Superman #38 is an issue of the series Superman (Volume 1) with a cover date of January, 1946.
Synopsis for "The Battle of the Atoms"
Luthor has developed an Atomic Ray that can melt any solid matter through vibration on the molecular level.
Loid Lane and Clark Kent find the result of his experimentations. Luthor's goons Nick Biggins, Slug Rickey and Vannie Winkler try to silence Lane, before Superman intervenes.
Luthor melts the Daily planet building. While Perry White and Lois Lane evacuate, Clark again switch up to his Superman costume.
While Superman straightens up the Planet, Luthor and his goons melt a bank safe. But Superman arrives. He leaves the goons stuck in the melted pavement outside and give chase to Luthor's Aircraft.
Luthor hits Superman with the full power of his ray, smashing its projectors in the recoil. He manages to shock Superman who falls down from the sky into a power plant, where a giant electrode brings Earth's mightiest warrior back into conciousness. He launches back unto Luthor, who tries to throw a tiny atomic bomb at him. But Superman let it detonate harmlessly in his bosom.
Luthor is brought back to justice, and Clark gets a bonus from Perry White for his amazing story with quotes from Superman, one upping Lois and her story on how Superman saved her earlier.
Appearing in "The Battle of the Atoms"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Luthor
- Nick Biggins (Single appearance)
- Slug Rickey (Single appearance)
- Vannie Winkler (Single appearance)
Locations:
Items:
- Luthor's molecular impulsion beam
- Luthor's miniature atomic bomb
Vehicles:
- Luthor's aircraft
Synopsis for "The Bad Old Knights"
Appearing in "The Bad Old Knights"
Supporting Characters:
- Mr. Burton (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Sir Mordred (In dream sequence only) (First appearance)
Other Characters:
- Blake (Single appearance)
- Miss Laurant (Single appearance)
- King Arthur (In dream sequence only)
- other denizens of Camelot (In dream sequence only)
Locations:
- Metropolis
- Camelot (In dream sequence only)
Synopsis for Lois Lane: "The International Swindler"
Appearing in Lois Lane: "The International Swindler"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Cabin-class Harry (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Mr. Gilbert (Single appearance)
Locations:
Synopsis for "The Man of Stone"
Appearing in "The Man of Stone"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Goon McGloon (Single appearance)
- Literary Link (Single appearance)
- Runty (Single appearance)
- Slinky (Single appearance)
- Kite (Single appearance)
- several other henchmen
- Trigger (Single appearance)
- Spike (Single appearance)
- Several other thugs
Other Characters:
- The Mayor of Metropolis
- Sally (Single appearance)
- Bill (Single appearance)
Locations:
Items:
- Superman statue
Notes
- "The Battle of the Atoms" is reprinted in Superman: From the 30's to the 80's.
- This is Luthor's 14th encounter with Superman.
See Also