Title: (Campaign Against the Planet)
Pages: 13
Feature(s):
Superman (of Earth-2)
Writer: Jerry Siegel
Artist: Paul Cassidy
Reprinted From:
Superman #5 (1940)
Feature Character(s)
Supporting Character(s)
Villain(s)
- Alex Evell and several racketeers (no further appearances)
Other Character(s)
- Zachary Collum (publisher of the Morning Pictorial; no further appearances)
- Burt Mason (publisher of the Daily Planet; next appearance in Superman #6)
- Barnes and other members of the city council (no further appearances)
Comments:
This story was not originally titled.
Synopsis:
Corrupt politician, Alex Evell, buys a rival newspaper, the Morning Pictorial, to increase his political power. Using the newspaper’s influence, Evell gives hones city council leaders a bad name and attacks the police force in order to make things easier for his racketeer pals.
The Daily Planet begins a series of articles taking a stand against Evell and his actions. Evell tries to buy the Planet as well, but when he can not buy it, he begins a campaign of dirty tricks against them. He sets fire to their delivery trucks, forces newsmen not to sell the Planet, and otherwise disrupts circulation.
Superman intervenes to make sure the Planet gets out to its readers. He corrals the mobsters responsible for the vandalism and terror. Evell orders the capture of Lois Lane, in order to lure Superman to his death. Superman overcomes his attackers, and tries to force a confession from Evell. Although Evell won’t confess, his henchmen do, which convicts the man for his crimes.