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Superman in the Forties #[nn] cover
Cover: Joe Shuster

Superman in the Forties #[nn]

Dec 2005 · DC · 19.99 USD; 26.99 CAD
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About this Collection

This collection gathers Superman stories originally published in the 1940s, showcasing the Man of Steel's early adventures as he battles threats from gangsters and mad scientists to Lex Luthor and even Adolf Hitler. The volume includes appearances by Lois Lane, Perry White, the Daily Planet's George Taylor, and introduces elements like Krypton's Jor-El and Lara, as well as early encounters with Batman, Robin, and the impish Mr. Mxyztplk. It also features Superboy stories and a holiday tale with Santa Claus, capturing the Golden Age tone that defined the character's formative decade.

"Lois Lane Loves Clark Kent" is a standout issue from the 2005 Superman in the Forties series, written by Don C. Cameron and illustrated by Ira Yarbrough, whose dynamic art brings a classic feel to this modern take on Superman’s early days. The story centers on a con artist’s scheme to trick the rich into believing he can freeze them for 25 years, only for Superman to expose the futility of such escapism by staging a haunting vision of a future Metropolis gone to ruin. Joe Shuster’s iconic cover art, a faithful tribute to his original designs, captures the era’s spirit and adds a nostalgic weight to the tale.

Contains 16 stories
Untitled Superhero story
13 pp · Superhero
Evelyn CurryButch MatsonSenator BarrowsAlex Greer

In a story that captures the idealism and urgency of the era, Superman steps into the political fray when he delivers a crucial witness to halt an execution, then confronts violence in the streets. As Clark Kent navigates a tense romance with Lois, he draws the ire of Butch Matson, forcing Superman to intervene once more. When a mysterious assignment leads Clark to Washington, D.C., he uncovers a web of influence tied to Senator Barrows and lobbyist Alex Greer—uncovering a conspiracy that could drag the nation into war.

Untitled Superhero story
13 pp · Superhero
Alex GreerEmil NorvellLola Cortez

In a tense wartime tale from *Superman in the Forties*, Superman confronts Alex Greer and the reluctant munitions producer Emil Norvell, forcing him to board a ship bound for San Monte—where Lois and Clark are already traveling. As political intrigue unfolds, Superman must prevent Norvell from continuing his weapon production while protecting Lois from a dangerous frame-up.

Lois Lane Loves Clark Kent
8 pp · Superhero
The Origin of Superman
10 pp · Superhero
John Kent (per his tombstone)Mary Kent (per her tombstone)

In this definitive origin tale from *Superman in the Forties*, the legacy of Earth’s greatest hero begins on the doomed world of Krypton, where Jor-El’s desperate warnings fall on deaf ears. As the planet explodes, he and Lara send their infant son to Earth, where he is found and raised by the kind-hearted John and Mary Kent. Growing up under their care, the boy begins to uncover powers beyond human understanding, setting the stage for a destiny shaped by love, loss, and a father’s final plea.

Superman Returns to Krypton
12 pp · Superhero
Swami Riva [Dan Rivers]

In "Superman Returns to Krypton," Superman follows Lois as she probes the mysterious Swami Riva, only to find himself targeted by a strange hex that weakens him. Tracing the power to a meteorite hidden in the swami’s turban, Superman journeys back through time and space to Krypton, witnessing the planet’s final days and the desperate efforts of Jor-El to save his people. Returning to the present, he uses what he’s learned to end the swami’s scheme.

Superboy Meets Supergirl!
12 pp · Superhero
Queen Lucy [also as Lucy Regent]Duke NorvelloElena

In a small-town twist, Queen Lucy of Borgonia hides her identity at a Smallville school, where her brilliance and strength set her apart—except for Clark Kent, who sees past her disguise. When she teams up with Superboy to stop a robbery, the mayor stages a public performance where she’s presented as Supergirl, drawing attention that leads to her kidnapping by Duke Norvello, who seeks to undermine her claim to the throne. Superboy races to expose the truth and restore Lucy’s rightful place, proving that courage and integrity matter more than titles.

Superman Meets the Ultra-Humanite
13 pp · Superhero
City Inspector HughesLyonsUltra-Humanite

Superman investigates the collapse of a subway tunnel, uncovering a web of corporate negligence tied to Star, Inc. As he confronts the company’s leaders, City Inspector Hughes and Lyons, a chilling presence emerges—Ultra-Humanite, the bald, calculating mastermind thought to be dead, now reawakened and plotting his next move.

Untitled Superhero story
13 pp · Superhero
General Lupo

In "null," Superman confronts a shadowy arms dealer manipulating a regional conflict between Galonia and Toran, with General Lupo caught in the crossfire. When Lois Lane is taken hostage aboard Luthor’s massive dirigible, Superman must race to stop the war before it ignites — and uncover the truth behind the man pulling the strings.

The Terrible Toyman
12 pp · Superhero
The Toyman

In "The Terrible Toyman," the notorious villain unleashes a twisted scheme using deadly toys to pull off a string of robberies, turning innocent playthings into instruments of chaos. When he escalates by kidnapping Lois Lane and threatening her with poisoned dolls, Superman must race to uncover the Toyman’s hidden lair before it’s too late.

Journey into Ruin
12 pp · Superhero
Wilbur WolfinghamGloria PartridgeTaylor BaldwinJohn Armitageex-Senator Trent

In "Journey into Ruin," Wilbur Wolfingham's scheme to scam wealthy clients with a fake suspended animation scam takes a dramatic turn when Superman steps in—tricking Wolfingham and his marks into experiencing a chilling vision of a future Metropolis ravaged by neglect and despair. As the illusion unfolds, the truth about the consequences of abandoning hope and progress begins to sink in, leaving the characters and readers alike reflecting on the cost of inaction.

The Mxyztplk-Susie Alliance!
12 pp · Superhero
Susie

When Susie claims that Mr. Mxyztplk is causing chaos in Metropolis, Lois suspects her of fabricating another tall tale—until the young woman’s words prove eerily accurate. With Superman caught between trusting a child’s word and stopping a mischievous alien’s antics, the real challenge isn’t the tricks themselves, but uncovering the one secret that can send Mr. Mxyztplk back where he came from.

America's Secret Weapon!
12 pp · Superhero
Colonel McNabLieutenant-General BullittGeneral ArmorGeneral Starrett

In "America's Secret Weapon!", Superman arrives at Camp Towne to boost morale, volunteering for the military war games and earning the rank of honorary Corporal. As he watches Colonel McNab, Lieutenant-General Bullitt, General Armor, and General Starrett lead their troops through intense maneuvers, he’s struck by the courage and skill of America’s fighting men—realizing, with quiet pride, that their strength is the true secret weapon.

Untitled Superhero story
2 pp · Superhero
How Superman Would End the War
2 pp · Superhero
Josef Stalin
The Superman Story!
12 pp · Superhero
Joey CraneJack DonovanMart LaneHorace Mills

In "The Superman Story!", a young photographer named Joey Crane shadows the Man of Steel through a day of heroic deeds, chasing not just the action but the quiet moments that reveal Superman’s true impact. As other reporters focus on spectacle, Joey captures the quiet gratitude of those touched by Superman’s kindness—proving that the best stories aren’t always the loudest.

Christmas 'Round the World
16 pp · Superhero
PabloMai-LingJon BjornsenEric BjornsenEdGeorgeChief KukulakLi-TanTashya VatkoffSonya VatkoffIvan VatkoffBoris VatkoffHans VroomJuan

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Cast · 12 characters

Full credits

artist, inker Ira Yarbrough
cover pencils, inks Joe Shuster

Reprints

↩ Reprints Action Comics #1 (1938), Action Comics #2 (1938), Action Comics #14 (1939), Superman #[1] (1939), Look #5 (1940), Action Comics #23 (1940), New York World's Fair Comics #[2] (1940), Action Comics #43 (1941), Action Comics #47 (1942), Action Comics #57 (1943), Superman #23 (1943), Action Comics #64 (1943), Superman #24 (1943), More Fun Comics #104 (1945), Action Comics #93 (1946), Superman #40 (1946), Action Comics #105 (1947), Action Comics #107 (1947), Action Comics #112 (1947), Superman #53 (1948), World's Finest Comics #37 (1948), Superman #58 (1949), Superboy #5 (1949), Superman #61 (1949)

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