Revolution in San Monte was a story published in Action Comics #2, by DC Comics (then known as National) sometime in July 1938 and written and drawn by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. It's the second story to feature Superman and it continues where the story in the previous issue left off.
Superman learns from the now-terrified lobbyist that the person behind starting a war is Emil Norvell, well-known munitions magnate. The Champion of the Oppressed decides to teach Norvell a lesson by sneaking into his apartment and, after taking care of his hired goons, threatens him to take a trip to San Monte on the steamer Baronta. The next day, Clark Kent decides to follow Norvell to San Monte, but is surprised to see Lois Lane coming aboard as well. Other guests on the Baronta include mystery woman Lola Cortez and a gang of wannabe paid mercenaries. Once the passengers reach their destination, the adventure is only getting started...
This story was reprinted in Superman (1939) #1 a year later.
Tropes pertaining to Revolution in San Monte
- Combat by Champion: The Man of Steel ends a war in South America by abducting the chief general of both sides and ordering them to settle the issue between themselves. At which point it gets revealed that neither side has anything against the other and the war was started by munitions companies to up their sales. The generals shake hands and the war ends.
- Corrupt Corporate Executive: Emil Norvell is a greedy and cowardly munitions manufacturer who plans on starting a war in San Monte, which would lead into an even bigger war, just to purchase off of making and selling weapons. Superman makes him see the error of his ways by forcing him to enlist in the San Monte army and make him experience how deadly and dangerous war truly is.
- Curb-Stomp Battle: Every fight Superman has in this story always end with him as the victor.
- Frame-Up: Lola Cortez is a spy acting against San Monte. When San Montean troops come to arrest her for espionage, Lola, wishing to avoid being arrested and executed, plants incriminating evidence into Lois' hotel room and vanishes, causing the troops to arrest Lois in her place. Luckily, Superman comes to her rescue right before she is killed by a firing squad.
- Karmic Butt-Monkey: Emil Norvell goes through a lot throughout the entire story, thanks to Superman. One would feel for the guy if not for the fact he's a greedy, backstabbing, cowardly weapons-maker who wants to instigate war just to make more money.
- Immediate Sequel: This story begins right where the previous issue's story left off, with Superman and lobbyist Alex Greer plummeting down after Supes missed the building he was leaping to.
- Mistreatment-Induced Betrayal: After (presumably) taking care of Superman, the mercenaries come back to receive their payment only for Norvell to refuse and threaten to call the police on them. Once Superman returns to the Baronta the next evening, Norvell's henchmen soon start to attack him for his double-cross.
- Save the Villain: Superman saves Emil from being killed by the double-crossed mercenaries, mostly because of the scheme he has already planned for the munitions man...Emil: You saved me! Why?
Superman: Because the fate you escaped is pleasant compared to the one I have in store for you! - What Happened to the Mouse?: Lola Cortez is not seen nor mentioned again after she framed Lois for espionage.
- War for Fun and Profit: The entire war in South America started because munition companies wanted to boost their sales.
- George Taylor: Since you've been gone, there's been no Superman news. Maybe he's retired for good.
Clark Kent: Somehow, chief, I've a hunch he'll make his appearance again... SOON!
