Comic Title: Action Comics #340
Publisher: DC (National Periodical Publications, Inc.)
Address: 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: August 1966
On Sale Date: June 30, 1966 Newsstand Date June 30, 1966
Source: Direct Currents, Adventure Comics #347, Page 30

Copyright Date June 30, 1966
Source: Library of Congress, Periodicals 1966

Frequency: Monthly (semi-monthly, March)
Cover Price: $0.12
Page Count: 32
Editor: Mort Weisinger

Title: "Power of the Parasite"
Pages: 14

Feature(s):
Superman (of Earth-1)

Writer: James Shooter
Artist: Al Plastino

Reprinted In:
Best of DC #10 (1981)
Best of DC #32 (1983)

Feature Character(s)

• Superman (last appearance in Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #67; next appearance in Action Comics #340)

Supporting Character(s)

• Lois Lane (last appearance in Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #67; next appearance in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #96)
• Perry White (last appearance in Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #67; next appearance in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #96)

Villain(s)

• Parasite (Jensen; next appearance in Action Comics #361)

Other Character(s)

• Various atomic scientists (no further appearances)

Comments:
This issue contains a two-page pin-up of Superman.

Synopsis:
After Superman finishes an experiment with radioactive materials, a lab assistant, Jensen, is assigned to dispose of them. Jensen opens the container and is irradiated by atomic particles. He soon discovers that though disfigured he can drain energy from people.

Jensen plans to use his new powers for crime by stealing the power of Superman. He visits a construction site where the Man of Steel is scheduled to attend and begins draining Superman's energy. In so doing, Parasite discovers Superman's secret identity. Despite Superman's efforts to fight the Parasite he continues to grow weaker. Finally the Parasite draws more of Superman's power than his body can contain. Parasite seemingly explodes into nothingness.