Action Comics #118 (1948)

Action Comics #118, the last issue with Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster credited as the authors, features a gripping tale titled "The Execution of Clark Kent." The story opens with Clark Kent being sentenced to death for the murder of Slugger Maull, but it's not as it seems. The issue flashes back to the origins of the tale, where we see Maull attack Clark for publishing a story that got him arrested. As Clark trails Maull, he sees him being attacked by an unknown assailant. Clark is soon charged with Maull's murder, but as Superman, he manages to feign death and investigate the case. He discovers that Elmo Botts, who claimed to be the killer, was set up to take the rap by a Dr. Lagg. Meanwhile, Lois is convinced that Big Al Strumm, the gangster, is behind Slugger's murder and confronts him, but he locks her in a safe. Superman thinks up a novel way to get Strumm to confess, setting up a scene in which all three of them pretend to be ghosts and visit Strumm in his office, accusing him of the murder. Scared out of his wits, Strumm confesses, and Superman reveals his ruse. If you're looking for an exciting read, this issue of Action Comics is not one to miss.