War is in the Air
A year before the U.S. officially enters WWII, the Man of Tomorrow is on guard.
The war in Europe (and in particular Hitler's speech at the Berlin Olympics) obviously weighed heavily on Jerry Siegel's mind in 1940. Previously, Superman stories began with the intro:
Leaping over skyscrapers, running faster than an express-train, springing great distances and heights, lifting and smashing tremendous weights, possessing an impenetrable skin - - these are the amazing attibutes which Superman, savior of the helpless and oppressed, avails himself as he battles the forces of evil and injustice!
But this time the story begins:
Foe of all interests and activities subversive to this country's best interests, Superman loses no time in going into action when he encounters a menace to American Democracy. Super-strength clashes with evil super-cunning in another thrilling, dramatic adventure of today's foremost hero, the daring dynamic Man of Tomorrow - - - Superman!!
This adventure is definitely worth a look for how much Superman has (or if you prefer, times have) changed since 1940. The story starts with Clark and Lois covering a sporting event where the Dukalian Consul Karl Wolff (a thinly veiled Hitler clone) announces the superiority of Dukalian atheletes. A claim that Superman immediately, soundly disproves. Tossing around the innocent atheletes more violently than most criminals, and saying things like, "So you're the shot-putter, eh? Let's see if we can break your record - or your neck!" before tossing the poor soul on his head.
After this somewhat disturbing series of events, Lois and Clark become embroiled in an international espionage tale between agents of the U.S. and Dukalia.
By no means necessary, and probably a story fans would rather forget, it's nevertheless one of the darker chapters in Superman's history.