Professor Potter. The professor was the catalyst for many silly Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane stories. He was forever inventing gadgets which would kick-start the story, and initially appeared in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #22 (August 1957).
Pepperwinkle first appeared in the comics in Superman #289, and had a central role there. The GCD also lists him in Superman #297; I'd quite forgotten he was in that one. Bronze Age creators grew up with the Superman TV show.
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From Silver Age Comics Blog:
Professor Potter. The professor was the catalyst for many silly Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane stories. He was forever inventing gadgets which would kick-start the story, and initially appeared in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #22 (August 1957).
Professor Potter was also Lana Lang's uncle.
Professor Potter! I should've known that.
I often thought he was based on Professor Periwinkle in "Adventures of Superman," but have never seen that confirmed anywhere.
Professor Periwinkle appeared in the comics a couple of times, too.
Edited:
Googled him and, smack my head, his name was Professor PEPPERWINKLE! He proceeded Professor Potter who debuted in Jimmy Olsen in 1957!
Pepperwinkle appeared in two comics during the 70s: Action Comics #442 (D'74) where I remembered him and Superman #308 (F'77).
Someone needs to mention him to Geoff Johns and see where he pops up in the modern comics.
Pepperwinkle first appeared in the comics in Superman #289, and had a central role there. The GCD also lists him in Superman #297; I'd quite forgotten he was in that one. Bronze Age creators grew up with the Superman TV show.
Philip Portelli said:
And also the answer under the $2,000 "Double Jeopardy!" card:
"It was Lana Lang's mother's maiden name."