Cover: Curt Swan & Stan Kaye

Action Comics #251

Apr 1959 · DC · 0.10 USD

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“The Oldest Man in Metropolis!”

In "The Oldest Man in Metropolis!", Clark Kent accidentally ages into a 70-year-old man after drinking a life-extending serum laced with Kryptonite, forcing Superman to take on impossible roles—from the Old Man of the Sea to Santa Claus and even Father Time—just to keep his identity hidden. Written by Robert Bernstein and brought to life with warm, expressive art by Al Plastino, this 1959 classic sees the Man of Steel navigating the absurdity of aging while maintaining his heroic duties. The cover, by Curt Swan and Stan Kaye, captures the whimsical yet poignant tone of the tale.

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writer Robert Bernstein · artist, inker Al Plastino · cover Curt Swan, Stan Kaye

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Full credits

writer Robert Bernstein

artist, inker Al Plastino

cover pencils Curt Swan

cover inks Stan Kaye

Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers

▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers

When Clark Kent drinks Prof. Vance's life-extending vitamin serum, which contains particles of Kryptonite, it ages him to about 70 years old. Since his robots won't respond to his aged voice, Superman must fulfill his duties as the Old Man of the Sea, Santa Claus, and Father Time so that no one realizes that Clark Kent is Superman.

Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).