short | Superhero / Sci‑Fi Country: United States Language: English Genres: Superhero | Adventure | Science Fiction | Crime --- 🎬 Summary A brilliant but reckless scientist builds a giant magnetic telescope designed to pull comets closer for study. When an early experiment goes awry, the comet crashes into Metropolis, damaging property and sowing panic. Later, the scientist stubbornly proceeds with his next experiment despite warnings. As the police sabotage the machine, the comet spirals uncontrollably toward the city. Lois Lane, trapped in the collapsing observatory, calls for help. Clark Kent, nearby, takes a taxi to the scene—but changes into Superman mid-ride when debris starts falling. His initial attempts to physically push the comet fail, rendering him briefly unconscious. Recovering, Superman reconnects the damaged generator—but there’s no power. To fix it, he absorbs and channels electricity through himself as Lois flips the switch. The comet is repelled back into space just in time, saving the city. The silhouette behind the control panel kisses “Superman”—but it’s actually Clark. --- 🎨 Background This is the sixth of seventeen iconic Technicolor short films featuring Superman made by Fleischer Studios between 1941–1943 (after which Famous Studios continued the series) . The short is noted for its cinematic animation style, use of rotoscoping, dynamic lighting, and realistic motion—elements that influenced later works by the likes of Hayao Miyazaki and the animated Superman: The Animated Series . --- 🧪 Notable Features & Trivia Marks the first time the phone booth costume change occurs in animated Superman history Superman’s X-ray vision is not used in this episode—unlike The Mechanical Monsters The magnetic telescope’s cooling green glow unintentionally evokes early depictions of kryptonite (which wasn’t introduced until the Superman radio show in 1943) Lois Lane plays an active role, flipping the switch at the end to send the comet back to space—a notable showcase of her character’s agency --- ⚖️ Public Domain Note All the Fleischer Superman shorts—including The Magnetic Telescope—are in the public domain in the United States due to lapsed copyright renewals. However, the character of Superman (Clark Kent, Lois Lane, etc.) remains under copyright until 2033–2034, meaning usage of the cartoon visuals is allowed, but using the character as-is remains restricted . --- 📋 Quick Info Table Feature Details Episode Number 6 of the Fleischer Superman Shorts Release Date April 24, 1942 Runtime ~8 minutes Key Elements Magnetic comet plot, phone booth transform, Lois involvement Animation Style Rotoscope, Technicolor, film-noir influences Notable Feature Superman channels electricity to power the telescope Public Domain Status Cartoon is PD; character is not until ~2034 --- ✅ Why It Stands Out This episode blends speculative science fiction with disaster-film tension, presenting Superman as a hero who must innovate to save the day—not simply rely on raw strength. The combination of vivid rotoscope animation, dramatic lighting, and character-driven action makes The Magnetic Telescope a standout in early superhero animation. Fans often describe the climax—where Superman holds the electric current through his body—as a creatively daring and memorable moment . --- Would you like a full YouTube description format, or details on any other episode from the series?