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Action Comics , #23

Published: April 1940

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Issue Contents:

Story Featuring Superman

Characters
Other
Credits
Europe at War, Part 2

Story Featuring Superman

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
Other
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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.

Trouble at the Mine

Story Featuring Pep Morgan

"Hi Jim - How's the assistant manager of the Digby Mines?"

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Other
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Dead Men Tell No Tales

"The year of 1800..."

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Other
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Story Notes

Title is given in panel 3, page 1 of story.

The Lost City of Gold

"Three winged airbirds..."

Characters
The Three Aces
Credits
Story Notes

Writer credit added and art verification by Craig Delich.

The Man with the Rubber Face

Story Featuring Tex Thomson

"Say Mr. Tex - W-what am dat knockin'?"

Characters
Other
Credits
Story Notes

Title of strip given as "Tex Thompson". Letterer credit added by Craig Delich.

Spy's Return
Credits
Revolution in Verdania, Part 1

"Clip, en route by steamer from Africa to South America..."

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Other
Credits
Story Notes

Moldoff signs on the final page.

The Treasure Tower

Story Featuring Zatara

"Oh! Excuse me1"

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Other
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Story Notes

Back cover.

Story Notes

Inside back cover.

Six Big Headline Features for the "Big Six" Comic Magazines!
Red Cross Anniversary
Story Notes

Page includes many small ads from stamps dealers.

How to Find Bones
No. 1 - Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson
Supermen of America
Now on Sale!
Story Notes

Inside front cover.