Action Comics #223 is an issue of the series Action Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of December, 1956.
Synopsis for Superman: "The First Superman of Krypton"
Superman discovers a lead box in space containing another journal of Jor-El's and some films which he made. When he reads the journal and views the films, he learns how Jor-El first discovered evidence of Krypton's coming destruction shortly before Kal-El's birth on the 10,000th year of Krypton's civilization. Since the ruling Science Council of Krypton failed to heed his warning, Jor-El began a search for a suitable planet on which to relocate. He chose Earth as a possibility, and created an artificial site which duplicated Earth's gravity and yellow-sun environiment to learn what effect they would have on Kryptonians. To his astonishment, he gained super-powers in the simulated Earth-site. However, the Science Council again rejected his findings, save for two members named Val-Arn and Khai-Zor. After they learned for themselves how they would become "supermen" on Earth, the two scientists captured Jor-El, Lara, and their newborn son Kal-El, and announced their plans to build a rocket which would take them to Earth, which they would tyrannize with their great powers. Jor-El tricked them into taking him to the Earth-simulation site, where he broke free of his bonds, shut off the gravity and yellow-sun machines, and captured them. After delivering them to the authorities, Jor-El made another trip to Krypton's core in a mole machine and found the chain reaction was building. When he returned, he inserted a warning sequence depicting Krypton's possible destruction in a film presented during the 10,000th anniversary celebration, and was denounced as a crackpot. The journal goes on to describe how Jor-El sent his son Kal-El to Earth in a rocket, and ends with a note to Kal-El, if he finds it, to remember his heritage as a Kryptonian and to do only good with his powers. Superman realizes his father was the first "superman" of Krypton, and silently promises to use his powers only in the cause of righteousness.
Appearing in Superman: "The First Superman of Krypton"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- House of El (Flashback only)
Antagonists:
- Khai Zor (Flashback only)
- Val Arn (Dies in flashback)
Other Characters:
- Kryptonians (Dies in flashback)
- Council of Science (Dies in flashback)
Locations:
- Krypton (Flashback only)
- Kryptonopolis (Flashback only)
- Metropolis
Vehicles:
- Kryptonian Rockets (Flashback only)
Synopsis for Congo Bill: "Janu, Jungle God"
Appearing in Congo Bill: "Janu, Jungle God"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Shrdulu (witch doctor)
Locations:
Synopsis for Tommy Tomorrow: "The Amazing Future Toys"
Colonel Tommy Tomorrow visits his family while on leave from the Space Planeteers. He spends time with his cousin Sparky who has an incredible collection of model spaceships. As Sparky demonstrates how the models work, Tommy Tomorrow receives a message from headquarters asking him to investigate reports of monsters menacing ships in the asteroid throughway. Colonel Tomorrow arrives at the throughway with his pilot captain Brent Wood. They encounter various monsters
In the area but they run low on fuel and have to return. They suddenly receive reports that several cargo ships were robbed by the space bandit Nova Norton. Colonel Tomorrow returns home and spends more time with his cousin Sparky as he plays with his models. While watching him play, the Colonel notices a big clue in the models that will help him solve the mystery of the menacing monsters. He heads back to the Asteroid Throughway with his copilot once more and he quickly encounters another monster. He then ignores the monster and fires on a dark ship that seems to have the monster in tow. The ship belonged to Nova Martin who used fake monsters to force cargo ships to take a detour. This made it easier for Nova Norton to corner the ships and rob them. Nova Norton is apprehended and arrested. He asks Tommy Tomorrow how he was tipped off that he was towing fake monsters. Tomorrow admits to him that a boys space toys helped him solve the mystery.
Appearing in Tommy Tomorrow: "The Amazing Future Toys"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Sparky Tomorrow
- Brent Wood
Antagonists:
- Nova Norton (bandit)
Vehicles:
- Space Ace
Notes
- "The First Superman of Krypton" was reprinted in Superman #193
See Also
