Issue Contents:
Characters
- Clark Kent (mainstream Universe)
- Superman (mainstream Universe)
Credits
- Pencils: Joe Shuster
- Inks: Paul Cassidy
Story Notes
Inside front cover.
Europe at War, Part 2 (1)
Storyline
While on assignment with Lois Lane as Clark Kent, Superman investigates the conflict between Galonia and Toran and finds munitions manufacturer Luthor behind it. When Lois is kidnapped and taken to Luthor's colossal dirigible, Superman follows and puts an end to Luthor and the war.
Characters
- Clark Kent (mainstream Universe)
- Lois Lane (mainstream Universe)
- Luthor (mainstream Universe)
- Superman (mainstream Universe)
- George Taylor
- General Lupo (villain, dies)
Credits
- Script: Jimmy Hansen
- Pencils: Joe Shuster
- Inks: Paul Cassidy
Story Notes
First mention of Daily Planet in comic book. This is the first story with Luthor. Superman asks "Who is Luthor?" The second Luthor story appeared in Superman #4 (cover date Spring 1940). Luthor says "We encounter each other once more". However Superman #4 may have gone on sale before this issue. In their copyright registration, Detective Comics, Inc. said Action Comics #23 was published Feb 23, 1940. An in-house ad said Superman #4 would go on sale Feb 15; the copyright registration said that it was published Jan 23. Officially, per DC Comics web site, Luthor's first appearance is in Action Comics #23. Luthor has red hair. The last panel of this story is an illustrated promotional ad for the Sandman in Adventure Comics.
Featuring The Sandman, Adventure Comics
"Read the thrilling, action-packed story of the SANDMAN..."
Story Notes
Last panel of Superman story.
Now on Sale!
Storyline
Promo ad for Superman #4.
Trouble at the Mine (1)
"Hi Jim - How's the assistant manager of the Digby Mines?"
Characters
- Pep Morgan
- Jim Bradley
- "Bull" Lock (villain)
Credits
- Pencils: Akira Tanaka
- Inks: Akira Tanaka
Dead Men Tell No Tales
"The year of 1800..."
Characters
- The Black Pirate
- Jon Valor
- Captain Ruff (villain)
Credits
- Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
- Inks: Sheldon Moldoff
Story Notes
Title is given in panel 3, page 1 of story.
The Lost City of Gold (1)
"Three winged airbirds..."
Characters
Credits
- Script: Gardner Fox
- Pencils: Chad Grothkopf
- Inks: Chad Grothkopf
Story Notes
Writer credit added and art verification by Craig Delich.
No. 1 - Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson
Boys! I'll Help You Get a Daisy Air Rifle for Your Birthdsy
Boys Print
Story Notes
Sold by Peck Brothers.
How to Find Bones (1)
Boys Build This Cape Cod Cottage
The Man with the Rubber Face (1)
"Say Mr. Tex - W-what am dat knockin'?"
Characters
- Bob Daley
- Gargantua T. Potts
- Tex Thomson
- Delores Clark
- Enak
Credits
- Script: Ken Fitch (uncertain)
- Pencils: Bernard Baily
- Inks: Bernard Baily
- Letters: Bernard Baily
Story Notes
Title of strip given as "Tex Thompson". Letterer credit added by Craig Delich.
Spy's Return
Credits
- Script: Guydo (uncertain)
Boys Earn Money and Big Prizes
Revolution in Verdania, Part 1 (1)
"Clip, en route by steamer from Africa to South America..."
Characters
- Clip Carson
- Lieutenant Diaz
- Lieutenant Calle
Credits
- Pencils: Sheldon Moldoff
- Inks: Sheldon Moldoff
Story Notes
Moldoff signs on the final page.
Red Cross Anniversary; Commemoratives From Philippines (1)
Story Notes
Page includes many small ads from stamps dealers.
The Treasure Tower
"Oh! Excuse me1"
Credits
- Script: Gardner Fox
- Pencils: Fred Guardineer
- Inks: Fred Guardineer
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
C'mon Boys, Girls, Men, Women Pick Your Prize
Story Notes
Inside back cover.
A Sensational Offer to Readers of Action Comics
Storyline
The Complete Works of Shakespeare
Story Notes
Back cover.