Action Comics Vol 1 241

Whenever he needs to get away from the day-to-day acts of heroism, Superman retreats to his hidden Arctic, Fortress of Solitude. Access to the Fortress is gained by way of a giant metal key – a key so heavy, that only Superman could ever hope to lift it. Inside his fortress are vaults and trophy rooms devoted to his various exploits. He has a room in honor of Jimmy Olsen, one in honor of Lois Lane, one in honor of his close friend, Batman, and even a room dedicated to star reporter, Clark Kent.

One day, Superman visits a scientist named Professor Welkins who asks the Man of Steel to test out the durability of a new metal compound he has been developing. Superman takes the compound back to his fortress and tests its breaking point. While there, he finds an ominous message written on the wall. Someone has managed to break into the Fortress of Solitude. The message taunts Superman, daring him to discover the intruder's true identity. In order to secure the Fortress from future break-ins, Superman welds the keyhole shut with a blast of heat vision.

Superman flies off to put out a fire in Metropolis, but when he returns he finds a second mysterious message. Someone has found yet another way to invade his sanctum. Unable to piece the puzzle together any further, Superman retires to one of his fortress's laboratories where (enclosed with lead) he begins experimenting on a piece of Kryptonite.

The intruder is still present however and soon makes his appearances known. It is Batman! As Batman leaps out and admits to leaving the vague messages, a cave-in erupts sealing the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight Detective inside of an enclosed cavern. Trapped inside with them is a deadly piece of Kryptonite. Superman is too weak to burst through the cave walls. As Batman begins to panic, Superman stands up, revealing that the cave-in (as well as the Kryptonite) was actually a carefully staged ruse designed to flush him out. Batman tells Superman that in honor of the anniversary of Superman’s arrival on Earth, he wanted to provide him with a fun challenging game. He reveals that he managed to break into the Fortress by creating a secret stowaway panel inside the pointed tip of the giant key.

The two go to the Batcave in Gotham City, where Batman has personally cooked a giant Anniversary cake for Superman. The cake is decorated with extra-large candles molded in the shape of Superman and Batman.

Appearing in "The Great Jungle Hoax"

Featured Characters:

Congo Bill

Supporting Characters:

Janu

Villains:

Unknown

Other Characters:

Unknown

Locations:

Africa

Republic of the Congo

Items:

None

Vehicles:

None

Synopsis for "The Great Jungle Hoax"

Synopsis not yet written.

Appearing in "The Strangest Crew in the Universe"

Featured Characters:

Tommy Tomorrow

Supporting Characters:

Hal Carter (First and only known appearance to date)
Paradog (First and only known appearance to date)
Robert Robo (First and only known appearance to date)

Villains:

Unknown

Other Characters:

Unknown

Locations:

Unknown

Items:

None

Vehicles:

None

Synopsis for "The Strangest Crew in the Universe"

Synopsis not yet written.

Notes

"The Super-Key to Fort Superman" is reprinted in Superman (Volume 1) Annual #1, Superman: The Man of Tomorrow Archives, Volume 1 and Showcase Presents: Superman, Volume 1.

Superman appeared last in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #29. He appears next in Superman (Volume 1) #122.

Batman appeared last in Batman #116. He appears next in Detective Comics #256.

Lois Lane appeared last in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #29. She appears next in Superman (Volume 1) #122.

Jimmy Olsen appeared last in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #29. He appears next in Superman (Volume 1) #122.

Trivia

This is the first appearance of the Earth-One Fortress of Solitude.

Links and References

Action Comics Vol 1 241

From DC Database

Appearing in "The Super-Key to Fort Superman!"

Synopsis for "The Super-Key to Fort Superman!"