Action Comics, #22

Published: March 1940

Cover

Action Comics #22

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Issue Contents:
1 page superhero
Credits
Story Notes

"S" on cape; 1st issue to feature "World's Largest Selling Comic Magazine" on cover.

Story 1 1 page
Story Notes

Inside front cover.

Europe at War, Part 1 (1)
Story 2 13 pages superhero

"The armed battalions of Toran..."

Storyline

When Toran suddenly invades Galonia, Clark and Lois are sent to cover the war. On the ship to Europe, Clark saves the life of Lita Laverne, a famous foreign actress. When she later snubs him, Clark and Lois attend a reception for Lita to investigate. The reception is cut short when the city is bombed. Superman ends the bombing but discovers a neutral steamship is under attack and that Lita might have a connection.

Characters
Credits
Story Notes

"S" on cape. The last panel is an illustrated promotional ad for The Spectre, with illustration by Bernard Baily. At the bottom of the last page of the story is the blurb, "Read the thrilling, action-packed story of the SANDMAN battling crime and injustice in every issue of ADVENTURE COMICS!"

Featuring The Spectre; More Fun Comics

Story 3 0 pages

"The Spectre the most sensational-action strip-thriller of all time..."

Story Notes

last panel of Superman story

New!
Story 4 1 page
Storyline

Promo ad for Superman #4.

Story 5 1 page
Volunteer Fireman (1)
Story 6 6 pages adventure

"What's the hurry, Charlie?"

Storyline

As Pep is playing pinochle with the volunteer fire department, they receive word that Joe Mack's place is burning. When they arrive, they find that Joe's wife ran back in for her pocketbook. Pep prepares a daring rescue. Later, evidence is found that the fire might have been set intentionally, and suspicion falls on Rufus Toone and his nephew, Ezra Wright.

Characters
  • Pep Morgan
  • Joe Mack
  • Charlie
  • Mrs. Mack
  • Rufus Toone (villain)
  • Ezra Wright (villain)
  • Fred Davis
  • Jack Green
  • Ted
Credits
Story Notes

Writer credit added by Craig Delich.

Murder at the Slash-D Ranch (1)
Story 7 4 pages adventure; western-frontier

"It strikes me there are some mighty tough looking birds around herer"

Storyline

A young "puncher" mistakes an old gunman for a friend, but his friendly slap causes him to be held at gunpoint. Chuck sees that the young man apologized, and he intervenes. Later, on a rough mountain trail, Chuck finds the young man's body and is coerced into helping track down the killer when the Slash-D ranch foreman finds him by the body.

Characters
Credits
Story Notes

This was the last appearance of Chuck Dawson.

Beauty Was the Beast (1)
Story 8 6 pages adventure

"Walk, walk, walk..."

Storyline

Aboard a liner en route from Algiers to South America, Clip sees a man, Harry Anders, knocked overboard and jumps in to rescue him. Back on board, the man and his daughter, Gloria, tell Clip about a statue that they obtained in Africa that has brought nothing but attempts on their lives, despite their readiness to return it. Clip goes to the room of an anthropologist, Reginald Hood, for more information but is met with great resistance. Shortly thereafter, Harry is found murdered, and Clip races to solve the case.

Characters
  • Gloria Anders
  • Harry Anders
  • Reginald Hood
  • Mr. Ballard
Story Notes

Moldoff signs on the last page. At the bottom of the last page of the story is the blurb, "The mysterious figure of the BATMAN appears in a complete episode every month in DETECTIVE COMICS!"

Malay Head
Story 9 1 page adventure
Credits
Story Notes

Across 2 pages.

Boys! I'll Help You Get a Daisy Air Rifle
Story 10 0 pages
Story Notes

At the bottom of the first page of the text story.

A Bike for You
Story 11 1 page
Story Notes

On the bottom of the second page of the text story.

Story 12 0 pages
Story Notes

A few small ads on both pages of the text story.

The Island Demon (1)
Story 13 10 pages adventure

"...You must believe the natives!"

Storyline

Tex Thomson must stop a Demon from an island in the Indian Ocean that has the power to impersonate other people.

Characters
Credits
Story Notes

Baily signs on the last page. Letterer credit added by Craig Delich.

Story 14 1 page non-fiction

"No! Not a jitterbug..."

Credits
Story Notes

Four unrelated fact panels. Writer credit added by Craig Delich.

Issue from Haiti; Belgian Item
Story 15 1 page
Story Notes

Page includes many small ads from stamps dealers.

Story 16 1 page
The Lost Scot Gold Mine, Part 2 (1)
Story 17 6 pages adventure

"He seems so far away..."

Storyline

Concho and his raiders kidnap Sally and Perry, according to Nedra and Martino's plans. Martino soons finds that he has been double-crossed by Concho, who takes him captive as well. One night a whistling sound through the camp ignites the hopes of the captives.

Characters
Credits
Story Notes

Story continued from Action Comics #21.

Wet Paint (1)
Story 18 1 page humor; anthropomorphic-funny animals
Storyline

Rex's owner kicks Rex out of a chair so that he can paint it. Rex finds a way to sleep in the chair again.

Characters
  • Rex
  • Rex's owner
Credits
Story Notes

Writer and letterer credits added by Craig Delich.

The "Mask"
Story 19 11 pages adventure; fantasy

"The Tigress! I wonder what she's up to?"

Storyline

Recently returned from England, Zatara dines at the El Storko Club, where he notices the Tigress. He sees her poison the drink of Ed Burton, a banker. Zatara saves him. The Tigress meets with the Mask and discusses their plans to kill Ed. Zatara hunts after the Tigress to stop them.

Characters
Six Big Headline Features for the "Big Six" Comic Magazines!

Featuring Action Comics; Adventure Comics; All-American Comics; Detective Comics; Flash Comics; More Fun Comics

Story 20 1 page
Story 21 1 page
Story Notes

Inside back cover.

Story 22 1 page
Story Notes

Back cover.