J.F. Curtis

The mastermind behind an avalanche of "subversive activities" perpetrated in Spring 1940 by "sinister forces [that] seek to retard the nation's return to prosperity" by sinking ships, blowing up factories, and ultimately launching "a financial upheaval that will panic the stock-exchange and plunge the country into its worst depression!" Cornered finally by Superman—who has learned that "a foreign nation has promised [Curtis] important concessions if he'll wreck America's economic structure"—Curtis attempts to annihilate Superman with "a terrific barrage of electricity bolts," but, "Reaching out, SUPERMAN touches the plotter's figure—[and] the electricity passes from him to the other man's [Curtis's] body, instantly electrocuting Curtis!" Thanks to Superman, therefore, the nation's "march toward prosperity" continues unabated (S No. 4/3).