They'll be punished on their home world -- where the Superman Revenge Squad's penalty for failure of a mission is lifelong slavery! 
- — Superman
Action Comics #381 is an issue of the series Action Comics (Volume 1) with a cover date of October, 1969.
Synopsis for Superman: "The Dictator of Earth"
Superman monitors the news as it reports that he has become a menace to society. At one point Superman considers exposing himself to Gold Kryptonite to permanently erase his powers but he hastily decides against it. In the meantime his actions are being monitored by members of the Superman revenge squad. They have successfully exposed Superman to Red Kryptonite which has caused him to act erratically through acts of super vandalism. He brazenly creates a giant superman flag and plants it in front of the United Nations to show he is taking over the world. Superman eventually comes to in a stupor and agrees to go before the UN security council to stand trial for his actions. Prince Rakkad of Lugistan agrees to represent him in court. Evidence upon evidence is presented reflecting his actions. Superman doesn't put up much of a fight admitting that he is guilty of all actions presented. At one point in the trial Superman asks the chairman to adjourn the court so he can investigate a piece of evidence related to his trial. He goes to the front of the building where he planted his giant flag but his xray vision focuses on the top of the banner where he has implanted an electronic surveillance device. The device has recorded a conversation between the Superman revenge squad member that have framed him. The recorded conversation clears Superman of all wrongdoing as he heads to the Fortress of Solitude to apprehend the evil space beings. He captures them but then releases them into space. Superman reveals that the pair will be punished with lifelong slavery as a result of their mission failure.
Appearing in Superman: "The Dictator of Earth"
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Supporting Characters:
- Lois Lane
- Perry White
- Prince Rakkad of Lugistan
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- Superman Revenge Squad
- Dorx
- Krit
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Synopsis for Legion of Super-Heroes: "The Hapless Hero"
As Matter-Eater Lad returns from a Legion meeting to his parents' home in the slum sector of Metropolis, his mother immediately asks for his monthly Legion living allowance check. She needs the money to keep the household running since his father, who gets a pension after the robot plant he worked at for twenty years closed, wastes his money gambling on the kangobronc races. After an angry exchange with his parents, the Legionnaire stalks out. Matter-Eater Lad returns to Legion Headquarters to find Shrinking Violet substituting for Brainiac 5 on monitor duty. She too is upset, because her boy-friend, Duplicate Boy, who is often far away, had promised to date her that night, but failed to show up. Matter-Eater Lad, who still has his Legion check, offers to take her out, and she accepts. Over dinner at a posh restaurant, he tells her about his home life, and Shrinking Violet listens sympathetically. The couple then goes dancing, returning to Legion Headquarters at dawn. Abruptly, Duplicate Boy materializes and accuses Matter-Eater Lad of trying to steal his girlfriend. Matter-Eater Lad refuses to fight back, telling Duplicate Boy that last night taught him to face whatever life has to offer. Shrinking Violet adds that she still loves him, and that Matter-Eater Lad simply took care of her in her loneliness. Duplicate Boy and Shrinking Violet are reconciled. The next day, Matter-Eater Lad receives a letter of forgiveness from his parents.
Appearing in Legion of Super-Heroes: "The Hapless Hero"
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Notes
- The Hapless Hero is reprinted in Legion of Super-Heroes Archives Vol. 9.
See Also
Recommended Reading
- Legion of Super-Heroes Recommended Reading
- Adventure Comics (Volume 1)
- Adventure Comics (Volume 2)
- The Legion (Volume 1)
- Legion Lost (Volume 2)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 2)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 3)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 4)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 5)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 6)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 7)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 8)
- Legionnaires (Volume 1)
- Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 1)
- Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes (Volume 1)