Emil Norvell

Emil Norvell and Superman, 1938

A ruthless United States “munitions magnate”, who uses Alex Greer to lobby Senator Barrows to pass a bill to incite war in order to facilitate the sale of his own munitions. He is the moving force behind the senseless war ravaging the small South American republic of San Monté (Act No. 2, Jul 1938), as well as the secret mastermind behind the cunning scheme to maneuver the United States into becoming “embroiled with Europe” in the impending war with the Axis before the “full implications” of such involvement can be recognized by the U.S. Congress (Act No. 1, Jun 1938).

“What I can't understand,” asks Superman in July 1938, “is why you manufacture munitions when it means that thousands will die horribly.” “Men are cheap,” replies Norvell callously, “--munitions, expensive!”

In July 1938, Norvell is forced by Superman to flee the United States to San Monté. After being saved by Superman from his own thugs, the money-hungry Norvell undergoes a rapid and dramatic conversion to pacifism when Superman forces him to risk his own life by enlisting as a foot soldier in the San Monté army, allowing the reformed munitions magnate to return safely home to the U.S.A. only after receiving his solemn commitment to “quit manufacturing munitions” (Act No. 2, Jul 1938). The story is reprinted in Superman No. 1/2 (Sum 1939).