Comic Title: Action Comics #283
Publisher: DC (National Periodical Publications, Inc.)
Address: 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: December 1961
On Sale Date: October 31, 1961 Copyright Date October 31, 1961
Source: Library of Congress, Periodicals 1961

Frequency: Monthly
Cover Price: $0.12
Page Count: 32
Editor: Mort Weisinger

Title: "The Red Kryptonite Menace"
Pages: 13

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

Penciller: Curt Swan
Inker: Stan Kaye

Reprinted In:
Showcase Presents Superman Vol. 3 TPB (2007)

Feature Character(s)

• Superman (last appearance in World's Finest Comics #122; next appearance in Action Comics #283)

Supporting Character(s)

• Lois Lane (last appearance in Action Comics #282; next appearance in Superman #150)
• Jimmy Olsen (last appearance in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #57; next appearance in Superman #150)
• Perry White (last appearance in Action Comics #282; next appearance in Superman #150)

Villain(s)

• Jan-Dex and Zo-Gar (two Chameleon Men from the 30th century; members of the Legion of Super-Outlaws; no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Several army and navy officers (no further appearances)

Cameo Appearance(s)

• Jor-El (wished into existance temporarily by Superman under the effects of Red Kryptonite)
• Lara (wished into existance temporarily by Superman under the effects of Red Kryptonite)
• Jonathan Kent (wished into existance temporarily by Superman under the effects of Red Kryptonite)
• Martha Kent (wished into existance temporarily by Superman under the effects of Red Kryptonite)
• Sherlock Holmes (wished into existance temporarily by Superman under the effects of Red Kryptonite)

Comments:
Jen-Dex and Zo-Gar claim to be members of the Legion of Super-Outlaws from the 30th century. They have learned Superman’s secret identity from Lightning Lord and Cosmic King, two members of the Legion of Super-Villains, so it appears they originate from the same group.

Synopsis:
Two Chameleon Men from the 30th century, Jan-Dex and Zo-Gar arrive on Earth and begin gathering Kryptonite. They construct a Red Kryptonite statue, then lure Superman to the island upon which the statue is placed.

Superman falls victim to three separate types of Red Kryptonite. The first makes his wishes come true. During that time he wishes his formerly dead parents back into existance temporarily. When the effects wear off, they disappear once again and the next piece of Kryptonite kicks in.

Superman begins breathing flames. He is able to protect his dual identity by keeping his mouth closed and using super-ventriloquism. The ability soon wears off, and he gains the power to read minds. He is then asked to guard President Kennedy and Premier Khrushchev during a peace conference. The world leaders are actually the Chameleon Men in disguise, but Superman’s new ability allows him to see through their ploy and act in time to stop them from carrying out their plans.