A Live Action History of Toyman
One of Superman's Most Dangerous Foes Uses Toys as Weapons
Feb 4, 2009
The Winslow Schott version of Toyman first appeared in Action Comics as a foe for Superman in 1943. He has been a regular villain in the DC Comics Universe ever since, although occasionally in different forms and under different aliases. Normally dressed in over-sized, childlike attire, including a large bow-tie, Toyman has on occasion dressed as a Jester, usually when the name is taken by a man named Jack Nimball. Both the Schott and Nimball versions use various toys as weapons to commit crimes. The Schott incarnation of Toyman is the most popular in live action television appearances, but the Nimball version is seen more often in animation.
Superboy
The first live action appearance of Toyman was never actually called by name. In the television series Superboy, Gilbert Gottried appeared in two episodes as a character called "Nick Knack" who wore a costume that resembled the Winslow Schott character in the comics. Like the comic book Toyman, Nick Knack used toys to commit his crimes. Also like his comic book counterpart, he was foiled by Superboy every time.
Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Winslow Schott, played by Jeffersons actor Sherman Helmsley (with the late Isabel Sandford, his Jeffersons co-star playing his secretary, Ms. Duffy), appeared in Metropolis at Christmas time, handing out toys with a chemical additive that turned children greedy and caused adults to act like children. Immune to the effect, Superman eventually found the source of the chemical and neutralized Schott's operation. At one point, Schott is referred to as "A Toyman" but is never actually called by the villain's name. Unlike the comics, the Schott character had a happy ending, finding romance with Ms. Duffy.
A second Toyman appeared during the show's run, this one actually called "The Toyman", played by Grant Shaud. Somewhat more sinister than the Winslow Schott character as portrayed by Helmsley, this Toyman whose real name is Harold Kripstly is responsible for several child abductions. Naturally, Superman foils his scheme and brings him to justice.
Smallville
Toyman will appear in the 8th season of Smallville, played by actor Chris Gauthier. The Smallville incarnation of Toyman closely resembles the classic Winslow Schott version, wearing somewhat childlike clothing, including an over-sized bow-tie. In this instance, Schott is a disgruntled former employee of Queen Industries and uses toys to bomb one a meeting set up by Tess Mercer to discuss a merger with Lex Luthor's company, sending Oliver Queen, also known as Green Arrow, to the hospital.
With Green Arrow laid up, Clark Kent will have to face the Toyman on his own.
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