Flippa Dippa debuted in Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133 (October 1970), created by Jack Kirby and Al Plastino. He was introduced as the son of Walter Johnson Sr., an associate of the original Newsboy Legion, a group of street kids who fought crime and helped Superman in the 1940s. The original Newsboy Legion was now working at Project Cadmus, a secret government facility experimenting with genetics and cloning. Flippa Dippa joined the sons of the original Newsies to form a new Newsboy Legion, along with Tommy Thompkins Jr., Big Words II, Gabby II, and Scrapper Jr.

The new Newsboy Legion often accompanied Jimmy Olsen and Superman on their adventures as they uncovered the secrets of Project Cadmus and its mysterious leader, the DNA Project. Flippa Dippa’s primary role was to provide underwater support for the team, using his skills and equipment as a diver. He also had a knack for cracking jokes and making puns, adding humor to the stories.

Flippa Dippa appeared in 23 issues of Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen, from #133 to #163, as well as in other titles such as Superman Family, Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane, World’s Finest Comics, and Adventure Comics. He also had a cameo in Crisis on Infinite Earth #5 (August 1985), where he was seen among the heroes gathered by Harbinger to fight the Anti-Monitor.

One of the most exciting facts about Flippa Dippa is that he was not the biological son of Walter Johnson Sr., but his clone. This was revealed in Superman #167 (February 2002), where it was explained that Project Cadmus had secretly cloned all the members of the original Newsboy Legion and raised their clones as their sons. The clones were genetically modified to age faster and have enhanced abilities, such as Flippa Dippa’s affinity for water. The clones also had implanted memories of their “fathers,” making them unaware of their true origins.

Another fact that may surprise some readers is that Flippa Dippa was one of the first black characters in DC comics, predating more famous heroes such as John Stewart (Green Lantern), Black Lightning, and Cyborg. Flippa Dippa was also one of the few black characters who did not have a stereotypical or derogatory name, unlike characters such as Tyroc, Black Bomber, or Vibe. Flippa Dippa was portrayed as an intelligent, brave, and loyal friend who did not face any overt racism or discrimination in his stories.