Cover: Fred Ray

Action Comics #52

Sep 1942 · DC · 0.10 USD

📊 ~40,623 copies sold its debut month

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“The Emperor of America”

In "The Emperor of America," Superman faces his most insidious threat yet when the U.S. President mysteriously steps down, handing power to a mysterious new ruler who claims to bring peace through a non-resistance ray—taking over the nation without a single shot fired. Written by Jerry Siegel and illustrated by John Sikela, this 1942 classic sees the Man of Steel stand alone against a regime that defies both force and fear. The cover, by Fred Ray, captures the moment with chilling precision.

writer Jerry Siegel · artist, inker John Sikela · cover Fred Ray

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Cast · 1 character

Wonder Woman

Full credits

writer Jerry Siegel

artist, inker John Sikela

cover pencils, inks Fred Ray

Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers

▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers

The President of the United States vacates his position in favor of The Emperor, who uses a non-resistance ray to take over America without firing a shot. He doesn't count on Superman providing any opposition, however.

Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).